FIS Conference: Embracing change in the finishes and interiors sector
We have decided to go virtual for our annual conference this year, but rather than ask you to carve out a day, we want to make September a month focussed on understanding the drivers, embracing change and seizing your future in this amazing sector.
8 September: Net Zero Plan for the finishes and interiors sector
Date: 8 September
Time: 12:00 – 13:30
In June 2019, the UK became the first major economy in the world to pass laws to end its contribution to global warming by 2050. The Prime Minister has subsequently pledged that the UK will “Build Back Greener” with 2021 being the “defining year of climate action”.
The construction sector will need to reform to support this goal and The Construction Playbook reinforces the commitment to:
Take strides towards our 2050 net zero commitment and focus on a whole life carbon approach to fight climate change and deliver greener facilities designed for the future.
The CLC Roadmap to Recovery has laid out proposals to secure the future of construction businesses nationwide, while setting the industry on a sustainable path towards recovery. But what does all this actually mean to projects in the finishes and interiors sector.
Our three keynote speakers will cover:
- Net Zero and the impact on Design
- How Net Zero will impact construction procurement decisions
- Net Zero, how to bring a focus to support change on your projects.
These speakers will be joined by familiar faces from the sector to look at the key trends that are driving change and how the finishes and interiors sector is and will need to react.
Guest speakers
Adam Strudwick, Principal, Corporate Interiors, London, Perkins&Will
Adam has built his career in the commercial workplace industry, working at various scales around the world. But most importantly, there is a driving force behind all his designs – creating democratic workplaces that are sustainable for the future.
Anna Baker, Head of Sustainability, Carey Group
Anna is a senior level sustainability professional with 15 years’ experience working in the built environment and infrastructure sectors.
Elina Grigoriou FRSA HonRICS, Design & Sustainability Director, Grigoriou Interiors
Elina is an Interior Designer, Sustainability and Wellbeing Expert and Co-Founder of Grigoriou Interiors. Elina is passionate about designing beautiful interiors that ensure the wellbeing of people and the environment, while driving corporate and individual growth. With 20 years’ experience in the global commercial interior design sector, Elina works at the heart of the latest industry developments and initiatives regarding sustainability and Circular Design & Economy, partnering with national and global institutions to drive and support collaborative approaches for systemic change.
Damon Schunmann
Our panel debate will be led by Damon Schünmann, a freelance journalist and Strategic Consultant to Barbour ABI. Damon spent 12 years as associate editor of Construction News and gained an expert knowledge of key topics such as digital modernisation, environmental construction, and everything in between, during that time.
Phil Brown, Meronden Ltd
Phil will join our keynote speakers to discuss the key trends that are driving change and how the finishes and interiors sector is and will need to react. Phil is an elected member of the FIS Board and also Director of FIS Member Meronden Limited, specialists in office fit-out, refurbishment and conversion projects across London and the South East. As well as his work on the FIS Main Board Phil has been supporting the FIS Sustainability Working Group.
Other sessions in the programme
1 September - Building Trends
We look at some of the social and economic drivers of change, how society is adapting and the impact this will have on what we will be building over the next five years.
15 September - People and Skills
With immigration and labour shortages hitting the headlines, we look at where we are at, how our workforce is evolving and how responsible businesses are reacting to the challenge.
22 September - Contracts and Risk
Is the contractual and procurement process now completely at odds with effective risk management, delivering quality in construction and ultimately making us uninsurable.
29 September - Quality and Innovation
We take a peek into the future and look at the technology that is shaping our future.