CIRIA debate to discuss how cities are driving the sustainability agenda
This year’s CIRIA Annual Debate will take place virtually on 30 September from 14.00-16.00 bringing together leading experts from the engineering and built environment sector to discuss how cities are driving the sustainability agenda.
The Annual Debate sponsored by Kier is a staple in the diary of anyone involved in the design, construction and management of cities and consistently positions itself at the forefront of insight and thought-leadership in the growing discussion around the future of our cities.
This year’s hot topic will prove to be lively and interesting as panellists consider:
- Whether the recent reforms to our planning system (to make it easier to build homes by repurposing existing buildings) will be supported by sustainable development, greener methods of construction and energy efficient buildings as we look to reduce our environmental impact.
- What impacts will there be on our infrastructure and the revival of our town centres and high streets as innovation and technology are driving sustainability alongside changes in mobility, transportation and consumer behaviour? Will we foster sustainable cities?
Connecting leading professionals and decision makers from across the built environment, this anticipated event is an opportunity to share ideas and experiences to help drive industry forward.
The Debate will also give consideration to the CLC’s Roadmap to Recovery plan in response to COVID 19 impacts and consider how can we work towards a more sustainable ‘new normal’ as we look to rebuild our economies.
The expert panellists include:
- Jo Gilroy, Group Head of Sustainability & Environment, Kier
- Kristen Guida, London Climate Change Partnership
- Dr Alex Opoku, Associate Professor in Project Management and Quantity Surveying, University College London
- Martin Powell, Global Head of Urban Development, Siemens
- Davide Stronati, Global Sustainability and Climate Change Leader, Mott MacDonald
- Alex Tosetti, Chief Commercial Officer, VU.CITY
“Cities can come back even stronger and more equitable than they were before the pandemic – but it will require thinking differently about budgeting, planning and infrastructure,” said Martin Powell, Global Head of Urban Development, Siemens, “Investment in distributed energy will drive a cleaner, more reliable and resilient energy system while generating green jobs and lessening the future financial burden on businesses households.”
