Futurebuild 2025 took place from 4 to 6 March at the Excel in London.
The National Retrofit Conference opened with a keynote from Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh, Minister for Energy Consumers and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at DESNZ. She laid out the government’s strategy for tackling the retrofit of the UK’s ageing housing stock, and accelerating the path to net zero. Policy discussions also took place with thought leaders, policymakers and industry pioneers.
The Big Retrofit Challenge received 75 entries from across the sector. Seven finalists pitched live in front of an expert panel, with each securing direct meetings with contractors.
The Big Innovation Pitch, which was chaired by Dr Oliver Jones, also took place at the event. A statement said that four companies presented solutions in a “Dragon’s Den style” showdown. Agreka Build won with its WHEATEX product, a circular bio-based insulation board made from 100% waste wheat straw.
The Futurebuild Arena drove “critical conversations”, it noted, with each of its three daily themes tackling the industry’s most pressing challenges. Duncan Baker Brown and the Dr David Greenfield (Circular Economy Taskforce) delivered insights on how designers, manufacturers and policymakers can transform theory into practice.
Martin Hurn, event director at Futurebuild, said: “Futurebuild is not just a conversation—it’s action. For 20 years now, Futurebuild has been instrumental in making real progress, from groundbreaking innovations securing industry backing, to pioneering circularity solutions on the exhibition floor, and companies demonstrating tangible decarbonisation strategies.
“The challenge now is bringing more people on this journey. That’s why we call on the entire sector to connect, collaborate, and push forward together.”
