ROOT to Market: Building regenerative supply chains

(Re)Euston Tower: Towards concrete reuse at scale

Obsolescence in buildings is driven by far more than technical performance. In practice, much end-of-life concrete remains structurally sound, yet current waste management approaches are usually limited to downcycling, perpetuating high material demand and the embodied carbon associated with new concrete.  In a ground-breaking trial the team at British Land, 3XN GXN and Arup have conducted a pilot project to challenge that paradigm. As part of the redevelopment of the Euston Tower in-situ concrete has been harvested for reuse as structural “precast” planks in a new application. A concrete slab was carefully extracted and tested in collaboration with the University of Surrey, demonstrating sufficient structural performance for reuse in a new floorplate. Initial analysis indicates carbon emissions approximately one-third of those associated with new precast elements, alongside clear benefits of waste reduction and raw materials use. This session will share the lessons learned to date, covering challenges such as fire safety, logistics, and regulatory acceptance.  A truly innovative approach to the reuse of concrete, it demonstrates the potential to realise scalable reuse techniques and transform how concrete buildings are designed, constructed, deconstructed and reused. Chairperson Adam Ozinsky, Associate Director - 3XN [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/adam-ozinsky] Speakers Tim Downes, Development Director - British Land [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/tim-downes] Tom Seath, Sustainability Manager - John F Hunt Ltd [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/tom-seath] Jack Shroeder, Structural Engineer - ARUP [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/jack-shroeder]

Decarbonisation of heat: Navigating the policy landscape

The UK Green Building Council will present an update on the built environment sector’s progress on meeting their net zero trajectory. This panel will review the evolving UK regulatory landscape which aims to deliver decarbonisation of buildings. With the Future Homes and Buildings Standard now published but not coming into force until 2027, questions remain over delivery timelines and industry readiness, despite clear intent to mandate low-carbon heating and high energy efficiency in retrofitting existing buildings Attention will also turn to the uncertain trajectory of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for non-domestic buildings, where tightening requirements have been signalled but lack firm policy clarity, creating investment ambiguity.  The panel will examine progress on clean heat adoption, including electrification and heat pumps, and how policy continues to balance ambition with delivery challenges. We will also discuss the legislation & guidance that built environment professionals can follow to ensure that we can make more progress towards our Net Zero targets. This discussion will provide critical insight into regulatory progress, gaps, and the path to decarbonising buildings in the UK. Chairperson Jake Timothy-Dorward, Associate Director of Building Performance - Desco and CIBSE [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/jake-timothy-dorward] Speakers David Steen, Senior Policy & Commercial Advisor - UKGBC [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/david-steen] Rosie  Holmes, Group ESG Lead - Cast Group [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/roseanna-hart]

Real estate fund managers: How should you prepare for SDR and SFDR 2?

Real estate fund managers need to address the challenges presented by UK and EU disclosure regulations relating to sustainability: a dual regulatory horizon.  From July 2024 the UK Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) regime has been mandatory for UK-authorised funds for UK retail investors. Since March 2021 the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) applies to any fund marketed to EU investors, including non‑EU funds. The SFDR regime is now being reviewed by the EU regulators - with the prospects of significant reforms: in particular, SFDR Article 6, 8 and 9 disclosure requirements being replaced by SFDR 2.0 product labels, expected to take effect in 2028 or onwards. How should the managers strategically prepare for SDR and SFDR 2.0? What are the key data and other expectations as well as, with SFDR 2.0, timelines? How can compliance with the regulations, meeting investor expectations as well as other market drivers assist with: * attracting capital; * portfolio alignment and progressing with much needed transition “stranded to green” strategies; and * achieving positive social impact associated with the built environment in addition to delivering on financial returns? Chairperson James Hay, Principal Climate and Sustainability Advisor - Pinsent Masons [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/james-hay] Speakers Melville Rodrigues, Head of Real Estate Advisory - Apex Group [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/melville-rodrigues] Chantal Beaudoin, Head of ESG - Knight Frank IM [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/chantal-beaudoin]

Heat Networks are coming: Are you ready?

Heat networks are moving from niche infrastructure to a core component of the UK’s heat decarbonisation strategy. With new regulations now in force – and more to come, including on technical standards and heat network zoning—the implications for real estate developers and operators are immediate and significant. This session provides an overview of the key regulatory changes and explores what these mean in practice for real estate investors and owners. It will examine when heat networks are appropriate, how they can be integrated into new and existing developments, and the commercial, technical, legal and operational considerations that shape successful delivery. Chairperson Rob Wall, Assistant Director - Real Estate:UK [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/rob-wall] Speakers Clare Masters, Head of Sustainability - Quintain [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/clare-masters] Mike Dagnall, Director, Sustainable Asset Services - JLL [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/mike-dagnall] Ben Rodgers, Head of Regeneration - L&G Asset Management [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/ben-rodgers]

ROOT to Market: Building regenerative supply chains

ROOT to Market is a dynamic procurement marketplace designed to help the property sector deliver projects with greater transparency, impact and long-term value. Unlike traditional, one-off tendering models, ROOT to Market is a perpetually open and flexible platform aligned with the RIBA Plan of Work enabling commissioners and project teams to engage trusted, pre-approved supply chain partners at every stage of a project  from inception through to delivery. The platform curates experienced organisations committed to circular and regenerative materials, ethical sourcing and measurable community benefit. This supports faster, more confident procurement decisions while maintaining robust standards for quality, sustainability and social value. This session explores how procurement can shift from purely cost-driven transactions to value-led collaboration. ROOT to Market brings best practice principles to reality by drawing on real-world project experience to help clients contract for regenerative outcomes from the outset, rather than retrospectively. The session demonstrates how a marketplace approach can diversify supply chains, unlock innovation and embed environmental and social outcomes into project delivery. Chairperson Meena Kamath, UK Networks Lead - Built by Nature [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/meena-kamath] Speakers David Shields, Co-Founder - Value Match [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/david-shields] Gary Newman, Chief Executive - Woodknowledge Wales [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/gary-newman] Gayle Monk, Legal Director - Anthony Collins LLP [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/gayle-monk]