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The inaugural FOOTPRINT+: the much-needed industry event that united the UK property sector

On the 7-9 June, The UK Property Event for a Zero Carbon Future saw over 1500 people through the doors of the elegantly designed pavilions on Brighton’s seafront at the inaugural FOOTPRINT+ to meet, learn and network with the best and brightest property people.

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Footprint+ Venue Brighton
Footprint+ Venue Brighton

From a live Q&A with Lord Callanan to a BBC Breakfast interview, Think Tanks, in-person networking, parties and over 60 exclusive sessions from the very best industry experts, FOOTPRINT+ is a pioneering event delivering knowledge across the entire property industry.

The FOOTPRINT+ conference programme was all about climate change – the circular economy, efficient buildings, zero carbon energy and financing the carbon revolution being the four conference streams.

Over 190 speakers shared world-class expertise across four stages, thanks to the support of sponsors including Argent, Historic England, Civic Engineers, LOFT, Mikhail Riches, ATKINS, Savills, Studio Egret West, WSP, U+I a Landsec Company, Elliott Wood, Cratus Communication, Webb Yates, BRE Group, Deepki, Drees & Sommers, Vattenfall Heat, Price & Myers, Bond Bryan, Pinnacle Consulting Engineers, RSK, Brighton & Hove Council, Crown Hosting Data Centres, Beyond Apartments and Aparthotels, Colliers, QED Structures, Vectos, Thackray Williams, Landscape Institute, Planit-IE and Turley.

Everyone’s talking about the event, and here’s, just to name a few, what they’re saying about FOOTPRINT+

Lord Callanan, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, kicked off proceedings with his keynote speech during which he thanked all attendees for visiting the show:

“the simple fact that you’re all here is revolutionary.”

Kelly Harrison,  associate director, Whitby Wood said:

“The vibe inside was actually electric. There were designers, council members, contractors, politicians, project managers, developers, insurers, communications specialists, academics, funders, all with the same goal, to share knowledge, and have conversations that can change things. The talks covered all bases; there was a hugely diverse line up of topics. The energy from the whole week, the adrenaline from speaking, and all of the new information whirring around in my head was exhausting. That sums up the whole conference nicely I think, education, unexpected conversations, new ideas, and sunflowers.”

Will Arnold - head of climate action, The Institution of Structural Engineers said:

"FOOTPRINT+ 2022 has been a force for good, and I look forward to coming back next year" 

Martyn Evans, creative director, U+I commented:

"The ability to come somewhere with a focus on our industry and what we are doing to make change is super important."

Elaine Toogood, director of architecture and sustainable design, The Concrete commented:

"It’s the face-to-face that’s been brilliant. We’ve all got to get on board with this... and everyone has learnt something today." 

So, does FOOTPRINT+ have a future?

The focus of the event was extremely pertinent and it was very well attended by developers, designers, authorities, suppliers and key players in the real estate industry. There was something about being so close to the sea in front of a wind farm that made everyone reflect and relax. Most importantly, it was fun, with delicious and ethically sourced food, coffee and wine, and hundreds of sunflowers! So, what next, bigger and better for 2023. No doubt!

Commenting on the show, Tim, Emily and Sophie say:

"What became apparent was the knowledge being shared wasn’t available anywhere else; it was totally hot off the press, and this will continue to be the case in every subsequent year. That is really exciting."

FOOTPRINT+, 6-8 June 2023, Brighton & Hove.