We're putting sustainability on the agenda with our new Net Zero Stage

DCW returns on 18-19 May at ExCeL London, offering the insight and inspiration that will help the construction industry build better.

And this year we’re putting the spotlight on one of the industry’s most pressing issues – net zero strategy and the move to decarbonise the built environment – with the introduction of a brand-new theatre.

The Net Zero Stage

Co-founder of Digital Construction Week, Ollie Hughes explains: “We’re excited to introduce the Net Zero Stage at DCW this year. We’re working in partnership with independent industry group ZERO to produce a two-day programme packed with exciting and informative sessions.”

James Bowles from ZERO comments: “Construction of our built environment accounts for an estimated 12% of all CO2e emissions. We need to change this. We need to scale low carbon materials and methods of construction. We need to quickly embrace new ways of working and drive adoption of technologies that reduce emissions. We need to use digital tools to make carbon visible and accountable to project teams. We need to reduce the emissions released from material extraction, transportation, processing, and all construction activities.

“ZERO is a growing industry group that wants to support the drive to low carbon construction. We’re excited to partner with DCW to deliver a series of presentations and panels in at this year’s show. The Net Zero Stage will include presentations from leading organisations, exemplar projects, and exciting new technologies. We’re working hard to create original content and see things differently.”

Ollie Hughes continues: “Sessions on the Net Zero Stage will focus on how digital tools, methods and skills are improving the performance of projects and leading to lower emissions. And how maximising DfMA at renewably powered facilities can move us towards net zero emissions. They’ll also explore material selection, construction plant, equipment, labour and transport, and the role of technology and digitalisation in these areas.”

Speakers from Amazon, WSP, Class of Your Own & more

A sneak preview of some of the bright minds and big thinkers who’ll be speaking on the Net Zero Stage at DCW this year have already been revealed.

From left to right: Bella Nguyen, PhD, Sustainability Program Manager, Amazon Transportation Services; Dale Sinclair, Director, Head of Digital Innovation at WSP; and Alison Watson MBE, Founder and Chief Executive at Class Of Your Own Limited

Among the expert speakers joining the line up are Bella Nguyen, PhD, Sustainability Program Manager, Amazon Transportation Services; Dale Sinclair, Director, Head of Digital Innovation at WSP; and Alison Watson MBE, Founder and Chief Executive at Class Of Your Own Limited.

We’ll also welcome the Digital Twin Fanclub, with Neil Thompson, Construction Innovation Hub Programme Lead for the Centre for Digital Built Britain and Director of Digital at Atkins; Vicki Reynolds, Chief Technology Officer at i3PT; Henry Fenby-Taylor, Head of Information Management for the Centre for Digital Built Britain; and Simon Evans, Digital Energy Leader at Arup and Delivery Team Lead for the National Digital Twin Programme at Centre for Digital Built Britain. They’ll assemble to record a live podcast ahead of our day one drinks reception.

We’ll announce the full programme next month, so watch this space for more details coming soon. Register for your free ticket to be kept up to date with new sessions and speakers.

Innovating to net zero

It’s not just in the theatres where sustainability will be in focus. With the industry concentrated on delivering net zero ambitions, the exhibition will showcase the cutting-edge innovations that are already driving change in the built environment. Visitors will see first-hand the progress being made towards lowering emissions using emerging technologies including digital twins, augmented reality, information management, automation and AI, DfMA, robotics and more.

Ollie Hughes concludes: “It’s more important than ever that the industry gets together to connect, collaborate and innovate to deliver a net zero future. We’re working hard to curate a stand-out event that acts as a platform for change by connecting decision makers with those developing transformative technologies for digital construction. We hope you can join us this May and be part of the future of the built environment.”