Space Group’s annual _shift conference returned to Newcastle University’s Henry Daysh Building on the 5th of November 2025. The sold-out event brought together a host of in-person and virtual attendees for a full day of networking and inspiring discussions. This year, the ambition remained the same: to perpetuate momentum towards decarbonising the built environment, a feat that can only be achieved through collective determination. Each year, _shift generates an unmistakable sense of energy and optimism, as attendees and speakers connect through a shared purpose to create meaningful change.

Now in its fourth year, _shift has become one of the North East’s most anticipated climate events, a place where architects, manufacturers, educators, local authorities and innovators come together to share ideas, challenge conventions, and spark action. The conversation reaches far beyond the built environment, connecting people from across sectors who recognise that collaboration is essential to tackling the climate crisis.

_shift 2025 was kicked off with a brief introduction from Rob Charlton, CEO of Space Group, who emphasised the urgency of the environmental challenges we face, while demonstrating the positive steps that are being taken, both within the regional community and on a global scale.

Next to take the stage was Chris Hines MBE, Founder of ‘A Grain of Sand’ and returning chair for _shift. This year, he took on an additional role, delivering the first talk of the day at the request of attendees from last year’s event who had wanted to hear more from him directly. In his talk, Hines reflected on the legacy of Surfers Against Sewage, the campaign group that fought for cleaner oceans in the 1990s. Hines alluded to the vast landscape of the climate crisis, citing research that shows 89% of people believe it is the most important issue their government should be doing more to address. Engaging and forthcoming with his opinions, Hines was a brilliant opening speaker, setting the tone for the day and planting early seeds for later discussions on policy.

Next, Hines introduced _shift 2025’s first keynote speaker, climate activist Clover Hogan. Hogan was an exceptionally well-received headliner, known for her work on climate anxiety, her inclusion in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and her conversations with leading figures such as the late Jane Goodall, and Vandana Shiva. During her bespoke, reflective talk, titled The World We Build, she delved into the many nuances of tackling the climate crisis from within the built environment, sharing her unique perspective as an ‘outsider’ to the industry. Hogan encouraged designing for resilience, viewing the climate emergency as an opportunity for regeneration and a reawakening of possibility against a backdrop of political upheaval and environmental strain. Hogan’s ability to eloquently address complex climate issues and solutions, both in her presentation and the following question segment, impressed and invigorated the _shift audience.

Up next was Gareth Kane, net zero expert, strategic adviser, author, and podcaster, with his talk Can Local Power Deliver Better Policy? Kane’s talk addressed his long-held concerns about the centralisation of policy in the UK, and the best solutions for making policy ‘faster.’ With a humorous reference to pavement parking as an example of how individuals struggle to influence regulatory change without Westminster approval, Kane shed light on a crucial problem. His key takeaways emphasised the importance of dismantling hierarchical barriers and working collectively from the grassroots to prompt positive change on a local scale.

Afterwards, Jillian Hardie, Director of Arup, discussed the role of retrofitting and regenerative buildings in spearheading sustainability in the design and construction industry. Her comprehensive insights into the necessary frameworks and action plans needed to enforce decarbonisation were especially valuable.

Following Hardie’s talk, the morning session drew to a close with a panel discussion on policy, titled Action by Design: How Policy Can Accelerate Change. Hosted by Hines, the panel featured Kane, Hardie and Rory Keenan of ACAN! (Architects Climate Action Network). This debate examined the role of policy in the decarbonisation of the industry, considering the uses and threats of unregulated technologies while highlighting practical solutions that can protect existing structures and support more decentralised decision-making.

Following a break for lunch and networking, _shift 2025’s second keynote speaker, award-winning BBC journalist and eco-adventurer Andy Pag, was up next. He began his talk by recounting how he rescued a school bus from a scrapyard and converted it to run on cooking oil, using it to travel around the world. From driving a chocolate-powered vehicle to Timbuktu to organising the Grease to Greece eco-rally, fueled entirely by biofuels, Pag has continually tested possibilities and proven time and time again how far optimism and willpower can take you (halfway across the world). His journey was one of resilience and determination, showing how patience and innovation can transform an ambition into a reality — something that can certainly be applied to the decarbonisation of the built environment.

Following this, SPACE Architect’s newly appointed Head of Research, Catherine Sinclair, presented her D-CARB tool, co-created during her Knowledge Transfer Partnership between SPACE and Northumbria University. The open-access tool, which officially launched on the day of _shift, enables designers and architects to assess the whole life carbon of their projects at the earliest stage. A game-changer for sustainable design, Sinclair’s work has earned her RIBA Rising Star recognition and, more recently, the G4C Future Leader award at the national Constructing Excellence Awards.

Adding a natural building perspective to the conversation, Barbara Jones, builder, designer, trainer, and founder of the School of Natural Building, delivered her spirited talk, titled Nothing New Under the Sun? Modern Straw Building and Barriers to Uptake, which showcased the durability and reliability of straw as a sustainable building material. Sharing the many benefits of natural buildings, from increased indoor air quality to thermal storage and sound insulation, Jones’s passion for straw building, alongside her refusal to yield to industry cynicism, was evident. As a pioneering woman in sustainable construction, Jones has taken bold steps and made lasting contributions to advance the understanding of straw-bale building, valiantly taking it upon herself to educate and train the next generation.

The _shift 2025 conference concluded with the second panel discussion, Material Innovation: Rethinking Resources for a Low-Carbon Future, where Chris Hines was joined on stage by Sinclair, Jones, Morgan Lewis of Material Index and Professor Neil Beattie of Northumbria University. Material Index, which enables large-scale material reuse through digital audits and a marketplace for reclaimed components, added a compelling dimension to the debate. The discussion surmounted any hint of an afternoon lull, re-energising the room with ideas and enthusiasm as panellists explored how materials, from photovoltaic systems to reclaimed fabrics, can become agents of sustainability rather than afterthoughts. Closing the session, each speaker reflected on how they face criticism with curiosity, dismantling scepticism so that innovation can move freely into the mainstream.

Rob Charlton, CEO of Space Group, brought the event to a close with a reflective overview, offering heartfelt thanks to the attendees, speakers and individuals who helped make the day possible, including recognition for the support of the BeaconHouse Events team. Taking a moment to reflect on the abundance of insightful topics that had been touched on throughout the day, Charlton alluded to the changing attitudes within the built environment and the general positivity of this year’s _shift conference, which rightfully addressed concerns, but provided inspiration and hope for the future of the industry, and the role it has to play in decarbonisation.

Those who attended this year’s event sang its praises, with attendees commenting, “It’s events like this that remind us how much opportunity there is to innovate, collaborate and create a more sustainable future,” and “Four years in and it just keeps getting better.”

As with every year, _shift remained accessible to all through its global livestream, reflecting Space Group’s commitment to shared learning. The conversation continues through recorded sessions, behind-the-scenes interviews, and podcast episodes hosted by SPACE Architect’s Jade Atkins, keeping the dialogue alive long after the day itself.