Livery Climate Action Group

SPOC Forum
2025-01-21 17:00 - 18:00 (Europe/London) | Online event
A discussion and feedback on the draft Guidance Note for SPOC Roles and Responsibilities

Why Does Britain Have a Water and Sewage Crisis?
2025-02-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Barnard’s Inn Hall, United Kingdom
The discharge of raw sewage into rivers, as well as major water companies’ financial problems, have become serious political and social concerns for the public.
British cities have faced similar challenges in the past, most notoriously the ‘Great Stink’ in London in 1858 that led to the construction of Bazalgette’s sewer. Then in the nineteenth century, many cities adopted ‘gas and water socialism’, taking utilities into public ownership.
This lecture asks, why did this happen, and through assessing the current system of regulated private ownership, also asks, should there be a return to public ownership?

Speaker: Professor Martin Daunton, visiting Gresham Professor of Economic History.

Martin is a British academic and historian. He was Master of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, between 2004 and 2014. He is Emeritus Professor of Economic History at the University of Cambridge.He has written two books on the history of taxation in Britain – Trusting Leviathan and Just Taxes, and co-edited with colleagues in Berlin a volume of essays on the political economy of public finance in leading OECD countries since the 1970s. His book The Economic Government of the World, 1933 to 2023 was published by Allen Lane in 2023.
Register for attendance in person or Online here.

Climate Change: Material Choices for more Sustainable Products
2025-03-04 11:00 - 15:30 | Furniture Makers’ Hall, 12 Austin Friars, London, EC2N 2HE, United Kingdom
Materials have arguably the greatest impact on a product’s sustainability credentials so what are the latest developments and considerations to support greater environmental and social responsibility?

This event is focussed on examining some of the established and widely used materials in the furniture and furnishings sector. Experts from the industry will host sessions on foam, textiles, wood, leather and more.

Admission
Furniture Makers Company Members: Free (request promo code)
Non-members: £25
Lunch included.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/material-choices-for-more-sustainable-products-tickets-1117900974909?aff=oddtdtcreator&mc_cid=7d94417b29&mc_eid=da3dd7bb36

How to Manage Greenwashing Risks
2025-03-12 12:00 - 12:45 | Online event
Heart of the City: Lunch and Learn Online
On 12 March, join us for an online, expert-led Lunch and Learn: How to Manage Greenwashing Risks, where we’ll explore what greenwashing really means, the risks it poses, and how to ensure your sustainability claims are credible.
Confused about greenwashing? Join us as we explore its meaning, risks and how SMEs can manage its challenges with practical solutions with our guest speakers, Julia Cripps and Hannah Piper at Hogan Lovells.
This session will explore communication strategies, the value of third-party certifications (such as ISO norm, B-Corp and Science Based Targets initiative [SBTi]), and small, actionable changes that could make a big difference to SMEs. With examples and a practical approach, we’ll help you strengthen your brand’s integrity and avoid costly mistakes.
Register here

SPOC Forum - Biodiversity in the City
2025-03-24 17:00 - 18:00 | Online event
Join LCAG Core Group and SPOCs to hear about Biodiversity activities in the City of London with Ben Bishop, Environmental Resilience Officer at the City of London Corporation.
Register here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/lcag/1512323

Data Centres - Implications for Water Sustainability
2025-03-26 18:00 - 19:15 | Online event
Presented by Tom Cheesbrough, Manager, Design Integration EMEA, Vantage Data Centers
This webinar will examine the rapid growth of the data centre sector exploring the purposes of data centres, their construction and operation and their environmental impact. Data centres in Europe and the US are significant consumers of water, primarily for cooling purposes, with estimates suggesting that UK data centres use approximately 0.5 to 1.5 billion litres of water annually. However, these figures can vary based on the size of the data centre, the cooling technologies employed, and local climate conditions. As the demand for data processing continues to grow, so too does the emphasis on sustainable practices, including water management in data centres.
Reserve your place here.

In-person Lunch and Learn: Navigating the Net Zero Journey for SMEs
2025-03-27 12:00 - 13:30 | Planet Mark Offices, 39 Tabernacle Street,, London, EC2A 4AA, United Kingdom
Heart of the City and Planet Mark In-person Lunch and Learn
Join Heart of the City and Planet Mark to kick-start your SME’s net zero journey with actionable insights and networking opportunities – complimented with a free lunch!
This special Lunch and Learn, co-hosted by Heart of the City and Planet Mark, is designed to help SMEs take meaningful and practical steps toward sustainability. Gain actionable insights into measuring and managing your carbon emissions and leave feeling confident and empowered to implement changes that benefit both your business and the planet.

Register here.

Does Net Zero Mean the End of Livestock Agriculture?
2025-04-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Barnard’s Inn Hall, United Kingdom
Diet and agriculture are borderline untouchable “third rail” issues in the climate debate. But with the global food system contributing up to an extra degree of warming by 2100, they cannot be ignored. Sensible policies are hindered by carbon footprinting conventions that distort the impact of methane – in both directions.
This lecture explains how understanding methane’s true impact shows that a sustainable livestock industry could be compatible with a stable climate, although it would still need radical change.
Speaker:
Professor Myles Allen took his first degree in Physics and Philosophy, followed by a doctorate in Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics, both at the University of Oxford. He has worked at Oxford for most of his career, with early stints at MIT and the UN Environment Programme in Kenya, and is currently Director of the Oxford Net Zero initiative.
He has contributed extensively to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), including as Coordinating Lead Author for the 2018 IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C. He has published extensively on how human and natural influences on climate contribute to observed climate change and extreme weather risk, and the implications for adaptation and mitigation policy.
He was awarded the Appleton Medal and Prize by the Institute of Physics in 2010, and in 2022 a CBE for services to climate change attribution, prediction and net zero. In 2023, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society.

Register here.

TALES FROM THE RIVERBANK – IS THERE AN ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS? WHO’S TO BLAME?
2025-05-12 17:00 - 21:30 | Wax Chandlers’ Hall, United Kingdom
With Dr Peter Matthews and Mark Lloyd
This year’s Plumbers’ Annual Lecture at Wax Chandlers Hall will explore the historical context of water management, the stakeholders involved, and the current crisis affecting our inland waters.

