Futureproof Nottingham - Sustainable Future Forum 2026
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
What is Futureproof?
FUTUREPROOF is a new sustainable future forum designed to bring together business leaders, policymakers, innovators, investors, and communities to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, fairer economy.
The forum is built around seven core themes shaping the transition. These include Greener Travel, Greener Energy, Becoming Greener as organisations, Greener Cities, Greener Buildings, Greener Mindsets, and Greener Finance. Together, these themes reflect the interconnected systems that will define how we design, build, fund, and live in a more sustainable future.
The day began with a welcoming talk from Scott Somerville, Director of External Affairs and E.ON UK. Scott talked about how E.ON is working towards making energy more affordable and sustainable across homes, businesses and communities.
"Sustainability is not a single action but a way of thinking, a way of being, and a way of working together."
Christina Figueres, former Executive Secretary of the UNFCC
(The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change)
I particularly liked this quote shared by Fran Price, Director at Cartwright. Fran discussed how organisations can make sustainability a part of their culture and therefore, these decisions become part of the companies natural choices. If business owners can make sustainability an easy option then it increases the likelihood of company wide buy in.
Step Fusion
Dr James Cowan from Step Fusion presented some incredibly exciting insights into how Fusion power is developing and the goals set for their working prototype plant.
Step Fusion is the UK's flagship programmes to design and build a prototype plant by 2040. The important part of this mission is unlocking the commercial element, this will allow a safe, low-carbon, sustainable energy source that has potential to transform global energy systems.
Paris puts nature at the heart of the city
If Paris can, we can too. Sharing one of my favourite success stories, Paul Wilkinson of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust discussed the amazing transformation of Paris, France. Paul and the team visited Paris to understand what's possible and how this can be applied to the Nottinghamshire area.
Paris has made a conscious effort to increase the air quality and to transform the city. The removal of around 500 city roads, replaced with pedestrian zones and filled with nature, increasing the biodiversity, nature and air quality for residents. Added to that an increase in parking charges and additional fees for large SUV vehicles.
An additional focus area is on city centre schools, ensuring the air quality is improved as much as possible surrounding these hubs of children's education.
The Circular Economy
Hearing from a panel of experts I was particularly interested to hear from Tristan Hessing of Future Makers. Future Makers are transforming plastic waste into beautiful lasting assets, helping businesses to 'close the loop'.
Working with local businesses who have a current waste stream of plastic, Future Makers help to create a considered and creative approach on how best to re-purpose that waste into something new, valuable and long lasting. For example, taking used event / trade stand carpet waste and creating a beautiful table and chair set.
It was a day full of inspiring speakers and it's great to hear there is so much happening in the East Midlands region.
It’ll be exciting to see how the ideas shared during the event translate into new projects and partnerships. I’m already looking forward to the next one!
