Unlock Net Zero - the story so far

Sarah Payling and Andy Cameron-Smith meet and agree to launch Unlock Net Zero, bringing their respective expertise, knowledge and networks together

It is agreed that Unlock Net Zero will always be “free for all,” and will focus on the practical reality of the net zero transition

The vision for Unlock Net Zero is agreed – to educate, inform and connect

Thanks to our founding partners; Adecoe, Aico, Ark Consultancy, Baily Garner, CHIC, H+H, Parity Projects, Places for People and Wondrwall, the Unlock Net Zero portal is launched to educate, inform and connect our audience

The portal is now backed by a wide range of partners and influential stakeholders as well as a prestigious editorial board consisting of over 50 organisations

The Unlock Net Zero webinar programme is launched to connect our audience in the practical transition to net zero, bringing together experts from organisations across the UK to discuss net zero solutions, build a community of interested parties and help empower businesses to lead the net zero revolution

In 2021, we saw over 2000 webinar attendees

A live component of the Unlock Net Zero event programme is launched at Housing 2021, Europe’s largest housing festival! The Unlock Net Zero stage welcomed 67 speakers and over 2000 attendees

Unlock Net Zero chairs a Net Zero session at the Conservative Party Conference

The Unlock Net Zero stage went live at HOMES UK with 25 speakers and in excess of 2000 attendees across two days

Unlock Net Zero partners with MOBIE, George Clarke and The Mayor of London to profile the Mayoral Design Challenge at HOMES UK

The Unlock Net Zero Climate Change Power List 2021 is announced at HOMES UK

Unlock Net Zero hosts a standalone COP26 event at London Olympic Park in partnership with Places for People

Unlock Net Zero exhibits at Futurebuild 2022

Unlock Net Zero turns 1 year old!

Andy Cameron-Smith chairs sessions at the Inside Housing Retrofit Challenge Summit in London

Unlock Net Zero hosts a stage takeover at Footprint+, Brighton

In partnership with BEIS, Unlock Net Zero hosts a funding guidance workshop for Wave 2 of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund

At Housing 2022, the Unlock Net Zero stage saw over 65 speakers and more than 2000 attendees together with another funding guidance workshop in partnership with BEIS for the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund

Alongside Housing 2022, Unlock Net Zero hosts an in-person tour of at the Salford Central Regeneration Scheme alongside Muse, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Homes England

Unlock Net Zero supports the sell-out Inside Housing Development Awards 2022

Unlock Net Zero hosts a COP26+365 online summit in partnership with Places for People and supported by Trowers & Hamlins. This day-long virtual event saw over 300 unique attendees come together to discuss progress since COP26. 

New for 2022, Unlock Net Zero was brought to life with a larger-than-ever stage and dedicated exhibition; Unlock Net Zero Live 2022! Co-located with HOMES UK, the event saw over 250 speakers and almost 4000 attendees

The Unlock Net Zero Climate Champions’ Power List is announced at Unlock Net Zero Live, celebrating 12 climate action innovators and changemakers

Unlock Net Zero hosts its 25^th webinar! In 2022, our monthly webinars saw over 2500 attendees

Property expert, writer and broadcaster Kunle Barker becomes the first Unlock Net Zero Ambassador

Together with Willmott Dixon, PRP Architects, HTA Design and the Design Council Unlock Net Zero hosts events at the MIPIM Property Conference

The first Unlock Net Zero Live Awards take place at Housing 2023, hosted by Kunle Barker with winners announced over 21 categories

Cities, placemaking, housing and the net zero challenge campaign begins to highlight work underway across the UK

Unlock Net Zero brand refreshed

Following its successful launch in 2022, Unlock Net Zero Live returned to ExCeL, London for two days of debate, discussion, learning, collaboration and professional development! Co-located with HOMES UK, the event saw over 275 speakers and 4446 attendees.

The 2023 Unlock Net Zero Climate Champions’ Power List was announced as the closing ceremony to Unlock Net Zero Live. With over 250 people in attendance, we recognised and celebrated the hard work and achievements of climate action innovators and changemakers across UK housing and the built environment sectors.

The 2024 Unlock Net Zero Awards are announced in a new partnership with the British Property Federation, with three categories introduced to recognise the advisory, ESG and funding teams of the year

Our Cities, placemaking, living and the net zero challenge programme of work is launched. Supported by E.ON, Equans and Mears the programme explores the work of UK cities to develop regeneration and placemaking in conjunction with the transition to net zero, focusing on both practical delivery and social value impact

The meteorologist and ITV weather presenter, Laura Tobin, is announced as host of the 2024 Unlock Net Zero Awards

We have achieved so much, but this only the tip of the iceberg

Now is the time for ACTION

We have to act with URGENCY

We should LEARN BY DOING

This challenge is one of SCALE

We have big plans for 2024, and we are excited to take you with us in the practical transition to net zero

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