LAST CHANCE | Sustainability in Practice is tomorrow
Cut through the net zero noise and leave greenwashing behind – this half-day conference is all about providing actionable insights on how to deliver genuinely low-carbon, energy-efficient, and biodiverse projects. Sustainability in Practice is a must-attend for those looking to build for the future.
This Place North conference will feature a mix of case studies, presentations, and panel discussions that delve into what good practice looks like from a cross-section of disciplines. Discussion topics will include Passivhaus, modular construction, biodiversity, sustainable building materials, nature-led design, and more.
This event will very much be a conversation, with the audience engaged throughout and encouraged to not only ask questions but share their own thoughts on how the built environment can achieve its green goals.
The climate crisis is relying on the property industry to deliver solutions. Join us as we explore how we can all design and build better.
Sustainability in Practice will be held from 8am to noon on 7 October at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. It is sponsored by Onward Homes, Civic, Ridge & Partners, Freeths, and Five Rise Contractors.
At Place, we recognise the importance of networking. That’s why we will provide ample opportunities to connect with our speakers and fellow attendees throughout the morning, including a pre-programme breakfast and post-programme lunch.
Tickets are £88+VAT. Local authorities and registered providers have the opportunity to purchase half-price tickets as well.
What you’ll take away from the conference
- Insight into what best practice looks like when it comes to sustainability
- Inspiration on how to approach sustainability in your projects
- Knowledge of what innovations are out there to help make sustainability more viable
- Actionable takeaways that you can implement on your own developments
- New contacts for your business
Confirmed speakers
Jonathan Wilson is the managing director of Citu. Citu is a developer dedicated to creating the most impactful places for our planet. Wilson will be using Citu’s £250m Climate Innovation District project in Leeds as a springboard for our discussion on sustainable development. With a deep passion for sustainable development and innovative design, Wilson plays a key role in shaping Citu’s mission to build environmentally conscious, forward-thinking urban spaces. Wilson also sits on the board for the Academy of Urbanism and is a commissioner for the Leeds Climate Commission.
Linda Thiel is a partner at White Arkitekter. Thiel is the founder of the firm’s London studio and was the architect behind the Leeds Climate Innovation District. With her Swedish background, her work embodies a Scandinavian approach to designing homes and neighbourhoods to meet the growing challenge of urbanism. Her experience ranges from urban development to residential and mixed-use projects to public buildings and commercial offices. With emphasis on quality living, she pursues the values of high-quality public space to provide the foundation for long-term sustainable solutions and places.
Michael Gration is the managing director of Five Rise Contractors. Five Rise is deeply committed to sustainable building practices and environmental responsibility. It exclusively undertakes environmental residential projects, specialising in Passivhaus builds or deep retrofit conversions. A passionate advocate for a greener built environment, Gration is actively involved in addressing the green skills gap within the industry. As a trustee of the Association for Environment Conscious Building, Gration plays a vital role in shaping the organisation’s strategic direction and furthering its mission to create a more sustainable built environment.
Matthew Warner is a director of landscape at Layer.studio. Warner led the delivery phase of Manchester’s award-winning Mayfield Park, played a key role in Leeds’ Climate Innovation District, and has most recently shaped high street regeneration schemes in Bury and Haslingden. His work spans city-scale strategies and heritage landscapes, always with a focus on resilience, biodiversity, and community voice. Holding a circular economy qualification from Cambridge’s Judge Business School, he combines design-led thinking with practical delivery experience to create places that work for people, nature, and the long-term future.
Pam McGuiness is the innovation programme lead at Liverpool Live Labs. She has been supporting Liverpool City Council in researching how local roads infrastructure and maintenance activities can contribute to carbon reduction, climate change impacts, and future resilience. With a keen interest in transport innovation research, Live Labs has offered McGuiness an opportunity to explore how by collaboration between public and private sector partners, alongside academia and industry specialists, we can begin to develop new thinking, new materials, tools, products, and services.
Paul Morris is a director at Civic. He is a chartered civil engineer with more than 21 years’ experience delivering sustainable urban infrastructure and public realm projects across the UK. As a fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Morris is dedicated to integrating SuDS and green infrastructure into urban environments to create climate-resilient, sustainable places. He has led Civic’s work on major projects across the North, including Citu’s Climate Innovation District in Leeds, the transformation of Stretford Kingsway, Liverpool Waters, and Mayfield Park.
Jack Kidder is the responsible business manager at Henry Boot. Henry Boot is a leading construction, property development, and real estate group with projects across the country. Kidder is responsible for the development and delivery of the group’s responsible business strategy. As such, he collaborates with the board and senior management on the group’s approach to responsible business performance and ESG.
Book your ticket using the form below – if you can’t see the form, please contact [email protected]
