To celebrate the game changing ideas, products and services that are transforming the built environment, Futurebuild 2022 called out to its exhibitors to enter the Big Innovation Pitch. After reviewing over 90 submissions, the judging panel has announced its six finalists, who will pitch their ideas live on the Conference Arena before the panel decides a winner at the end of day two — March 2, 2022.

Futurebuild created The Big Innovation Pitch — the industry’s largest call-out for innovation — to celebrate the products and services that are solving the challenges currently facing the built environment and driving a net-zero future. Entrants were tasked with submitting a product or service that can help solve net zero, either by enabling circularity, reducing emissions or providing new ways to improve how we design and build.

The shortlisted innovations include Thermulon aerogel insulation, a thin and highly insulating material, intended to be integrated into building products like plasters that is engineered to fight the climate and fire-safety emergencies. Poly-organic mycelium blend (POMB) is a light transmitting, thermally insulating, weatherproof composite material. The material, made from growing fungi on woody substrates, such as straw, can reduce the carbon cost of construction and increase the supply of natural light without compromising on energy efficiency. IsoHemp’s hempro system eliminates the need for other insulating materials in builds. Instead, companies can use carbon free hempcrete blocks, made from a mix of water, chalk and hemp, to insulate buildings.

SDS Intellistorm is an intelligent rainwater recycling system that enables a site to collect rainwater for other applications, such as irrigation, vehicle cleaning and cooling systems, to reduce water waste. Biotecture’s PlantBox living hoarding system is a stackable wall system that offers an ivy screen with more flexibility and green credentials. Finally, the Thermino thermal batteries from Sunamp make homes more energy efficient and reduce emissions by storing heat in compact batteries to deliver instant hot water.

The panel of experts is led by Oliver Jones, research and innovation director at Ryder Architecture. He is joined by Mike Lynch, climate solutions lead — operations at NatWest Group, Natasha Boulding, CEO and co-founder of net-zero materials developer Sphera and Chris Hall, managing director of design and building consultancy Acivico Group.

“The quantity and quality of submissions to the Big Innovation Pitch shows just how exciting the construction innovation space is and proves that systemic change is already underway in the built environment industry,” explained Jones. “Our shortlist highlights products and technologies that provide social and environmental benefits, reduce operational and embodied emissions and support the circular economy. The innovation awards at Futurebuild enable us to share them with the wider community, accelerating our journey to net zero.”

To see all the submissions to the Big Innovation Pitch, visit www.futurebuild.co.uk/product-category/innovation. To see the final of the Big Innovation Pitch in person, register to Futurebuild for free here.