The press is full of the alarming state of the quality of our river waters and public trust in water companies is at an all-time low, with many quick to blame water companies for turning our waterways into sewers. But are they the only ones responsible?
In response, the Government has now launched an Independent Commission to assess the water sector and its regulation.
Its goal is to ensure the UK has a sufficiently robust and stable regulatory framework to attract the investment needed to clean up our waterways, speed up infrastructure delivery and restore public confidence in the sector. The Commission’s recommendations are due to be released in 2025.
Our keynote speakers will explore the origins of how we manage inland waters, the various parties involved, the current state of our waterways and the pressing public concerns regarding water quality. A critical examination will be made of the extent of the crisis and the political drivers behind the ongoing challenges with water management.
Looking ahead, we will investigate potential solutions, focusing on how to implement nature based solutions, catchment wide approaches that deliver multiple benefits for best value. What role should the regulators and regulation have, and how can we create a governance framework that fosters integrated, collaborative delivery across the many stakeholders involved?
Finally, we will consider the expectations of the public — how can we meet their demands and align our efforts with their perceptions, both now and in the future?
This Plumbers’ Annual Lecture is not to be missed and promises to be a fascinating evening!
Please note tickets are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Further details here on how to book

Programme
The event will start at 5:15 pm followed by the lecture at 6:00 pm. This will be followed by the drinks reception at 7:15 pm and an excellent dinner at 8 pm at Brasserie Blanc. The evening will end at approximately 9:30 pm.
Who should attend?

Liverymen and guests
Corporate Members and guests
Apprentices, trainees and students (special concessions apply)
Anyone interested in our rivers

Tickets
Lecture Only

£25 Standard (per head)
£15 Students and under 25 (per head)

Lecture and dinner at Brasserie Blanc

£85 Standard (per head)
£75 Students and under 25 (per head)

How to book
Members of the Plumbers’ Company
Please book through the members section of the website.
Non-members
Please book through CIPHE by scanning or clicking the QR code:
https://www.ciphe.org.uk/about/events-diary/wcop-annual-lecture-2025

SPOC Forum
2025-05-19 17:00 - 18:00 | Online event
A discussion on carbon calculation and mitigation with representatives from companies with nuances on approaches taken.
Heart of the City, introduced by Andy Melia (CEO) and Katie Rogers, will talk about the methodology behind counting carbon emissions for small organisations, the drawbacks and compromises needed and the online calculators that give some reliable standard measurements.
Stuart Mitchell, Livery member of WCIT, will present his bespoke but easy to use method for measuring travel and transport emissions.
In 2024, Tylers & Bricklayers commissioned an external audit with “We Are Isla”, to enable them to complete a benchmarking carbon survey at their Christmas Carol Service dinner. The findings highlighted the most effective ways to reduce the carbon impact of the event, and the Company is using that data to inform the content of their Climate Action Plan, and intend to proceed with further carbon measurements of future events. We will hear from Livery member and SPOC Kate Oldridge and Keith Aldis.
On the basis that what gets measured gets managed we will then look at some mitigations and pragmatic steps as well as personal pledges.

SPOCs to register in advance using this link.

London Cycling Festival
2025-05-24 - 2025-05-25 | Various, London, United Kingdom
Many events across London, mainly over the weekend of 24-25 May 2025.
In the CIty of London, Join us at Guildhall Yard on Sunday 25 May for inclusive, all-ages and abilities cycling activities as part of London Cycling Festival. Enjoy family-friendly rides, bike maintenance facilities, information stalls, and bicycle test rides.
See the London Cycling Festival website for full details.
https://lcc.org.uk/events-calendar/

Transforming the materials agenda for a sustainable planet: Opportunities and challenges
2025-06-04 19:00 - 20:00 | Online event
The Whitechapel Lecture:
Speaker: Professor Mark Jolly, FIMMM, FICME, CEng, CEnv
Professor of Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing at Cranfield University
We live in a materials world. Everything we use is made from materials extracted from the planet. Yet, our current way of making and using most materials follows a linear model: take, make, and dispose. This unsustainable approach is pushing the planet’s limits—if our production and consumption behaviours remain unchanged, we would need 2.75 worlds to meet our demands. But we only have one. To secure a sustainable future, we must transition to a circular materials world, where we minimise the extraction of raw materials and maximise the reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling of existing materials. Achieving this transformation requires innovations in mindsets, technologies, business models, and systems.
Register here

Carbon Takeback: How We Will Stop Fossil Fuels from Causing Global Warming
2025-06-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Barnard’s Inn Hall, United Kingdom
Gresham Lecture
We have to stop fossil fuels from causing global warming – before the world stops using fossil fuels. There’s only one solution: safe and permanent disposal of one tonne of carbon dioxide for every tonne still generated by burning fossil fuels. But how do we achieve this without overheating the planet or stoking political conflicts?
This lecture presents a simple answer: make carbon dioxide disposal a licensing condition of the sale and use of fossil fuels.
Book here for in-person or online.

Professor Myles Allen, Gresham Frank Jackson Foundation Professor of the Environment (2022-)

Professor Myles Allen took his first degree in Physics and Philosophy, followed by a doctorate in Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics, both at the University of Oxford. He has worked at Oxford for most of his career, with early stints at MIT and the UN Environment Programme in Kenya, and is currently Director of the Oxford Net Zero initiative.He has contributed extensively to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), including as Coordinating Lead Author for the 2018 IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C. He has published extensively on how human and natural influences on climate contribute to observed climate change and extreme weather risk, and the implications for adaptation and mitigation policy. He was awarded the Appleton Medal and Prize by the Institute of Physics in 2010, and in 2022 a CBE for services to climate change attribution, prediction and net zero. In 2023, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society.

Net Zero Delivery Summit
2025-06-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Online event
The City of London Corporation will host the fourth annual Net Zero Delivery Summit on 23 June 2025 at Guildhall. The flagship event is held in collaboration with partners Sustainable Markets Initiative, the International Energy Agency and sponsors EY, Aviva, the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), will underscore London’s commitment to innovation in sustainable finance.
Taking place during London Climate Action Week for the first time, the summit serves as the pivotal mid-point between each COP, ensuring continued momentum on climate commitments. Following COP29, a critical ‘Finance COP,’ the Net Zero Delivery Summit will bring into focus:

Scaling the transition finance market as businesses and nations decarbonize—a sector that could be worth $1 trillion by 2030 for UK companies supporting the shift to net zero.
The vital role of carbon markets in directing finance toward critical climate projects and scaling technologies needing for the net zero transition. It is estimated that the global carbon dioxide removal market may reach up to $100bn a year between 2030 and 2035.
The role of private finance as a crucial bridge for nature and climate preservation. With 55% of global GDP—equivalent to approximately £45.8 trillion—moderately or highly dependent on nature, mobilizing financial resources is essential for sustainability.
The role of private finance in the UK’s climate adaptation efforts, which the Climate Change Committee recently assessed as falling short of what is needed.

