Sustainability Now again

The second Sustainability Now virtual event will soon be upon us. The world has changed considerably since we ran the first one back in July of last year but I’m confident that appetite for content, discussion and debate on the issue of green building and design is still considerable. The success of Ecobuild back in March is testament to that. I’m aware that virtual events are still in their infancy so there is plenty of work for us to do to make them as user-friendly and useful as possible. So how will it compare with last year? Here are a few differences we’re hoping to introduce:

• New look – For those who attended last year you’ll notice that the look and feel is different. We’re using a different company this time, with what I hope you’ll agree is a visually more striking platform. Yet it retains similar functionality to the first event – show entrance and lobby, exhibition stands, lounge area, auditorium etc.
• Event themes – I’ve not veered dramatically from the last show. Clearly the economy has changed dramatically in the past nine months or so, but the basics of sustainable construction have not. Legislation continues on its path to mapping out low or zero carbon for new buildings. On the design front there is continuing discussion, experimentation and innovation on how this can be achieved (including via Passive principles). But towering above these remains existing buildings. Given how pitfully the Government dealt with this issue at last week’s Budget action from us has never been more critical. I’d like to explore what the industry can do to get momentum behind scaling up solutions on greenign our existing stock.
• Live during and after – I’m always a bit torn on this issue. Given how flexible these events are as you can access whenever and from where-ever you want is there any point in running anything live during them? Well the jury is out but we’re still going to include live elements – one will be a seminar on existing houses in collaboration with the Energy Saving Trust. This will be slightly shorter than usual seminars (I think an hour is too long personally) and will include a pre-recorded video followed by a live discussion. This will take place at 11am on the first morning, 13 May. We’re also working an another live element which I’ll come to in future posts.
• Outside feeds – I’m obviously keen to introduce feed of content directly into the event. I’ve already created a Twitter hashtag for the event. We’re working on making this happen.
• Live event – I thought it would be good to organise an impromptu social event on the first evening of the event. This would give the opportunity to those dwellers in the capital (or those who fancy making a trip in, of course) who have been at the event to meet up in person. So we’ll kick off just as virtual proceedings end. I’m thinking of a venue near to London Bridge at around 7.30pm. Any takers and any suggestions on venues?

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