The academic wants to use his platform to put sustainability at the heart of construction’s agenda.
The Chartered Institute of Building has named professor of sustainable construction management at Anglia Ruskin University Saul Humphrey FCIOB as its vice-president for the 2024/25 term.
He will follow in the footsteps of current president Mike Kagioglou FCIOB and president-elect for 2025/26 Paul Gandy FCIOB by becoming president of the professional body in 2026.
Humphrey left school without A-level qualifications and joined the industry as an apprentice. He has hands-on experience in several roles within construction, rising to become a managing director and later returning to academic studies.
He gained a bachelor’s degree at Heriot-Watt University before studying for a PhD at Loughborough University.
Outside of work, Humphrey prioritises spending time with his wife and two grown-up children, is involved in various charitable organisations and enjoys skiing holidays when he finds the time.
Showcasing construction as part of the solution
Caroline Gumble, CIOB’s chief executive, said: “I was fortunate to spend time with Saul and some of his Anglia Ruskin University colleagues earlier this year, learning about the links between industry and academia in the region.
“While there, I heard him issue an impressive call to students to live their values and prioritise sustainability in construction. In addition, he is a longstanding member and a CIOB Award winner and I am in no doubt that his knowledge, experience and commitment will be of huge value to the CIOB community.
“I am looking forward to working with Saul as CIOB vice-president and then as the 123rd CIOB president, taking on that role in 2026.”
Humphrey said: “I’m very proud to have been asked to become the next vice-president of CIOB, an institution I am privileged to have been a fellow of for many years. I look forward to working closely with the senior leadership team over the coming years.
“I am also humbled at the opportunity to put sustainability at the heart of the construction agenda.”
Humphrey is keen to use this platform to work closely with the industry to showcase how construction can become part of the solution to the climate crisis.
He added: “During my career, I started to become more aware of the construction industry’s footprint,” he said. “The industry accounts for around 40% of global carbon emissions, so we’re a big part of pollution and a huge part of biodiversity loss.
“I soon realised the importance of environmental social governance and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which are of course a big focus for CIOB this next year.”