The Summit will reaffirm the UK’s steadfast commitment to leading in green finance, driving innovation and mobilising private capital to support the global transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, Chris Hayward said:
“London stands as a beacon of innovation and leadership in the global green finance arena. As a global financial capital, we have a unique responsibility—and an extraordinary opportunity—to drive sustainable investments worldwide, paving the way for a net zero future.
“Achieving net zero is not just an environmental obligation; it’s an economic opportunity that can drive investment and innovation on an unprecedented scale.
“While climate action momentum may be wavering in some parts of the world, the Net Zero Delivery Summit reaffirms our commitment, bringing together global voices to drive the transition toward a greener, more resilient economy.”
Lord Mayor of London, Alastair King said:
“As global temperatures continue to rise, the UK’s leadership in green finance is more important than ever to unite global expertise to drive meaningful action against climate change.
“The City of London’s unique convening power enables us to unite leaders from finance, business, and government to drive net zero goals and champion sustainable growth.
“Through initiatives like the Net Zero Delivery Summit, we are demonstrating our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and building a sustainable future for generations to come and build climate resilience to achieve a truly sustainable City”.
Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, Chief Executive Officer, Sustainable Markets Initiative, said:
“London’s status as a global capital of green finance is widely acknowledged, but it has a deeper power thanks its ties to the Commonwealth and historic influence on the world stage.
“The Sustainable Markets Initiative, which was founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 2020 when he was Prince of Wales, draws together hundreds of CEOs from around the world who are focused on the unprecedented economic opportunities of sustainable transition.
“We look forward to the Net Zero Delivery Summit, and in particular to demonstrating how the private sector is getting on with delivering long-term value creation and a sustainable future.”
Claudine Blamey, Chief Sustainability Officer, Aviva, said:
“We’re delighted to be supporting the City of London as they host the fourth Net Zero Delivery Summit in London Climate Action Week.
“We are dedicated to promoting the transition to a sustainable future and believe that finance will be key to unlocking opportunities and developing long-term resilience. Collaboration between government and business is vital to get ready for an inclusive move to a low-carbon, climate-resilient and nature-positive economy.
“As part of our ambition to be a net zero company by 2040, we will continue to invest in the transition and engage with government and industry to advocate for it in the long-term interests of our shareholders, clients and customers.”
Gill Lofts, Global Sustainable Finance Leader, EY, said:
“In today’s unpredictable geopolitical and macroeconomic environment, there is a risk that sustainability is marginalised by more pressing issues. But, climate change poses challenges indiscriminately on a global scale, and must stay at the top of the agenda.
“Financial services firms are committed to understanding how best to navigate – and then drive change – to a more sustainable world.
“The sustainability focus is shifting, however, and financial firms are increasingly looking at how to manage risk, business resilience and revenue generation, and conversations across industry and government to help drive tangible action are absolutely essential.”
Gordon Bennett, Global Head of Environmental Markets, Intercontinental Exchange, said:
“Economics and financial markets are crucial for efficiently pricing and transferring risk, enabling the mobilization of capital to build the infrastructure needed to transform energy systems and land use, and incentivise the creation of a carbon removal industry.
“For over two decades, the UK has established itself as a global centre for carbon price risk management. ICE is pleased to collaborate with the City of London to underscore the role and importance of markets that price emissions, allowing governments and society to identify the most effective investment opportunities to meet decarbonisation goals.”
Sign up to the online livestream here.

Innovation for Resilience: Livery Company Collaboration
2025-06-24 15:30 - 19:00 | Urban Farmer Project, 18 Wine Office Ct,, London, EC4A 3JR, United Kingdom
SPOC conference 2025
15:30 – Arrive (tea and coffee available)
16:00 – Event open and LCAG AGM, including presentation of Mission statement and constitution
16:15 – Stories of Livery climate innovations – presented by:
Andrew Kennett CB CBE, Clerk to the Skinners
Rob Casey, Past Master Water Conservator
Joanna Knight, Court Assistant Furniture Makers
17:00 – Presentation on food issues for Livery companies (one of the most requested topics from 2024 conference feedback)
17:15 – Small group discussions about food issues
18:00 – Concluding remarks followed by networking, including drinks and canapes
19:00 – Close
PLEASE NOTE: Attendance to this event is limited to LCAG single points of contact (SPOCs) or LCAG executive team members.
Buy tickets here.

The Environment and Human Rights
2025-06-27 17:45 - 20:00 | Old Bailey, Central Criminal Court Old Bailey, London, EC4M 7EH, United Kingdom
Invitation to

City & Legal Lecture

The Environment & Human Rights
Insights from the Aarhus Convention: A lecture by Professor Áine Ryall, Chair of the UNECE Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee, Geneva

With Keynote Speaker

Professor Áine Ryall

on

Friday 27th June 2025

Hosted by Alderman & Sheriff Gregory Jones KC

Join us at the Central Criminal Court, where the panel will discuss the question The Environment & Human Rights, Insights from the Aarhus Convention.

Panellists include Professor Maria Lee, Professor of Law at UCL and former director and co-director of the UCL Centre for Law and the Environment, and Mark O’Brien O’Reilly, top planning barrister.

Guest arrival is from 17:45 at the Main Entrance of the Old Bailey for the talk beginning at 18:00 in the historic Court 1. The talk will end promptly at 19:00 and will be followed by a drinks reception until 20:00.

Dress code is business attire.

Should you wish to attend, tickets can be purchased for £25pp + fees via the Eventbrite link below –

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1365902112989?aff=oddtdtcreator

All proceeds from this event will go towards the Sheriffs’ & Recorder’s Fund.
For more information about the fund, please see the link below –
The Sheriffs’ & Recorder’s Fund – Supporting London’s prison leavers since 1808

Please note that there are a limited number of tickets available for this event, and only named ticketholders will be permitted entry.

