Sustainability Conference 2026

Stage 1

05-Feb-2026

16:35 – 17:05

Interactive and topical Debate exploring important issues facing sector, such as funding, resources, skills and governance

Natured Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Education

Tech Lab

05-Feb-2026

15:30 – 16:30

Details to follow

Project Showcase: Strategy & Practice

Stage 2

05-Feb-2026

15:30 – 16:30

This session will feature speakers sharing learning and key themes from the development of a medium term estate strategy at a multi-sited mixed- aged campus in the centre of Birmingham.

Peter Marsh, Managing Director - Peter Marsh Consulting Ltd

Finance & Funding

Stage 2

05-Feb-2026

14:00 – 15:00

Decarbonising the UK’s education estate is vital, but progress is held back by funding gaps, investment risk, and balance sheet constraints. In this essential 2026 update, Roli Martin, Managing Director of Global City Futures, presents the latest funding models and financial mechanisms enabling net zero delivery across the sector.

Roli Martin, Managing Director - Global City Futures

Welcome Address & Opening Keynote

Stage 1

05-Feb-2026

09:45 – 10:15

GBE-Solar Partnership Programme – A year on

Stage 1

05-Feb-2026

10:15 – 11:00

Gemma Taylor, Associate Director, Sustainability - Education Sector Lead - Mace

Higher Education Project Showcase: Design & Innovation

Stage 1

05-Feb-2026

11:45 – 12:45

Two pioneering higher education projects showcase sustainable design and heritage sensitivity. The University of Plymouth’s Babbage Building retrofit demonstrates deep carbon reduction and adaptable learning spaces, while Oxford’s Castle Bailey Quad achieves Passivhaus efficiency within a historic context.

Julian Robinson, Director of Estates - London School of Economics and Political Science

Trevor Wills, Director of Estates & Facilities - University of Plymouth

Colin Cobb, Partner - Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios

Oliver Moore, Senior Associate - Design Engine Architects

Air Quality & Ventilation

Stage 2

05-Feb-2026

11:45 – 12:45

Climate resilience is not simply about withstanding physical stressors but also ensuring that the building supports human health and wellbeing. This session will explore how prioritising indoor environmental quality, such as maintaining proper air quality and comfortable thermal, lighting and acoustics conditions is critical in school buildings for the cognitive and physical health of occupants.

Dejan Mumovic, Professor of Building Performance Analysis | Director of UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering - University College London

Adam Taylor, CEO - ARM Environments

Vince Ruane, Founder and Director - RCDC

A Multi-Academy Trust’s BIM Strategy

Tech Lab

05-Feb-2026

11:45 – 12:45

In this session, James Browning shares how legacy data from the Pathfinder project is being transformed into operational and sustainability outcomes, showing how digital tools create smarter, more impactful learning environments for children.

James Browning, Chief Operating Officer - Lift Schools

Jeremy Pilgrim, Managing Director - Building Spatial Intelligence

Resilience Across the Education Estate

Stage 1

05-Feb-2026

14:00 – 15:00

This panel discussion will examine strategies for creating resilience across existing estates, with the aim of enabling continued operation, despite climate events.

The session will include case studies from various client groups and how they are responding to the need for resilient estates.

Hershil Patel, Associate Director | Sustainability Lead for Government and Public Agencies - Arcadis

Closing Remarks

05-Feb-2026

17:05 – 17:15

Registration & Networking

05-Feb-2026

08:45 – 09:45

Conference Break & Networking

05-Feb-2026

10:45 – 11:45

Event Close