Scaling Solutions: A Viable Path to a Sustainable Future

The UK’s biggest festival for a zero-carbon built environment will play host to transformative discussion and knowledge exchange on breaking through barriers to accelerate our journey to net zero carbon.

The built environment accounts for approximately 25% of greenhouse gas emissions. Energy costs are rising, supply chains are under pressure and the skill shortage continues to grow. The demand for solutions isn't just about climate, it’s about economic survival.

With this going on in the background, is net zero really achievable? Some argue the costs are too high, the technology isn't ready and that other priorities should come first. At BE-ST Fest 2025, we tackle these debates head on.

This isn’t a conference made up of hopeful visions alone, it’s about the reality of real change, the risks, trade-offs, and the strategies that actually work. This is a space for honesty, collaboration and innovation. Not idealism for its own sake but progress grounded in what works.

Speakers include:

• Mark Farmer, Founder, Cast Consultancy

• Tara Gbolade, Director, Gbolade Design Studio

• Professor Judith Phillips, Professor of Social and Environmental Gerontology University of Stirling

• Professor Sue Rigby MA (Oxon), PhD (Cantab), FRSE, PFHEA

• Tyler Schmetterer, Managing Partner, MOD X

• Ryan E Smith, Founder, MOD X