Taking Action for Pollinators in London
2025-07-17 17:00 - 19:00 | Tower of London, London, EC3N 4AB
Discover how to make our cities into havens for pollinators
Join the City of London Corporation and Pollinating London Together at the Tower of London for our second urban pollinator seminar: Taking Action for Pollinators in London. We will be joined by Prof. Katherine Baldock from the University of Northumbria, who will provide an opening key notes speech on urban pollinators, what they need and what we can do to help them. This will be followed by three inspiring case studies in which we will hear about the at scale efforts to restore populations of rare pollinators in East London; learn about how action plans have helped deliver strategic outcomes for pollinators in Lambeth; and understand how pollinators have been integrated into developments across London. This will be followed by a networking and drinks reception for all to share and pollinate new ideas!
Register here.

SPOC Forum - Decarbonising the River Thames
2025-09-10 17:00 - 18:00 | Online event
The River Thames is the heartbeat of London and many feel it is underused and a hidden resource. The Port of London Authority who are stewards of the River have committed to a Net Zero Plan and this is your chance to hear more and understand how we can all help. From net zero shipping to innovation and clean up.
For LCAG SPOCs only: Book tickets here.
Speaker: Grace Rawnsley.

Grace joined the Port of London Authority (PLA) in 2023 as the Director of Sustainability and Net Zero Transition. Her responsibilities include the PLA’s sustainability work on net zero and climate adaptation as well as water quality, air quality, and biodiversity. She leads the organisation’s first externally focused net zero strategy aiming to decarbonise river-based activities on the Thames. She has also overseen the PLA’s first-of-its-kind approach to biodiversity net gain in the intertidal zone. As well as kick starting the PLA’s partnership work on sewage discharges with the water industry.
Prior to joining the PLA, Grace spent 13 years at the City of London Corporation in a variety of sustainability and transformation roles. She developed the City’s first Responsible Business Strategy and led the implementation of the City of London Corporation’s climate action work. Prior to the City of London Corporation, Grace worked for a variety of well-known conservation charities including the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, and trained as an Ecologist.

THE CITY ENVIRONMENT DEBATE SUSTAINABLE UK CITIES: WHAT, HOW AND WHEN?
2025-10-02 16:30 - 19:30 | ARUP offices, 8 Fitzroy Street, 8 Fitzroy Street, London, W1T 4BJ, United Kingdom
The Worshipful Company of Water Conservators is pleased to announce the second City Environment Debate, which will focus on creating sustainable cities. Our theme is based on United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 11: Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
The Debate will be chaired by Cassie Sutherland, Managing Director for Climate Solutions and Networks at C40 Cities.
Reserve a place here.
Speakers:
1)
Pete Daw, Head of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Greater London Authority (Topic: How London is achieving Sustainability).
2)
Dan S. Dowling, PwC Partner (Topic: The role of UK government and funding)
3)
Dr Paul O’Hare, Manchester Metropolitan University (Topic: Manchester’s Resilience Action Plan
4)
Michela Ravaglia, Head of Sustainability for Wates Residential (Topic: Housing and Property)
5)
Clare Sheffield, Cities Planning and Design, Arup Director (Topic: Designing for new and existing cities, including transport)
The debate will be held under the Chatham House Rule, starting with 10-minute presentations by the speakers, followed by discussion amongst the speakers and with the audience. Afterwards, there will be networking opportunities and refreshments.
The debate is free and attendance is by invitation only. Places are limited and available on a ‘first come first served’ basis. To reserve a place please register using the link. Please reserve a place individually.
Sustainable UK Cities: What, How and When Tickets, Thu, Oct 2, 2025 at 4:30 PM | Eventbrite
If you have any questions, or additional requests for attendance, please contact Allan Barton at barton.allan@outlook.com
The Worshipful Company of Water Conservators is very grateful to Arup for their generous sponsorship.

Speakers:
Pete Daw
Pete specialises in urban and environmental policy and is currently Head of Climate Change at the Greater London Authority, leading a team focussing on London’s climate change mitigation, adaptation, water and green finance programmes. Pete previously worked as Director of Urban Development and Environment at Siemens’ Global Centre for Cities, recommending technologies that could play a role in solving urban challenges in China, India, Italy, Greece and Saudi Arabia. He headed their partnership with C40 cities, writing on topics ranging from connected and autonomous vehicles to climate financing, and on Johannesburg’s first greenhouse gas inventory.
Daniel S. Dowling
Dan is the PwC Partner leading their sustainability and climate change strategy practice. As an expert adviser and business builder with twenty-three years of experience shaping strategy, technical and transformation services across public and private sectors, including deep specialism in the built environment, Dan is passionate about climate change, cities and international development. He champions the impact that better business, investors and cities can have on a climate, growth and society.
Dr Paul O’Hare
Paul is a Senior Lecturer in Geography and Development at Manchester Metropolitan University, whose research focuses on climate resilience, risk governance, and public engagement. He collaborates with policymakers and practitioners to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world environmental challenges. Paul served as a UKRI climate science ‘embedded researcher’, advising both MCCA and Manchester City Council on robust adaptation strategies. He is currently an Expert Advisor to the United Nations ‘Race to Resilience’ initiative.
Michela Ravaglia
A passionate advocate of sustainability, Michela currently leads Wates’ Residential, Developer and Contractor Group’s strategic approach to sustainability, delivering on the Group’s ESG commitments. Previously, she developed Mount Anvil’s first corporate ESG Strategy, and as Head of Net Zero Carbon and Passivhaus she covered a nationwide role at Stride Treglown, advising clients on. Michela’s background is in architecture, with specialisms in Passivhaus Design from the Passivhaus Institute and Sustainable Building Design from MIT.
Clare Sheffield
Clare is Arup’s UK Transport Planner Lead, heading Arup’s team specializing in travel behaviour change. She has always pioneered creative research and modelling techniques, specialising in understanding car ownership and use, demand management and the impacts of road pricing. Her career has spanned the public and private sectors, across the UK and globally. She co-led the development of the current Mayor’s Transport Strategy for London, developing a comprehensive evidence base and setting ambitious targets. A social scientist, Clare has worked on behaviour change and demand management schemes for over twenty years, in the UK, Europe, Asia, Australasia and the Americas.
Chair: Cassie Sutherland
Cassie Sutherland is the Managing Director for Climate Solutions and Networks at C40, supporting cities to accelerate climate action in energy and buildings, food and waste, transport, urban planning, air quality and climate resilience. C40 is a network of mayors of nearly 100 world-leading cities collaborating to deliver the urgent action needed to confront the climate crisis. Prior to joining C40, Cassie was the project manager for the London Environment Strategy and led the climate adaptation and sustainable development team at the Greater London Authority, working to manage London’s climate risks and impacts and improve quality of life. Cassie has a wide range of technical experience in buildings and energy including developing new carbon scoring tools for national energy efficiency schemes and assessing new energy efficiency measures while working at the UK energy regulator. She has also developed national government policy on smart energy systems.

