High-profile topics related to environmental and sustainability issues affecting the mineral extractives sector will be the focus of this year’s IQ and IAT Digital Approaching Net-Zero Conference.
The virtual conference, organised by the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) and Institute of Asphalt Technology (IAT), is dedicated to the latest thinking and advice covering a wide range of topics from climate change and biodiversity to sustainable procurement practices.
The event runs from 1-5 November, between 12.00-13.00, and each day will focus on a different theme and consist of two presentations from industry experts lasting 25 minutes.
Topics include: Climate change and the impact on the mineral products sector; Sustainable procurement; Technology driving sustainable processes; Alternative fuels and energy; and Natural resource management.
The conference will open with keynote speaker Kirsten Henson, director at KLH Sustainability, a sustainable built environment consultancy based in London. She has contributed to various masterplans, corporate strategies and research over her 20-year career, as well as implementing sustainability innovation on numerous award-winning projects including the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Centre for Sustainable Chemistry (University of Nottingham), innocent drinks’ net-zero factory, and St James’s Market (The Crown Estate).
Other confirmed speakers include Chris Read, supply chain management lead for the HS2 Project, EKFB JV; Alan LC Ferguson, materials advisor, Transport Scotland and Dr Nicholas White, principal advisor, Natural England.
James Thorne, IQ chief executive officer, says: “The fight against climate change is the topic of conversation right now, with the world’s leaders attending COP26 at the end of this month. The mineral extractives industry has much it can contribute to the Net Zero initiatives to tackle climate change, which will be highlighted and discussed at IQ and IAT Digital Approaching Net-Zero Conference. It’s a great opportunity to share knowledge and experiences relating to current affairs and we hope our members will sign up to join us.”
Professionals working in quarrying, asphalt and mineral products sectors are invited to the IQ and IAT Digital Approaching Net-Zero Conference, which will provide attendees with valuable continuing professional development (CPD).
The IQ’s website offers the latest information and event registration:https://www.quarrying.org/iq-and-iat-digital-conference-2021
