Today John Staves, our Managing Director attended the Institution of Structural Engineers “Engineers Declare” summit in London.

Climate change and its impact on the construction industry have been recognised for some time. Recently, the UK government announced a groundbreaking move to legislate a Net Zero Carbon target, ringing the alarm bells for all involved in the built environment. This shift will place substantial responsibilities on structural engineers to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

Supporting a Positive Change

In response to this pivotal moment, IStructE (Institution of Structural Engineers) is embracing the “Structural Engineers Declaration,” an initiative led by influential structural engineers. This declaration urges companies to transform their working methods to address climate and biodiversity emergencies.


The Role of IStructE

IStructE is committed to supporting its members by sharing best practices and providing opportunities for cross-disciplinary professional development. This support will help individuals navigate the changing landscape of structural engineering.


The Urgency of Climate Action

The declaration highlights the dire consequences of climate breakdown and biodiversity loss. The construction industry contributes significantly to these issues, being responsible for nearly 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. It’s time for a paradigm shift in our industry, where we create buildings, cities, and infrastructures as integral components of a self-sustaining system in harmony with nature.

  • Commitment to Change
  • Structural engineers are committing to:
  • Raising awareness of climate and biodiversity emergencies among clients and collaborators.
  • Advocating for regenerative design practices and government funding.
  • Measuring success by climate and biodiversity mitigation principles.
  • Sharing knowledge and research openly.
  • Evaluating projects to contribute positively to climate mitigation.
  • Prioritizing extended use of existing buildings.
  • Incorporating life cycle costing and whole-life carbon modelling.
  • Embracing regenerative design principles.
  • Collaborating to reduce construction waste.
  • Shifting to low embodied carbon materials.
  • Minimizing wasteful resource use in structural engineering.

A Call to Action

IStructE hopes that every structural engineering practice in the UK will join in this commitment to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss. It’s time for the industry to embrace change, advocate for sustainability, and work toward a more regenerative future. The “Structural Engineers Declaration” is not just a starting point; it’s a collective step toward a sustainable and resilient future for all.

totenham hotspur


From the moment we stepped foot into the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on October 17, 2023, the day was filled with insights, connections, and inspiration.


Keynote Speaker: Dame Judith Hackitt

Dame Judith Hackitt’s return as the keynote speaker was a highlight that set the tone for the entire event.

Her expertise in building safety, especially as the former chair of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, was evident as she delved into the intricacies of the Building Safety Act. It was an illuminating experience, shedding light on how the Act would impact our businesses.


judith hackitt


Learning and Networking

Throughout the day, we had the privilege of exploring the latest trends in building safety, sustainability, and digital transformation, including the integration of AI technology. The schedule brimmed with guest speakers, each sharing their unique industry insights and expertise. The opportunity to network with construction professionals and fellow attendees provided a chance to exchange ideas and forge meaningful connections.

In conclusion, the Construction Leaders’ Summit 2023 was a day well spent. It left us informed, inspired, and connected, and we left with a profound sense of the current and future landscape of the construction industry. If you’re an architect, specifier, or building product manufacturer, this event is a must-attend. We’re eagerly looking forward to future opportunities like this, where we can collectively shape the future of construction.