SPOC Forum - Built with People: optimising sustainable work practices
2025-11-12 17:00 - 18:00 | Online event
For LCAG SPOCS only. Please Register here
Jonathan Louth will talk about an Architects’ Company initiative “Built with People” that is in development with other maker and construction liveries: optimising sustainable work practices and achieving commensurate energy reductions through combining technological developments with human skills.

Conservation Architect & Interdisciplinary Consultant for the Built Environment, educated at Bristol, Aachen, & Cambridge Universities: Jonathan Louth is the LCAG SPOC for the Architects’ Company with whom, since 2018, he champions “Built with People”, a UK initiative integrating dexterous skills with technology in the built environment that will encompass almost 70 ‘maker’ and some 22 ‘professional’ Liveries. Since 2013, Development Adviser to the British Order of Carmelites and Chair of Estates Group at Aylesford Priory, Jonathan Louth guides a development plan for conservation, green energy strategies, & landlord-tenant structures to secure the future of the estate. Architectural Advisor to the Guards’ Chapel Committee in London, Jonathan has been guiding projects there since 2020: the new Harrison pipe organ, low energy lighting, wind lobbies, roof maintenance & access requirements. Until 2024, these roles ran parallel over 24 years advising at St George’s RC Cathedral Southwark, 21 of them as Cathedral Architect.
David Bates will talk about his work with the WCON where he is encouraging members to exploit transformative learning and capability development methods through advocacy, as well as enhancing and sharing their green health (knowledge and skills) credentials especially when working as a multi professional team including the non-health or care sectors. David believes that the need for Planetary and Green Health should not be a distant dream but a social reality of our time fuelling our moral responsibility to act locally to have a global impact. The City and Livery is in a unique position to achieve this.

David is the Middle Warden and LCAG SPOC for the Worshipful Company of Nurses’ (WCONs). His interest and development of Green Health as part of the wider Planetary Health agenda manifested itself in his long career as a health advocate in the Army and Armed Forces following an extensive career as a burns trauma nurse, CBRNE defence adviser and latterly an advocate for promoting human security through climate action and sustainable development as core elements of maintaining the public’s health. David left the Army in 2021 but the Army didn’t leave him! He continues to champion the causes that he identified as being important to promoting planetary health as a Senior lecturer at the University of Cumbria where he teaches disaster response and humanitarian action.

Biophilic Design Conference
2025-11-17 08:30 - 18:30 | Westminster Central Hall, Storey's Gate, Westminster, London, SW1H 9NH, United Kingdom
We are at a turning point. Our cities — and our planet — demand new thinking. We need healthier environments, stronger communities, equitable economies, and a future that supports both people and nature.
The 2025 Biophilic Design Conference is where that future begins.
This is not just a conversation. It’s a call to action.
We are bringing together leaders in design, planning, ecology, health, education, and policy to ask one vital question:
How can Biophilic Design become the foundation for how we live, build, govern and grow?
From Ideas to Action
This conference focuses on real-world case studies, not just theory.
You’ll hear from innovators and practitioners who are already designing biophilic cities — where wildlife returns, air and water quality improves, mental and physical health is supported, and communities thrive.
But we go further.
We explore how these principles become policy — how governance, leadership and legislation can support this essential shift.
We’ll ask:

How do we reframe the urban agenda?
How do we help cities think differently about themselves?
How do we educate C-suite leaders and policymakers to act faster — and smarter?

This time we are close to Parliament. Come and experience a Biophilic Design experience like you’ve not seen before. Soundscaping and projections, mini Ted Talks, Networking, presentation of new research and case studies, material innovation, round table, attendee idea activation, plus exhibitors, great food and brilliant conversations. Meet new designers, new colleagues, reconnect with old friends and help us all make a difference to this beautiful planet we live on, and the lives of everyone dependent on it. We are nature, Biophilic Design allows the connection that is inherent in all of us to be present wherever we live, work and play.

Confirmed speakers include: Oliver Heath TV presenter and founder of Oliver Heath Design; Tye Farrow, Farrow Architects; Nick Grayson guru of Birmingham city’s green regeneration on Biophilic Governance; Dr Sally Augustin on the science of Biophilic Design; Steve Nygren, founder of Serenbe Biophilic Community; Sumita Singha on sustainability and biophilia; Davies White Ltd Landscape Architects on designing Biophilic play in schools; Luke Engleback on ecourbanism; Frankie Boyle on Light; Robert Delius architect and head of Sustainability Stride Treglown on Water in cities; Ulysse Dormoy on Infrared and sunlight; Simon Corbey Alliance for Sustainable Building Products; Julian Treasure from the Sound Agency and many more. Plus representatives from the RSPB, WT, NHS, Government and more.
Main headline speakers to be announced in July and September.
Join us in the very rooms where the Suffragettes met. Together our voices, actions and advocations are making a change for the better. Thank you for being part of this movement to heal our planet and help ALL life flourish.

What they said about last year’s conference:

“Such a wonderful, inspiring day! And also fabulous was reconnecting with others in the community from around d the world. Some who I haven’t seen for a long time and some who I’ve only met online. Just great!” Oliver Heath
“There are days that developments in climate change or politics can bring you down and make you wonder what the point is. Then there days like the Biophilic Design Conference organised by the Journal of Biophilic Design that lift you up and fill you with renewed motivation and energy. What a great day to load up on inspiration with all those ideas on how to bring more nature into our daily lives. It was a joy to be able to share some the ways we put biophilic design into practice. Thank you Ness for being the powerful connective force that made this enriching experience happen!” Gijs Bruggink, co-founder of ORGA Architect
“A joyful experience indeed”. Rachel Thurby

