Amanda Williams FISEP, CEnv, head of environmental sustainability, Chartered Institute of Building, discusses the Building Resilience: Construction in an Uncertain World Conference and what can be learned
I’ve spent more than two decades working in sustainability across multiple sectors, and one thing has become increasingly clear: climate change is no longer a future challenge. It is a present-day reality already affecting how we design, build, operate, and maintain our buildings and infrastructure.
That is why I am so passionate about our upcoming conference, Building Resilience: Construction in an Uncertain World, taking place online on 14 October 2026.
Construction must prepare for the impacts of a changing climate
The construction industry has made significant progress in reducing carbon emissions, and this remains an urgent priority, but mitigation alone is no longer enough. We also need to prepare for the physical impacts of a changing climate that are already baked in. From extreme heat and flooding to supply chain disruption and pressures on workforce wellbeing, the decisions we make today will determine whether our built environment remains safe, functional and resilient for decades to come.
This conference is designed for anyone who recognises that the climate our buildings were traditionally designed for is not the climate of the future. Whether you are a contractor, consultant, client, designer, asset manager, policymaker, or sustainability professional, the event will provide practical insights to help future-proof your projects and organisation.
We will be exploring solutions, sharing best practice and showcasing real-world examples from the UK and internationally. Delegates will hear directly from leading experts across industry, academia and policy, including Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee, alongside speakers from organisations including Arup, AtkinsRéalis, Aviva, Balfour Beatty, Willmott Dixon and the World Green Building Council.
What you’ll learn at Building Resilience: Construction in an Uncertain World
By attending, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of:
- Why climate resilience must become a core consideration in design, construction and asset management
- How extreme heat is affecting buildings, cities and people, and what practical measures can reduce overheating risks
- The role of nature-based solutions in creating healthier, more resilient communities
- How organisations are responding to increasing climate risks through innovative projects and adaptation strategies
- What resilience means for construction operations, supply chains and long-term business continuity
The sessions are designed to move beyond theory and help delegates understand how to embed resilience into everyday decision-making, from individual projects through to organisational strategy.
As professionals, we have a responsibility to ensure the homes, workplaces and infrastructure we create today remain safe and effective throughout their lifespan. Designing to historic climate conditions is no longer sufficient. We must plan for the climate to come.
The conference will conclude with what promises to be a thought-provoking discussion featuring CIOB president Saul Humphrey, Julie Hirigoyen (non-exec Director, Willmott Dixon) and Cristina Gamboa (CEO, World Green Building Council), asking a fundamental question: Are we still designing and building for a climate that no longer exists, and what is the role of the industry in changing that?
For me, this question sits at the heart of the resilience challenge. One thing is certain: the construction industry has a critical role in protecting communities, economies, and ecosystems from the impacts of climate change.
I hope you’ll join us on 14 October as we explore what resilience looks like in practice and how we can work together to create a built environment that is ready for the challenges ahead. To register, visit Building Resilience: Construction in an uncertain world | CIOB
