How the construction sector can achieve net zero carbon targets will be one of the topics under the spotlight at a virtual conference next week.
Build It – Aberdeen Construction and Property Conference is taking place online, from the January18 to 21. It brings together more than 20 industry experts to talk about the opportunities the sector needs to embrace to achieve these targets, as well as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit on the industry.
Local marketing agency Mearns & Gill organises the event, now entering its fourth year, in partnership with Aberdeen Association of Construction Professionals and local branches of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, Aberdeen Association of Civil Engineers, Institute of Civil Engineers, Aberdeen Society of Architects, and Women in Property. Aberdeen headquartered law firm Ledingham Chalmers is once again the main sponsor, and its team of legal experts will chair each of the conference sessions.
This year’s theme is ‘A Global Pandemic, Brexit, Transition to Net Zero, and the Future of the Construction Industry’ and the event welcomes more than 20 case studies and presentations including ‘Emission Free Construction’, Scottish Water; ‘The COP26 Effect – What Does Energy Transition Mean for North East Scotland?’, Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group; ‘Net Zero – What it Means and What You Can Do’, Carbon Zero; ‘Pandemic Resilient Infrastructure’, Mott MacDonald and the perfectly titled ‘Hybrid Working – Tumble out of Bed and Stumble to the Kitchen’ from Ledingham Chalmers.
The construction industry has led the way in creating safe working regulations and developing new solutions throughout the CV19 pandemic, and several case studies highlighting this will be explored across the four sessions.
Plus, given the built environment, of which the construction sector is an important part, is responsible for up to 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions (UK Green Building Council), many of the presentations will highlight new methods, technologies, and skills that must be embraced to reduce this figure in line with government targets.
Build It is taking place live from 12-2pm Tuesday to Thursday, with opportunities for speakers and delegates to share their own experiences and opinions and have as many interactive discussions as possible.
Mike Wilson, managing director of Mearns & Gill said: “We are looking forward to bringing together another group of incredible industry experts to share their knowledge and experience for the benefit of the wider industry. Knowledge sharing has always been at the heart of Build It, and whilst we would rather be learning together in the same room this year, our team has the skills and expertise that allow us to run the event online, ensuring that these hugely important discussions still take place.”
Jennifer Young, Ledingham Chalmers managing partner, said: “Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic created a number of potential new risks — from a legal perspective — and ways of working for those of us operating in construction.
“With that in mind, and as we work towards a net zero future — with innovation playing a central role — it’s never been more important for us involved in the sector to come together and share what we’ve learnt over the last two extraordinary years, look at industry innovations and discuss what’s next, what works, and what doesn’t.”
Drew Mackie, construction manager, Morrison Construction and chair of the Build It Conference Committee said: “I am privileged and humbled to have been nominated by my fellow committee members to chair this year’s construction conference, the experience has been a great personal journey for me. Our committee has worked extremely hard during yet another tricky year, but the early morning online meetings have proved to be worth it as we now have another first-class conference programme, with outstanding speakers. Build It is absolutely about sharing the experiences and knowledge within the construction industry, whether from sole traders, SME’s, major contractors , designers, or members of the supply chain. I know that everyone who joins us this year take valuable information from the event.”
The full conference programme for Build It 2021/22, along with details of how to book your place can be found on www.builditconference.co.uk