Gen Z is beginning to form cohorts in our workplaces, education facilities, and governments. They are likely to feel the total force of climate change as it takes effect, but they are also the generation most likely to find solutions.
It is hugely significant that Gen Z is empowered to enact change within the built environment industry, even as they begin their careers. Sustainability may be a driving force behind much of their success in the coming years, so how are they facing the climate challenge head-on?
Explore this page to discover how Buro Happold is encouraging its younger community to spark conversation across the AEC industry, by networking with our clients and collaborators.
Now is the time to be ambitious…
In focus: Built Environment for the Future
Beginning in 2022, the Built Environment for the Future series was founded in collaboration with Allies and Morrison. The events bring together the NextGen cohort from across the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.
The cross-disciplinary network provides a place for young professionals to learn about and champion sustainability. Sessions have varied in focus and introduced a range of guest speakers to provide valuable insight into the climate conversation. Initially beginning with a sandbox session, the event has since focused on why we build, as well as looking at the development of resilient communities in the face of a climate emergency.
We believe that working together as an industry, over competition, is the most effective way of creating the monumental change that is needed to combat the climate crisis and social injustice in the built environment. In creating this young professionals group, we have a forum where we can share ideas, expertise and strive for a change in our day to day practices and campaign in the industry as a whole.
Vaishali Senthil – Sustainability and Physic Engineer, Co-Founder of Built Environment for the Future
In focus: Youth Climate Conference
In November 2021, in the wake of COP26, the Young Employees Forum in Bath invited over 60 local young professionals from 24 different companies to discuss what they are doing to combat climate change in the wake of COP26.
Since then, the Young Professionals Climate Conference has included discussion on how professionals can implement a positive change in their day-to-day roles and influence decision-makers.
The climate conference is an opportunity to commune with other members of the built environment community and be open and transparent about the concerns we have about the direction our industry is going.
Kai Chelliah, Graduate Structural Engineer and YEF Outreach Chair.