“It was a real pleasure to share insights and thoughts from myself and Living Future Europe at the Biophilic Design Conference in London on Tuesday, an event and gathering full of energy, passion and love around. As in a forest that brims with biodiversity, the conference illustrated a brilliant diversity of perspectives, a range of voices and presenting styles, and all with passion. And of course – a wonderful opportunity to network, share, connect and catch up with fellow biophiliacs” Martin Brown, Living Future Europe
“Had a fantastic time at the inaugural Biophilic Design Conference hosted by the Journal of Biophilic Design at Barbican Centre” Walls of Eden, Exhibitor. “It was a pleasure connecting with so many innovators and advocates pushing the boundaries of biophilic design across various fields.Excited for the collaborations ahead with those we met!”
“So many talented speakers covering a wide range of fields including architecture, interior design, landscaping, lighting, academia, education, health, finance and more. It was fascinating to learn about so many wonderful initiatives, buildings, products, research projects, communities and individuals making a positive impact on people and planet.” Kay Prestney, Author, stylist and sustainable interior designer.
“Thanks again for the opportunity to be part of your inaugural event at the barbican yesterday and to meet so many passionate and knowledgeable people and hear so about so many wonderful and varied projects and findings about biophilic design.” Jo Sanders, LSA International

“It really was fantastic. So well thought out. Each individual speaker gave real value to the event with the perfect amount of breaks.” Zoe, Beautiful Healthy Home

“Thank you so much for organising such an inspiring gathering and for being a true champion of Nature’s role in our everyday lives. I also want to express my gratitude for introducing me to the concept and community of biophilic designing. It’s eye-opening to see how we can reshape our environments by bringing nature back into our spaces, big and small. Your passion and drive made this meeting of minds happen, and I’m excited about the conversations and connections that emerged.” Robert Gardner, co-founder Rebalance Earth
“Thank you with all my heart for creating and putting together the conference💜 I loved it! I feel like I found my tribe watching it!” Laurel James, Bring in Nature
See more photos from last year: https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/gallery-of-photos-from-the-biophilic-design-conference-barbican

Why You Need to Be at the 2025 Biophilic Design Conference
Policy, Place & Planet: Biophilic Design for Thriving Futures
We are at a turning point. Our cities — and our planet — demand new thinking. We need healthier environments, stronger communities, equitable economies, and a future that supports both people and nature.
The 2025 Biophilic Design Conference is where that future begins.
This is not just a conversation. It’s a call to action.
We are bringing together leaders in design, planning, ecology, health, education, and policy to ask one vital question:
How can Biophilic Design become the foundation for how we live, build, govern and grow?
From Ideas to Action
This conference focuses on real-world case studies, not just theory.
You’ll hear from innovators and practitioners who are already designing biophilic cities — where wildlife returns, air and water quality improves, mental and physical health is supported, and communities thrive.
But we go further.
We explore how these principles become policy — how governance, leadership and legislation can support this essential shift.
We’ll ask:

How do we reframe the urban agenda?
How do we help cities think differently about themselves?
How do we educate C-suite leaders and policymakers to act faster — and smarter?

Why Now?
Because we don’t have time to wait.
Biophilic Design is not a luxury — it’s a survival strategy.
It’s how we hit net zero targets.
It’s how we reduce pressure on the NHS.
It’s how we create access to green space, clean air, local food, and safe, welcoming public places.
It’s how we move from siloed sectors to joined-up solutions.
At this conference, we’ll connect research, design, science, psychology, and policy in one shared space — to learn from each other, to work together, and to build the cities of the future, today.
In the Heart of Government
Held just steps from Parliament, this conference is designed to shift perception and inspire action at the highest levels.
We aim to bridge the gap between:

Innovation and governance
Research and real-world delivery
Vision and practical tools for change

With 30+ expert speakers, 300+ attendees, 30+ exhibitors, and immersive, multisensory experiences throughout the day — you’ll leave not just inspired, but equipped.
Equipped with tools. With case studies. With ideas. With collaborators.
With something you can do — right now.
Let’s create Biophilic Cities of Nature
Join us to be part of the movement.
To lead the change.
To help define what comes next.

Location
Westminster Central Hall, Storey’s Gate, Westminster, London, SW1H 9NH

The Fuellers’ Duke of Edinburgh Future Energy Conference
2025-12-02 09:30 - 19:30 | Mansion House, London, London, United Kingdom
The fourth edition of The Fuellers’ Duke of Edinburgh Future Energy Conference will be held on Tuesday 2nd December 2025 in the historic heart of The City at Mansion House – the official residence of The Lord Mayor of The City of London.
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
HRH Duke of Edinburgh is the Patron of this biennial Conference- an initiative started by him, in his year as Royal Master of the Fuellers.
The Conference, curated as a combination of a number of keynote speeches and high-level panel discussions and chaired by the Master Fueller, addresses the most relevant forward-looking issues of the energy industry and is held under the Chatham House Rule. It attracts senior energy-finance and technology executives from across the UK and internationally, members of other City Livery Companies and the members of the Fuellers. Like membership of the Fuellers, it is open to anyone who has an interest in Energy.
Speakers include senior professionals in industry and academia from across disciplines of science, engineering, finance, and government policy involved in the transition to a sustainable global energy future. By bringing together diverse knowledge, interests and experience we will explore these key challenges in an open and frank manner.
We aim to stimulate debate by sharing differences and building new relationships.
We hope to inspire the next generation of energy professionals. Experienced practitioners can network, while people new to energy can build new relationships.
Early Bird tickets are available until 20 September.
Book here.
CONFERENCE AGENDA
The Fuellers’ Duke of Edinburgh
Future Energy Conference
Mansion House, London EC4N 8BH
Tuesday 2nd December 2025
09:30 – Master Fueller, Introduction
09:40 – Keynote Speaker 1: Energy Outlook – A UK Perspective
Rt Hon Charles Hendry, Former Minister of State for Energy and Immediate Past President BIEE
10:05 – Keynote Speaker 2: Energy Outlook – A Perspective from the United States
Lucian Pugliaresi, President, Energy Policy Research Foundation, Washington DC, USA
10:30 – Panel 1: The Challenges & Context.
Chair: Jon Clark, Partner at EY-Parthenon.
The latest science on climate change – what new developments are we seeing? Political pressures (local and international – especially from the US), Economic Issues especially impact on the competitiveness of the general UK economy and the City specifically

Rt Hon Chris Skidmore*, Author of ‘Mission Zero, Independent Review of Net Zero’ – The Skidmore Report
Dr Mallika Ishwaren, Chair of BIEE, Group Chief Economist, Shell International
Dr Carole Nakhle, Founder & CEO, Crystol Energy

11:30 – Coffee & Networking
11:50 – Panel 2: Mitigation Technologies to assist the transition to Net Zero.
Chair – Professor Martin Freer, CEO, The Faraday Institution [Battery Developments]

