Building Better: What to expect at London Build 2026


Across the UK, education estates are facing a complex mix of challenges. Schools and colleges need to maintain and improve existing buildings, manage energy costs, meet evolving safety requirements and work towards ambitious sustainability targets, often while operating within tight budgets and continuing to serve their communities.


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hese issues will be explored at London Build 2026, taking place on 25-26 November at Excel London. Co-located with elementalLONDON, the event will bring together construction, design, building services, sustainability and infrastructure professionals, creating opportunities for those involved in education estates to explore practical solutions and share experience.


With 25,000+ attendees, 450+ exhibitors and 900+ speakers across 17 CPD-accredited conference stages, the event will cover many of the challenges currently influencing the design, construction, refurbishment and operation of buildings.


Improving the performance of existing buildings


For education estates, improving the performance of existing buildings is likely to remain a key priority. Older school buildings can present particular challenges, from inefficient heating and ventilation systems to fabric performance and the practicalities of carrying out work around occupied spaces.


This is where the co-location with elementalLONDON adds another dimension to the event. Dedicated content will explore HVAC, energy efficiency, retrofit and building performance, with the Climate Solutions Theatre examining technologies and strategies for creating more efficient and resilient buildings.


The Sustainability Arena, shared by London Build and elementalLONDON, will also explore the wider transition towards lower-carbon construction. Sessions including “Tackling Embodied Carbon in UK Construction” and “What’s in the UK Net Zero Building Standard?” will consider how sustainability can be embedded across projects, from design and specification through to construction and operation.


For those responsible for large education portfolios, these conversations provide an opportunity to explore approaches that


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can improve building performance while supporting longer-term carbon and energy goals.


Safety, technology and better decision- making


Safety and compliance will also be central to discussions at London Build. The Fire Safety Arena will bring together experts to examine the Building Safety Regime, firestopping, compliance and the practical challenges of delivering safer buildings.


Digital transformation provides another opportunity to improve how education estates are planned, delivered and managed. The AI & Digital Construction Arena will explore how artificial intelligence, data, digital twins and other technologies are being applied across the built environment.


Sessions including “Digital Transformation, AI & Data Reshaping the UK’s Real Estate” and “Driving UK Housing Delivery Through Digital Collaboration” will examine how digital tools can support more informed decision- making and greater efficiency across the project lifecycle. While the sessions cover the wider built environment, the principles are increasingly relevant to education clients managing complex estates and multiple projects.


Connecting the education estate supply chain


Beyond the conference programme, London Build and elementalLONDON will provide opportunities to discover products, technologies and services from 450+ exhibitors across the combined event.


Exhibitors include DUCO Ventilation, EnviroVent, Qvantum, Kidde Safety Group, Quelfire, ROCKWOOL, Siemens and Wavin, alongside hundreds of other manufacturers and suppliers. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the latest approaches to ventilation, heating, fire safety, insulation, building controls and wider building performance.


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For education professionals, this offers a chance to explore solutions spanning building materials, fire safety, HVAC, energy efficiency, digital construction and building services, while connecting directly with manufacturers, contractors, consultants and suppliers.


The Architect’s Hub will also showcase upcoming projects and innovations through a walk-through gallery, offering insight into the design approaches and developments shaping the wider built environment. Meanwhile, the Networking Hub will provide opportunities to meet industry peers, partners and organisations working across construction and design.


A practical opportunity for education estates


For those responsible for planning, maintaining or upgrading school buildings, London Build offers the opportunity to see how solutions are being applied across the built environment and take ideas back to their own estates. With CPD-accredited sessions, live demonstrations and networking opportunities, visitors can combine learning with practical discussions about their upcoming projects.


Shaping the future of education estates


With education estates under continued pressure to deliver safer, more efficient and more sustainable buildings, collaboration across the industry is increasingly important.


London Build 2026 and elementalLONDON will provide a platform for education professionals to learn from industry leaders, discover emerging technologies and connect with organisations working to address these challenges.


Taking place on 25-26 November at Excel London, free registration provides access to both events, including the full conference programme, exhibition and networking opportunities.


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