Overview
Join Equans UK & Ireland and the IWFM Sustainability Special Interest Group (SIG) for a pivotal event focusing on sustainability within the workplace and facilities management (WFM) sector.
This gathering seeks to deliver a wealth of benefits for attendees, including actionable insights into cutting-edge sustainability practices and strategies. Expert panels will dissect the complexities of government and public sector requirements, offering clarity and practical guidance.
Discussions will spotlight real-world examples of successful sustainability initiatives, providing a blueprint for attendees to implement within their own organisations. Beyond the informative sessions, the event will serve as a prime networking opportunity, fostering collaboration and innovation among industry professionals committed to driving sustainability forward in WFM.
Key topics:
- Regulatory changes
- Market expectations
- Well-being
- Social value
- Decarbonisation
Key takeaways
The event is designed to offer attendees:
- A deeper understanding and increased awareness of the key findings from the 2024 Sustainability Survey
- Insight into the broader context and complexity of the challenges highlighted in the survey
- Practical takeaways that can be applied in real-world scenarios
- A valuable opportunity to connect and network with peers
Refreshments and nibbles will be provided.
Agenda
- 14:00 – Arrival
- 14:15 - Introduction – IWFM Sustainability SIG
- 14:30 - Presentation ‘Key issues from the IWFM Sustainability Survey’ followed by a panel session & Q&A with practical take aways
- 15:20 - Case studies on social value – Equans and IWFM
- 15:30 – Break
- 15:40 – Presentation ‘Regulatory changes and shifting expectations and how to prepare for them in an uncertain world’ followed by a panel session & Q&A
- 16:25 - Close and thanks
- 16:30 - Networking
- 18:00 - Event close
Sponsors
Equans
Speakers
Melissa Gilbert
In her role at IWFM, Melissa contributes to efforts that drive insights and transformation within the profession.
Before joining IWFM, Melissa accumulated over 15 years of experience at a market research fieldwork agency, where she gained valuable expertise in data and analysis and managed a diverse array of projects for public and private sector clients, both in the UK and internationally.
Melissa also has a background as an analyst with corporate and consultancy experience, having worked at Scottish Power and Wood Mackenzie.
Andrew Gladstone-Heighton
Andrew is an experienced policy analyst with over a decade's experience of working in the post 14 education sector, devolved government & membership organisation in the built environment and environmental services.
He has an awarding body and policy professional background with a Bachelor's Degree focused in Political Science and Government from Newcastle University.
He is also chair of a primary school board of governors. In his spare time, he is an artist, musician & occasional essayist.
Amelle Mestari
Amelle is the Procurement & CSR Director for the Sustainable Facilities Management division at Equans UK & Ireland, heading up the respective Procurement and CSR teams. With more than 25 years of experience in the built environment, she has played a pivotal role in advancing major initiatives, including the digitalisation of procurement to improve efficiency, transparency, and collaboration. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to leveraging procurement and CSR not just as value-driving functions, but as vital mechanisms for delivering social and environmental responsibility in response to global challenges.
Amelle co-chairs WOMEN Together, Equans' women’s network, and contributes actively to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Passionate about mentoring, she empowers individuals from underrepresented backgrounds while promoting innovation and excellence. As a transformational leader, Amelle champions early engagement with supply chains and cross-industry collaboration, particularly around tackling scope 3 emissions, and is committed to developing future leaders who will drive sustainable change within and beyond Equans.
Sunil Shah
Sunil is the founder of Acclaro Advisory, which provides policy, corporate and project support across a wide range of sustainability issues affecting organisations. With 25 years of experience within the built environment, he is uniquely experienced throughout the lifecycle of developments, delivering sustainability solutions at the design, planning and operational stages.
Kam Singh
Kam oversees carbon management, sustainability, social value, and equality, diversity and inclusivity for EMCOR UK and its clients. Key objectives for Kam include leading the ESG strategy, monitoring and reporting ESG metrics, and advising clients on ESG reporting requirements.
Kam, a chartered engineer and MBA-qualified executive with more than 30 years of experience, joined EMCOR UK in 2022 as director of carbon solutions. He has been leading EMCOR UK’s Carbon Transformation service. Kam stated that the ESG role demonstrates EMCOR UK’s commitment to creating a better work environment and engaging with global trends.