The SEA – Creating homes and buildings fit for the future
Opinion Piece The SEA – Creating homes and buildings fit for the future The Sustainable Energy Association (SEA) is a 21-year-old member-based trade association, committed
Futurebuild 2026 officially opens registrations this week, coinciding with the COP30 climate summit, recognising the critical role buildings play in closing the gap between ambition and action.
As world leaders tackle issues including adaptation, cities, waste, the circular economy, climate readiness and resilience during the first two days of the conference, Futurebuild reveals a reimagined format for the 2026 event (3-5 March 2026 at Excel London) that will help the construction industry to connect the dots between global, cross-sector priorities and what’s being achieved on the ground.
“Each year, Futurebuild explores the big themes shaping our future. In 2026, we’re calling time on business as usual,” says Martin Hurn, Event Director. “Our industry doesn’t just need new ideas. It needs to build resilience, prioritise reuse and embrace regenerative design. These ‘three Rs’ will define the conversations at Futurebuild and connect directly to the demands of COP30: delivery, circularity and long-term systems change.”
Under the theme of ‘Connect’ Futurebuild 2026 will bring together the thinkers and technologies transforming how the industry designs, builds and operates. A revised floorplan will amplify Futurebuild’s role as a platform for connection and collaboration, featuring new networking spaces and targeted initiatives including:
Fresh thinking is also shaping The Knowledge Programme. While the two main stages in the Futurebuild Arena and National Retrofit Conference will continue to be a prominent draw, the six seminar stages (buildings, FutureX, energy, materials, placemaking, and now zero waste) are about to see a shake-up.
Several industry bodies including UKGBC, The Sustainable Development Foundation and the Association of Sustainable Building Products (ASBP) have been invited to execute a series of ‘stage takeovers’ to elevate the discussion, with a particular emphasis on dissecting the role of innovation.
To this end, the FutureX stage – home of Futurebuild’s innovation content – will return for 2026 taking on a sharper digital focus. Dedicated sessions will cover AI, circular tools and data-led design as digital solutions become increasingly essential for monitoring performance, reducing waste and improving project outcomes.
The Innovation Trail, a curated path showcasing products and systems with measurable sustainability impact, will be back to spotlight the biggest breakthroughs, featuring brands including Dimplex, Anzen Walls, The Concrete Centre, 7 Steel UK, Energystore, Qvantum and ZapCarbon.
“As ever, innovation will be central to the discussion but we’ll be flipping the script to explore how we can better use existing knowledge and the need for social transformation, rather than solely exploring novel technical solutions,” adds Martin Hurn.
“Futurebuild is where mission meets market. We’re not just a conference or a showcase. We’re a platform for delivery. We connect people, ideas and solutions in ways that accelerate the shift to a Net Zero, resilient and regenerative future.”
Construction intelligence analyst, Barbour ABI, is the registration partner for Futurebuild 2026 (3-5 March 2026 at Excel, London) [link] and visitors can access all areas for free.
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Notes to Editor:
About Futurebuild
Futurebuild is the UK’s leading built environment event, taking place at Excel London from 3 to 5 March 2026. The show brings together thousands of professionals from across construction, housing, local government and sustainability to share knowledge, showcase innovation and build partnerships.
By bringing together the entire supply chain, Futurebuild is a powerful platform to connect with the right people from senior specifiers and architects to major contractors and developers all actively looking for innovative solutions to shape their projects.
In 2025, Futurebuild welcomed 9,000 unique specifiers:
With a three-day CPD accredited knowledge programme and a dynamic, solutions-focused exhibition, Futurebuild is where meaningful conversations turn into lasting partnerships.
For more information visit: futurebuild.co.uk
About Easyfairs (Futurebuild’s parent organisation)
Easyfairs organises and hosts events, bringing communities together to visit the future.
We currently organise 110 market-leading event titles in 16 countries (Algeria, Austria Belgium, Demark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States) and manage eight event venues in Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden (Antwerp, Ghent, Mechelen-Brussels North, Namur, Gorinchem, Hardenberg, Malmö and Stockholm).
We are passionate about “easifying” the life of our customers and increasing the return on investment and return on time for professional communities through our all-in formulas, advanced technology and customer-centric approach. Our digital features and initiatives provide these communities with excellent opportunities to network effectively and do business throughout the year.
The Easyfairs Group employs 870 highly committed talents, deploys the best marketing and technology tools and develops brands with a strong appeal to our stakeholder communities.
For the sixth year running, Deloitte conferred “Best Managed Company” status on Easyfairs in 2024.
For more information visit: easyfairs.com
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Please contact rachael.crowe@wearehattrick.com
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Opinion Piece The SEA – Creating homes and buildings fit for the future The Sustainable Energy Association (SEA) is a 21-year-old member-based trade association, committed
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