Sam French, Chief Technology Officer, MorGen Energy [Hydrogen]
Tim Lines, CEO, Geothermal Wells LLC [Geothermal]
Dr Mike Bluck, Director of the Centre for Nuclear Engineering, Imperial College London [SMR]

13:00 – Networking Lunch
14:00 – Keynote 3: Adaptation & Enablement – Incentivising Investment
Basil Scarsella, CEO, UK Power Networks
14:25 – Panel 3: Adaptation & Enablement – Dynamic demand & Grid balancing, Finance and Policy responses
Chair: Basil Scarsella, CEO, UK Power Networks

Ben Wilson, President, National Grid Ventures, National Grid
Jon Butterworth – CEO, National Gas
Richard Nicholls, Brook Green Supply

15:35 – Coffee and Networking
15:55 – Keynote 4: Opportunities – What the changing energy world means for The City?
Dame Susan Langley, Chair, Gallagher UK (Lady Mayor 2025-26 – subject to Election) *
16:30 – Panel session 4: Opportunities for the City’s Investment Community
Chair – David Whitehouse, CEO, Offshore Energies UK

Adrian Topham, The Crown Estate
Jonathan Thurlwell *, Head of AI Policy OFGEM
Parminder Kohli, Chair, Shell UK

16:50 – Keynote 5: The Big Picture
Christof Rühl, Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University
17:15 – Closing thoughts and Call to action: Master Fueller
17:30 – Drinks reception
19:30 – Close
TICKET PRICES

Early Bird
upto 20 September

Full Rate
after 20 September

Fuellers
£240

£300

Other Livery Companies
£300

£360

All Other Delegates
£390

£450

ALL PRICES ARE INCLUSIVE OF VAT

Are We Prepared? - LCAG Conference 2026
2026-01-26 10:00 - 19:00 | Merchant Taylors’ Hall, 30 Threadneedle Street, London, EC2R 8JB, United Kingdom
The Livery Climate Action Group Conference 2026 asks the question ‘Are we prepared?’
Book your tickets here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/lcag/1850100/r/wb

Programme:

Is the City prepared for reporting and responding to the financial risks that will result from climate change?
Speakers to be confirmed
Keynote speaker – Challenges for Climate Change Adaptation
Baroness Brown of Cambridge (Professor Dame Julia King) DBE FREng FRS
Risks to Life ?
Tim Munday, MEng ACGI MCIWEM, Chief Environmental Resilience Officer, City of London Corporation
Dr Pierre Masselot, Assistant Professor, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Are our buildings prepared for climate change?
Philippa Simpson, Director for Buildings and Renewal at the Barbican Centre
How fragile is our food supply chain?
Speakers to be confirmed
Closing remarks
Sheriff-elect Keith Bottomley and Alderman Alison Gowman, CBE

Several schools will have their climate action display boards on show during the conferenceEnjoy coffee on arrival, a light lunch at 12.00, afternoon tea, and champagne and canapes to conclude.Ticket price £95 (early bird price £80 available until 19th December 2025)
Complete details of the conference programme will be published nearer the date.Supported by the City of London Corporation and The Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors

Thank you for supporting our conference. We understand that plans can change, and we aim to accommodate your needs as best as we can. Please review our refund policy below:

Refund Requests: All refund requests must be submitted in writing to LCAGevents@gmail.com at least 10 days before the event date.

Full Refunds: Full refunds will be issued for requests received 15 days or more before the event.

Partial Refunds: Requests received between 5-14 days before the event will be eligible for a 50% refund.

No Refunds: Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds for requests made less than 5 days before the event.

Transfer of Tickets: If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your ticket to another person. Please notify us of the transfer at least 4 days before the event via LCAGevents@gmail.com

Event Cancellation: If the event is cancelled by the organisers, a full refund will be issued to all ticket holders.

We appreciate your understanding and support. If you have any questions, please contact us at LCAGevents@gmail.com

Location
Merchant Taylors’ Hall, EC2R 8JB

Tackling Future Net Zero Challenges
2026-02-09 10:00 - 14:00 | King’s College Strand Campus, Strand, London, WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom
KING’S COLLEGE LONDON
NET ZERO CENTRE
‘Tackling Future Net Zero Challenges’
Monday 9 February 2026
BOOK NOW

NET ZERO CENTRE
‘Tackling Future Net Zero Challenges’
Monday 9 February 2026
BOOK NOW

All Fuellers are invited to attend King’s College London Net Zero Centre’s Annual Event at 0930 for 1000 on Monday 9 February.
This is being held in the Great Hall
Launched in April 2023, the Net Zero Centre at King’s College London has made significant strides in advancing research and fostering collaborations around solutions to decarbonising society.
The Fuellers have seen the development of the Net Zero Centre and supported their events. At this event we will hear from King’s researchers working on four key themes:

Materials for Net Zero
Systems for Net Zero
Manufacturing for Net Zero
Carbon Markets

Lunch will be provided and there will be plenty of opportunities to network.
If you would to attend then please register, which you are encouraged to do early.

LOCATION
Kings College London, Strand Campus, Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
[see map]
ABOUT THE NET ZERO CENTRE
The Net Zero Centre at King’s is dedicated to addressing the challenges of decarbonising our society and reducing the environmental impact of our manufacturing, infrastructure, and cities. It serves as hub for scientific, technological and engineering research geared towards this challenge.
Based in the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences (NMES), the Centre connects the departments of chemistry, engineering, informatics, mathematics, and physics. We catalyse links across King’s from geography and business to law, social science, and health to deliver innovative solutions for sustainable, healthy development, and environments.
BOOK NOW

FUTURE EVENTS
Dates of future Company and City events are available by clicking here and also on the Events Diary.
The following event are now available to book:
LCAG Conference at Merchant Taylors’ Hall on Monday 26 January 2026 BOOK NOW
AFSEA Air Energy Conference on Wednesday 28 & Thursday 29 January 2026 BOOK NOW
Alex Maclean Bather
Clerk
Worshipful Company of Fuellers
M: 07521-992 653
E: clerk@fuellers.co.uk
https://www.fuellers.co.uk
linktr.ee/fuellerscompany

Climate Risk and Insurance
2026-02-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Barnard’s Inn Hall, United Kingdom
Why did coastal homeowners lose insurance while UK energy bills spiked after Russia’s invasion? Because risks started moving together. In this lecture, Professor Raghavendra Rau shows how climate extremes and geopolitics create synchronised shocks that overwhelm insurers and energy suppliers, pushing up premiums and bills. He discusses the basics of risk pooling, why it breaks under correlation, and what realistic fixes look like—from parametric policies and better building standards to smarter hedging and targeted support.

