Low Impact Materials - High Performance Buildings

Be a part of the discussion on sustainable building, maximising sustainable materials, and connecting with suppliers.

Join us in Norwich for an insightful morning of networking and expert discussion focused on how low-impact materials can deliver high-performance buildings without compromising on quality, safety, or sustainability.

As the construction industry responds to increasing environmental, regulatory, and performance pressures, this event brings together professionals to share practical insight and top tips. Whether you’re a contractor, designer, specifier, or client, you’ll gain a stronger understanding of how sustainable choices can enhance your projects.

The programme will explore sustainable building approaches at the design stage, with expert guidance on material selection, heritage considerations, and meeting modern performance requirements. Attendees will also discover innovative materials, systems, and solutions already being used to reduce environmental impact while improving building performance.

A featured session from Concertus and Pentaco will share the story behind the design and construction of Suffolk County Council’s first net zero school in Lakenheath. This case study will explore the original vision, key challenges, and practical lessons learned in delivering the Council’s first net zero educational facility. From early design decisions through to on-site construction, the session will offer valuable insight into what it takes to achieve net zero on a live public-sector project, including how challenges were overcome and how the learning can inform future sustainable school developments.

The event concludes with an open Q&A session, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with speakers and suppliers to discuss the challenges and opportunities they are facing on live projects.

Please note: this event is for over 18's only

Speakers

Laura Morris De'ath | LinkedIn - Concertus - Building Design + Property Consultants

Karen Settle | LinkedIn - Concertus - Building Design + Property Consultants

Christopher Leggett MCIOB | LinkedIn - Pentaco Construction | 'Building Better Together'

Laura, Karen, and Chris will present on the processes involved in designing and delivering Suffolk County Council’s first net zero school.

Alex Nielsen EngD | LinkedIn -UAP Limited

Dr Alex Nielsen will explore how corrosion and premature degradation of door hardware create avoidable embodied carbon in the built environment. Frequent replacement drives additional manufacturing, transport and reprocessing emissions. Alex will outline how Armasmart, a highly durable and corrosion-resistant surface technology developed by Armadillo, significantly extends the service life of steel hardware, keeping materials in use for longer and reducing lifecycle carbon impact. Alexwill also discuss its antimicrobial performance for high-touch surfaces and how Armadillo’s wider non-toxic, environmentally responsible coating technologies contribute to both sustainability and public health. The central theme is – durability is a carbon strategy, and extending material life is one of the most effective ways to reduce embodied emissions in construction.

John Pesci | LinkedIn - https://www.wmfltd.co.uk/

John will explore the waste industry, the challenges posed by the evolving waste management landscape for the construction sector and businesses more broadly, and will conclude with a brief overview of WMF’s services and capabilities.

Callum Jones | LinkedIn / Charlie Dion-Dean | LinkedIn - Designer Home Interiors - Designer Paint & Wallpaper | Lick

Callum & Charlie's presentation will showcases innovative sustainable tools—from bamboo paint brushes to biodegradable paint trays—highlighting practical products that reduce environmental impact without compromising performance.

Paul Satow | LinkedIn / Jas Kaung | LinkedIn - For Specifiers | Vaillant UK

Paul & Jas's presentation will dive into Passive House systems, exploring airtight construction, high-performance insulation, and cutting-edge energy-efficient building techniques that deliver exceptional sustainability.

Jonathan Cann | LinkedIn -Sherwin-Williams

Jonathan will introduce an innovative new sealant product, showcasing how it combines high performance with sustainability to meet the evolving demands of the construction industry.

Agenda:

• 09:00 - Registration and refreshments
• 09:30 - Welcome from Norwich CIOB Chair
• 09:45 - Talk from CIOB regarding Principal Contractor Scheme
• 10:00 – Presentations from suppliers
• 10:45 - Comfort Break
• 11:00 – Presentations from suppliers
• 11:30 - Presentation from Concertus & Pentaco regarding the deisgn and construction of Suffolk County Councils first Net Zero school in Lakenheath.
• 12:15 – Q & A
• 12:30 - Finish

Contact

Sarah Catherall

Member Services and Events Coordinator - Eastern

scatherall@ciob.org

How can we help you get the most out of this event? We want to ensure accessibility for all of our members. Please contact us in confidence prior to attendance and we will do our best to answer any questions and support any additional needs you may have.

This learning activity can contribute to your annual CPD return and should be logged accordingly.

This event has been kindly sponsored by UAP Limited