Futurebuild 2024: Pioneering Sustainable Construction at ExCel London

The discussion delved into the realm of sustainable design principles and their application in the construction and infrastructure domains. Opening the conversation, Elwyn Grainger-Jones, the Executive Director of the Institute, posed a question about three critical lessons learned throughout the journey towards change. The dialogue shifted to spotlight how organizations can spearhead transformation through certification, emphasizing a proactive approach to leadership and innovation in sustainability.

Watch the full session in the below video.

With Angela Antolini from the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute leading the discussion, the panel explored the advantages of choosing Cradle to Cradle Certified® materials to support material health and encourage a more circular approach in the building industry. The speakers pointed out the significant role these materials play in fostering a healthier, more sustainable environment by aligning with circular economy principles aimed at reducing waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use longer, and restoring natural ecosystems.

Watch / listen to the session below.

This segment continued the exploration of sustainability, focusing on achieving low carbon footprints, fostering healthy ecosystems, and ensuring social equity through the use of Cradle to Cradle Certified® materials and practices. Chaired by Angela Antolini, our Director of Marketing and Communications, the panel highlighted successful strategies and case studies that demonstrated how Cradle to Cradle Certified® products and principles had led to environmentally responsible, socially equitable, and economically viable construction projects. The focus was on practical applications and the tangible benefits of adopting a holistic approach to sustainability that went beyond traditional practices.

The discussion aimed to examine ways organizations could extend their sustainability efforts beyond current regulatory requirements to better prepare for the future. Chaired by Chaline Church of 540 WORLD, the focus was on strategies that not only met existing standards but also prepared for upcoming environmental and societal shifts. They discussed adopting more comprehensive and innovative approaches to ensure ongoing sustainability and resilience in their operations, emphasizing the need for businesses to adopt forward-thinking to truly sustain and future-proof their operations.

The second installment of the "Circularity Powering Innovation" series, hosted by Chaline Church from 540 WORLD, centered on the practical integration of circularity within business models. The discussion explored effective applications of circular principles in companies and their potential influence on sustainability policies. The importance of Cradle to Cradle Certified® certification in fostering sustainable practices was highlighted, alongside the exploration of how circular business models contribute to both environmental sustainability and economic efficiency. This session offered a detailed examination of the challenges and opportunities linked to implementing circularity at both business and policy levels.

At Futurebuild 2024, we proudly presented Europe's largest showcase of Cradle to Cradle Certified® products, in collaboration with several companies from our Cradle to Cradle Certified Products Program. The conference displayed a wide array of sustainable products, from innovative building materials to eco-friendly consumer goods. This showcase not only highlighted the latest in environmentally responsible innovations but also reinforced the importance of circular economy principles in modern industry practices.