Highlights of the CIOB calendar for the coming month.
Delivering Net Zero in Practice: Lakenheath School Site Visit – 7 May, 1pm-3pm, Suffolk
Join Concertus – Building Design + Property Consultants and Pentaco Construction for an exclusive site visit to Suffolk County Council’s first net zero school in Lakenheath.
This is a unique opportunity to experience the building firsthand and explore how net zero principles have been delivered in practice. Attendees will be guided through the completed school, with a focus on key design features, construction approaches and the technologies that enable its net zero performance.
The project team will share insights into the challenges encountered on site, how they were addressed during construction and the practical realities of delivering a net zero public-sector building.
The visit will offer valuable, real-world learning for anyone involved in sustainable design, construction or education projects, and provide inspiration for future net zero developments.
Contact: [email protected]
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Blending Heritage and Sustainability at Causeway Barns
14 May, 5pm-6pm, Felsted
Join us for a site visit to explore a development that combines the character of an ancient settlement with contemporary sustainable design.
The scheme presents a strong architectural identity rooted in traditional forms, while delivering modern environmental performance. This visit has been arranged with Rooff.
During the tour, we will review the clay block solid wall construction, designed to be both breathable and durable. The walls are finished with lime render externally and lime plaster internally to support moisture regulation, durability and internal comfort.
We will also look at the large-scale timber roof structures, informed by the historic Cressing Temple Barns. Finished with plain clay tiles, the roofs reinforce the traditional character of the scheme while using responsible, low-impact materials.
This visit offers an opportunity to examine the construction approach in detail, discuss key design decisions on site and gain practical insight into material performance and detailing.
Contact: [email protected]
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Northern Ireland Hub Annual Dinner 2026
15 May, 7pm-11.30pm, Hilton Hotel Belfast, Belfast
The CIOB Northern Ireland Hub is delighted to announce the 2026 Annual Dinner, taking place on Friday 15 May at the luxurious Hilton Hotel Belfast.
This prestigious event is widely regarded as the premier social and networking occasion in the Belfast construction industry calendar, attracting over 200 professionals for an evening of exceptional dining, fine wine, and great company.
The Annual Dinner offers an opportunity to connect with leaders and influencers across Northern Ireland’s construction sector, making it the perfect setting to strengthen relationships and entertain guests in a relaxed, social atmosphere.
The event will once again take place at Hilton Belfast, with Mark Simpson, BBC News presenter and correspondent, as our Master of Ceremonies, entertainment from comic performer May McFettridge and funds being raised for CIOB Assist.
Table of 10 costs £995, individual £100pp and concessions £65pp (retired and student members).
Sponsorship packages comprise Gold £1,950 (inc table of 10) and Silver £850 (inc two tickets).
Contact: [email protected]
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CIOB Talent Pipeline: Navigating the Student to Professional Transition
18 May, 2pm-4pm, Broadcasting Place Arts Building, G02, Leeds
This event will explore the student-to-professional journey particularly on how students and graduates transition into professional practice and progress toward chartership.
The senior leadership team from CIOB will be present, including CEO, Dr Victoria Hills, President, Paul Gandy, FCIOB, and senior vice president Saul Humphries, FCIOB CEnv. They will be joined by Dean of School of Built Environment, Professor Akintola Akintoye.
The sessions will bring together students, educators, industry representatives, and professional body leaders to examine both the opportunities and barriers that exist in the pathway from education to professional recognition.
Overall, the event aims to strengthen collaboration between education and industry, identify real challenges faced by students and graduates, and inform future initiatives that support the next generation of construction professionals.
Register online at CIOB Events
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Rise of the Robots in Construction
21 May, 6pm-8.30pm, Chancellors Building, Reading University, Reading
An interactive session including refreshments on arrival, a presentation focused on robotics from guest speaker Aron Kisdi at Unitree with demonstrations both inside and outside, along with a Q&A session. An event not to be missed.
Contact: [email protected]
