Ecobuild broadens its international offering

Organisers of Ecobuild 2013 will bring together a wealth of of top sustainability experts to debate and share their unique perspectives on the global sustainability agenda with the launch of its Sustainability Overseas conference programme.

Forming part of Ecobuild 2013’s wider conference programme in association with UKGBC, the one-day conference stream will cover the challenges and opportunities of sustainability around the world with experts from UK Green Building Council, RICS, AECOM, International Sustainability Alliance, BRE, Premier Inn and many more.

EcoBuild 2013 takes place between March 5-7 at ExCeL London and the conference will take place on Wednesday, March 6.

Industry experts will discuss hot topics such as ‘Understanding the sustainability drivers in overseas markets’, ‘What sustainability strategies are needed for different climatic zones?’ ‘What and where are the market opportunities for sustainability expertise in BRIC nations?’ and ‘Successfully delivering sustainable buildings in emerging markets’.

Snapshot of confirmed speakers:

• · Mr John Alker, Director of Policy and Communications, UK Green Building Council
• · Mr James Rowlands, Global Research and Policy Project Manager, RICS
• · Ms Aleksandra Krstanovic, Director, AECOM
• · Mr Phil Buttery, CEO, International Sustainability Alliance
• · Mr Simon Cox, Vice President Project Management and UK Sustainability Officer, Prologis
• · Mr Julian Sutherland, Design Director, Atkins
• · Mr Simon Rawlinson, Head of Strategic Research, EC Harris
• · Mr Jon Lovell, Head of Sustainability, Drivers Jonas Deloitte
• · Mr Alan Shingler, Head of Sustainability, Sheppard Robson
• · Mr Robert Buckley, Sustainable Design Director, AECOM
• · Mr Frank Mills, Founder, McGrath Mills Consulting
• · Ms Helen Pineo, BREEAM Communities Manager, BRE

Tom Broughton, Brand Director for Ecobuild said: “We are excited about the opportunities Sustainability Overseas will bring to Ecobuild, showcasing sustainability best practice from around the world and helping to broaden thinking. This important addition to our highly acclaimed conference programme not only strengthens the international proposition at Ecobuild UK, but also forms part of our wider international launch plans.”

“Building upon the anchor event in London, international expansion plans next year will see the Ecobuild community land in China, India and Malaysia. This development reflects the needs of visitors, exhibitors and local markets as Ecobuild strives to connect the thinking behind the ever changing dynamics of the global sustainability agenda.”

At Ecobuild UK, several new international initiatives will launch including Global Clients, a major new initiative facilitated by Building magazine, which brings together construction clients operating in different sectors and countries to understand, unite and showcase common challenges and opportunities.

Ecobuild will also be working again with UKTI who will be bringing an overseas delegation of senior buyers to the event, running sessions on doing business overseas and hosting a meet the buyers event. Enterprise Europe will also be hosting a matchmaking event which will enable participants to meet potential commercial and technology partners from all over Europe.

Spanning 120 countries, Ecobuild UK’s international visitors represented almost ten percent of total attendees in 2012, with the highest numbers flocking from Italy, Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Russia and Portugal.

Ecobuild 2013 will also showcase hundreds of innovations from many leading international organisations as well as host a range of overseas pavilions including representatives from Italy, Greece, Portugal, Belgium, Estonia, the Nordics and Canada.