Professor Raghavendra Rau
Gresham Mercers’ School Memorial Professor of Business

Professor Rau was the Gresham College Mercers’ School Memorial Professor of Business. He is the Sir Evelyn de Rothschild Professor of Finance at Cambridge Judge Business…

Find out more

SPOC Forum - Sustainable Public Lighting
2026-03-12 17:00 - 18:00 | Online event
Is public lighting sustainable? Hear from Livery experts and the City Corporation
This SPOC event will be an overview by the Lightmongers Livery of the lighting industry’s contribution to local, national and international sustainability and will explain how the City Corporation use lighting in the public realm.

Book your free ticket here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/lcag/1853273
Presentations by:
The Master Lightmonger 2025-2026, Graham Smith, has agreed to speak about the Lightmongers’ sustainability policy and actions.
Liveryman Perry Hazzell has agreed to give an overview of the lighting industry’s contribution to energy savings and improving the quality of life.
Ian Hughes, City of London Corporation, will explain the City’s policies and planning requirements as well as the lighting of the public realm for safety, ambience and heritage enhancement.

Graham Smith was born in Guisborough, formerly the North Riding of Yorkshire and grew up in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park.
His first job was at Middlesbrough Borough Council and he then moved to Hertfordshire in 1994 and worked for David Webster Ltd in a number of roles. In 2004 he moved to Cartledge Ltd before joining the Highway Electrical Association as Chief Executive in November 2016. He worked tirelessly to raise the profile of the HEA and its
member organisations within the highway electrical industry moving it forward into the digital age, and in turn raising the profile of the highway electrical industry itself – working with several related organisations such as Build UK, the Digital Policy Alliance and ADEPT providing industry best practice together with health and safety advice thereby raising standards and awareness.

Perry Hazell has worked in London within the lighting industry for over 18 years, progressing from the tools through supervisory and contract management roles, into operational and commercial leadership. His career has taken him from Principal Lighting Engineer to his current position as Business Manager at Southwark Council, where he leads strategy and policy for lighting and EV infrastructure. He is currently the Immediate Past President of the Institution of Lighting Professionals and led the Institution in its centenary year. He Chairs the London EV Officers Group, shaping policy and best practice across the sector.

Ian Hughes is the City of London Corporation’s City Operations Director (City Streets and Spaces) and leads on highways and is currently overseeing the project to relight the exterior of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Beyond Solar, Wind and Hydrogen
2026-05-05 17:00 - 18:00 | Online event
This SPOC event will look at what’s beyond solar, wind and hydrogen: when mitigation alone isn’t enough – where do we go from here?
Presentation by Professor Averil MacDonald
We were promised that moving to green energy would get us to net zero and then everything will be fine, but it turns out things are not quite so simple … We are already realising that wind and solar aren’t enough and energy saving can only go so far. Professor Averil Macdonald will look forward to the next 20 years and describe the new technologies that are coming down the road.
But, despite all the new technology, the modest-sounding 2°C average global temperature rise forecast will have serious consequences for the way we all live our lives day to day. We learnt at the recent LCAG Conference that we will need to adapt to the changing climate – everything from modifying our houses, to transport, to the urban environment and even food supply chains. This talk ends with a salutary reminder of what we will need to do to make life liveable at this latitude, Join us on Zoom, if only to find out why a clean bucket might be the most important thing to keep in your home.
Book here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/lcag/2125790
Professor Averil Macdonald OBE DSc D.Univ HonFInstP FRSA

Averil Macdonald is Emeritus Professor at the University of Reading, was formerly Professor of Inclusion and Equality at University of Birmingham and has now joined the £11M Cornerstone project at Southampton University as EDI Lead.
Averil was awarded the international Bragg Medal and Prize (1999) by the Institute of Physics, London, the accolade of Woman of Outstanding Achievement in Science (2007) in recognition of her work in Science Communication, the prestigious Plastics Industry Award for Personal Contribution to the Industry (2007), Honorary Doctorates by the University of York (2010) and Kingston University (2015) and an OBE in the Birthday Honours list 2015 for services to women in science. In 2025 she was elected Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Physics in recognition of lifetime achievement encouraging diversity in Physics.
From 2019-2021 Averil was Master of the Worshipful Company of Fuellers in the City of London working alongside HRH Prince Edward the Earl of Wessex as Royal Master. Throughout her time as she championed future energy solutions to decarbonise the UK, with a particular emphasis on using hydrogen. Averil was Chair of the Board of UKOOG, the professional association for UK Onshore Oil and Gas industry, advocating decarbonising natural gas to generate blue hydrogen.
Averil’s other focus is supporting underrepresented groups in STEM careers. She was a member of the Women’s Business Council, advising the UK Government, sat on the board of Directors of WISE, (the Campaign for Women in Science and Engineering), and has served as a Trustee of the Science Museum Group, a Director of the Cheltenham Festivals and sat on the Court of Imperial College.

A Conversation about Sustainability between Dame Polly Courtice and Peter Simpson
2026-05-12 16:30 - 19:30 | ARUP offices, 8 Fitzroy Street, 8 Fitzroy Street, London, W1T 4BJ, United Kingdom
This will be a free-flowing conversation between two exceptionally experienced people in the field of sustainability: the founder of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and a former Chief Executive of Anglian Water. They are both members of the Water Conservators.
Polly and Peter have been working in this field for over thirty years and during that time have seen the dramatic evolution of the sustainability debate in terms of politics, economics and corporate responses. Topics they will cover include:
•
The evolution of the sustainability landscape – how politics, policy, and corporate attitudes have shifted over the last thirty years
•
Tackling the competing demands of economic growth, demographic shifts, and climate and nature recovery
•
Where is the water industry today and what barriers and opportunities lie ahead?
•
What defines “sustainability leadership” today – how attitudes have changed and what is required of today’s business leaders to drive genuine change and positive impact
This will be followed by an opportunity to network, with drink refreshments provided.
The event is free and by invitation only. Places are limited and available on a first come first served basis. To reserve a place please register using this link
Eventbrite link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-sustainability-conversation-with-dame-polly-courtice-and-peter-simpson-tickets-1980963805067?aff=oddtdtcreator
If you have any questions or would like to suggest someone else to be invited, please contact Allan Barton at barton.allan@outlook.com
We are grateful to Arup for sponsoring this event
