UK Construction Week Birmingham champions sustainability with Net Zero Trail

Following last year’s hugely successful debut, UK Construction Week (UKCW) Birmingham will once again be showcasing the latest products, materials and technologies at the forefront of sustainable construction with its Net Zero Trail.

With a strong focus on sustainability, UKCW Birmingham returns to the NEC from September 30 to October 2 to highlight the latest eco innovations and ideas driving the construction industry towards a net zero future.

UKCW Birmingham is marking its 10th anniversary show with three days of big name speakers, CPD-accredited talks, technical workshops, live demonstrations, exclusive product launches and unrivalled networking opportunities.

The Net Zero Trail has been designed to guide visitors through a curated selection of green champions shaping the future of sustainable construction. Visitors will be able to follow the trail markers, which will lead them to industry experts to hear their success stories and gather practical tips.

To help attendees get the most out of the show, UK Construction Week has launched its handy web-based app. Visitors can quickly build a personalised itinerary of talks, book meetings and navigate the floorplan, including viewing the Net Zero Trail, all from the palm of their hand.

Amongst the forward-thinking companies showcasing a cleaner, greener built environment at this year’s show are:

Armatherm – A leading supplier of structural thermal break materials supplier helping architects and engineers reduce heat loss and improve building efficiency.
Fischer Future Heat – Innovative electric heating solutions that cut carbon emissions while keeping buildings warm and comfortable. From residential to commercial projects, their products help meet energy goals with reliability and efficiency.
GeoPura – Hydrogen Power Units (HPUs) offering a proven, scalable, zero-emission alternative, featuring a self-charging battery powered by hydrogen for clean, reliable energy on-site.
Liebherr – Presenting their latest product, The Liduro Power Port – a mobile energy storage solution for construction sites, which is an efficient, zero emissions alternative to diesel generators.
UKCW Birmingham is also partnering with the UK Green Building Council, Carbon Trust, National Retrofit Hub and Hydrogen UK, who are all working to further accelerate the construction industry’s net zero ambitions.

Also part of the Net Zero Trail is the Net Zero Hub, where visitors can hear from a range of high-profile speakers and hear first-hand about pioneering sustainable solutions.

Talk highlights at the Net Zero Hub include:

From Roadmap to Reality: Turning Climate Resilience Plans into On-Site Action

Tuesday 30 September, 10.30am

The UK Green Building Council’s Climate Resilience Roadmap sets out a clear vision—but how do we turn that into real change on projects today? This session dives into the most actionable parts of the roadmap, from climate risk assessments and adaptive design strategies to supply chain readiness and retrofit priorities. Join UKGBC as they share practical steps, tools, and case studies to help you embed climate resilience into your next project.

Speaker:

Yetunde Abdul, Director of Industry Transformation, UK Green Building Council
Nature Positive: Embedding Biodiversity into the Built Environment

Tuesday 30th September, 1.15pm

As biodiversity net gain becomes a legal and ethical imperative, the construction industry must rethink how projects interact with the natural world. This session explores how to integrate nature-based solutions, green infrastructure, and ecological thinking into planning, design, and delivery. Learn how aligning development with biodiversity goals can create more resilient places and unlock long-term environmental and community value.

Speaker:

Chris Moss, Green Infrastructure Consultant, Greengage
Net Zero and Infrastructure Resilience: Building for a Changing Climate

Wednesday 1st October, 12.15pm

As the climate crisis intensifies, infrastructure must be designed not just to reduce emissions, but to withstand a changing environment. This session explores the critical crossover between decarbonisation and climate adaptation—highlighting how civil engineers can embed whole-life carbon thinking into every stage of project delivery. CECA shares insights on long-term planning, material resilience, and what it takes to futureproof infrastructure investments.

Speakers:

Kate Lloyd, Civil Engineering Manager, Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA)
Sam McCabe, Sustainable Buildings Lead Scotland & Passive House Designer, WSP & Women in Property
Building a Sustainable Future: Retrofitting for Climate Resilience

Wednesday 1st October, 2pm

With buildings responsible for a quarter of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, retrofitting is a critical tool in the race to net-zero. This panel dives into practical strategies for transforming existing structures into climate-resilient, low-carbon assets—from smart energy upgrades to sustainable materials. Join experts to explore how retrofitting can drive environmental impact, meet rising tenant demands, and future-proof the built environment.

Speakers:

Jerry Harrall, Consultant and Designer, Fossil-Fuel-Free Buildings
Nick Miles, Director of Commerce and Product Innovation, EWI Pro
Richard Collins, Co-Founder, CSR Accreditation
Greening the Workforce: Building the Skills to Deliver Net Zero

Thursday 2nd October, 11.15am

As the UK accelerates toward its net zero targets, the construction sector must rapidly adapt—demanding a new wave of green skills across design, retrofit, renewable energy, materials, and on-site delivery. This session will map out the critical skills now needed, from heat pump installation to low-carbon construction methods, and explore how we can train, upskill, and mobilise the workforce at scale. Join industry leaders and educators to discover how collaboration can turn the green skills gap into a green opportunity.

Speaker:

Jeremy Gray, Head of External Affairs, Federation of Master Builders (FMB)
Neil Gaisford, Divisional Director, Construction, commented: “The UKCW Net Zero Trail demonstrates our commitment to sustainability, by shining a spotlight on the latest eco-friendly innovations, technologies and sustainable practices helping the UK construction industry move towards a green future. Whether you’re aiming for BREEAM excellence, rethinking your supply chain, or seeking cost-effective ways to cut carbon, it offers invaluable insight into how businesses can meet regulatory requirements and drive long-term operational efficiencies, while connecting with experts in the field.”

Alongside over 300 leading brands from around the world, UKCW Birmingham will feature 200 speakers and over 150 hours of seminars and talks across five stages. Visitors will also be able to hear from a stellar line-up of speakers across the Main Stage, Culture Change & Skills Hub, Housing Action Hub, and Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Hub.