Institution news
For more information about the Sustainable and Decarbonised Construction 2025 seminar, please visit the event website.
Could you briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience related to the focus of this event?
David Kerr (DK): My name is David Kerr, a Construction Lead with Shell, and currently Vice-Chair of the IMechE's Construction and Building Services Division. I am a construction project manager with a keen interest in the progress of the construction industry, including on the topic of executing our construction projects in the most sustainable way possible and decarbonising construction execution as part of the overall asset lifecycle. I have been pleased to attend, support the production, and chair the Sustainable and Decarbonised Construction Conference over the past 4 years.
What, in your experience, has been the biggest roadblock for the industry over the past 2-3 years?
DK: In simple terms: a clear understanding of what Sustainable and Decarbonised Construction means, why it is important, and how it can be successfully managed to bring value. This takes awareness of stakeholder roles, understanding what is important and the benefits to be gained. We are challenged by consistent, value driven, implementation of ready now solutions, and clarity on the value chains that support future development and implementation.
What key topics are you excited to discuss at this year's conference?
DK: We have once again drawn together a superb list of conference presenters. In previous years we have focused on topics such as options for materials, and fuels and power; this year I am excited to hear about a range of project implementation experiences from major asset owners and contractors in the areas of regulation, infrastructure, tools and technology, and sustainable design and execution for the asset lifecycle.
What do you consider to be the key areas of innovation in this industry, both in the UK and internationally?
DK: A key area of innovation for me would be gathering, managing and utilising data to link and better understand (monitor & manage) the sustainability and decarbonisation aspects of the construction value chain, from raw materials production, and materials reuse, manufacturing, construction execution, operation, through to demolition and recycling. Deeper understanding and linking the value chain will help us making better, conscious, and justifiable decisions that bring best overall value.
Who else are you most interested in hearing from on the programme?
DK: I am looking forward to our session on making quality decisions around sustainability that bring overall best value. I think this structured repeatable decision making process is another key driver in pushing the agenda forward, and critical step in creating the data and metrics necessary for performance management and continuous improvement.
Why is it important for engineers to join this conference?
DK: Significant investment is being made in the UK and internationally in moving us towards a decarbonised and more sustainable economy. As ever, it will be engineers who will help develop and implement the practical solutions necessary to keep pushing us forward, and it will be engineers who frame and take those decisions early in the design and planning process that will create the greatest value. Being informed, inspired and growing your network is a key benefit of conference attendance.
Sustainable and Decarbonised Construction 2025 will take place on 23 September at One Birdcage Walk and will feature technical input from UK Government, leading construction contractors, materials suppliers, and many others.
For more information about the seminar and the full agenda, please visit the event website.