It is generally agreed that electoral cycles with regular changes of policy and direction are not an intelligent approach to dealing with the polycrises with which we are faced. We must rethink our approach if we, nature and the planet are to benefit from an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable future.
To reduce short termism, provide clear direction and transform our sector we need to pool our collective efforts, share and align long term visions of a better future into one shared ambitious vision that will outlast our lifetime but correct our course. We need a 100 Year Plan.
Construction and the built environment are at the nexus of some of the world’s greatest social, economic and environmental challenges. The list of mounting challenges we face is extensive. To reduce emissions, reverse biodiversity and habitat loss, support a circular economy, develop regenerative business models, transition to renewable energy and to combat social injustice. In the future we will be judged on how we responded, our industry needs radical, transformational change.
The need to address these challenges is immediate. Without sharing and aligning our visions for the future we run the risk of duplicating effort, stagnating and stemming progress. As industry looks to government for leadership and roadmaps, and Governments look to industry for technological advances, new business models and tangible solutions. We find ourselves at the centre of a cyclone of indecision, uncertainty and inaction. Yet each of these challenges has champions, innovators and pioneers, we must bring this thinking into one space. This is where a 100 Year Plan comes into play.
The nature of each of the challenges is unique but their causes, impacts and the required solutions are inextricably linked. Futurebuild and the FutureX Podcast partnership with Ryder Architecture have identified brilliant minds working on solutions across sectors. But to truly be successful, efficient, and to initiate the transformational change needed to embed long term progress and economic stability we need greater clarity and alignment.
Join the discussion to shape our collective vision of a better future.
Chair: Dr Oliver Jones, Research Director, Ryder Architecture
A circular future
Catriona Brady, Director of Strategy and Development, World Green Building Council
Disruption for a future
Indy Johar, Co-founder Project 00 & Dark Matter labs, Senior Innovation Associate Young Foundation
A nature positive future for the UK
Dr Gemma Jerome, Director, Building with Nature
Why politicians need to plan for the long term
Pascal Smet, Secretary of State, Brussels-Capital Region
This FutureX session was curated by Futurebuild and Ryder Architecture
