UK ESG Real Estate Conference 2025

Jonathan leads BGO’s European sustainable investing team covering both equity and debt and has 10 years’ professional experience. He started his career at Morgan Stanley as a stock covering Real Estate Research Analyst before moving into Morgan Stanley’s top-ranked Sustainability Research team. He then spent three years working as Associate Director, Sustainable Investment at Gresham House before moving to BGO in 2024. Jonathan holds a First Class degree in English Literature from the University of Bristol and is a CFA Charterholder.

Chris joined tp bennett in 2018 to head up our ambitious sustainability function: To support colleagues, clients and our sector in achieving a sustainable, healthy and equitable built environment, whilst optimising our own footprint and processes as a company. Chris’ role sits across our architecture, master planning, interior design and workplace consultancy functions. Managing tp bennett’s dedicated Sustainability Team and twenty-strong Sustainability Focus Group, he has implemented our unique Net Zero Carbon research and aligned tp bennett with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge as part of a ten-year plan. He also has a place on our Operations Board and takes an active part in our Wellbeing Group. As well as sharing his technical built environment experience, Chris’ early career was as a sustainability consultant, and thus he particularly enjoys helping clients devise and install their own sustainability strategies, and then producing designs which reflect and amplify these. Chris strongly considers that diverse and equitable workplaces and communities hold the key to tackling key issues such as climate change and land degradation. Chris’ approach to sustainable and healthy architecture targets high-performing building fabric, passive ventilation, maximised on-site renewables and biodiversity gains, whilst using interior design principles to hardwire out poor practices and to influence sustainable and healthy behaviours. However, Chris’ main passion is the provenance of the materials that we specify, and that our clients and communities use - and ensuring that these are environmentally and socially responsible. In this way, Chris works closely with our supply chains and designers to achieve this and believes that clear communications on materiality helps create a sustainable culture.

Bozena Jankowska is a Managing Director and the Global Head of Responsible Investment at Slate Asset Management. She leads the development and execution of the firm’s global responsible investment strategy, embedding responsible investment principles across investment processes and portfolio management. With over two decades of experience, Bozena has worked at the intersection of investment and sustainability, driving the integration of responsible investment practices into mainstream decision-making. Her work enables the firm to identify long-term value creation opportunities, manage material risks, and align with sustainable outcomes. She started her career as a Business and Environmental Consultant at Laing Technology Group before joining Allianz Global Investors (AGI) as Team Head of Sustainability Research in 2000. While at AGI, Bozena led the push for sustainability within the finance industry well before it was mainstream. She designed, managed and marketed the Allianz Global Investors clean technology fund – Global Ecotrends – which grew from $10 million in seed funding to $1 billion in AUM and became a global franchise for the firm.

Richard oversees the sustainability platform across the European region. He develops and coordinates the integration of sustainability strategy across the investment management process and advises fund and asset management teams on managing sustainability risks and capitalising on opportunities within their portfolios. Richard is also a member of Nuveen Real Estate’s Investment Committee. As part of the Strategic Insights team, Richard works alongside the organisation’s global research, proptech and innovation functions. His role includes driving Nuveen Real Estate’s tomorrow’s world strategy which helps future proof the investment strategy in light of global megatrends and integrates sustainability across fund and asset management. Since joining the firm in 2015, Richard has supported the organisation setting a target to achieve net zero carbon by 2040. Prior to joining Nuveen Real Estate, Richard was at Land Securities, responsible for energy management across office, retail and leisure portfolios. Prior to that, he was at the Institute for Sustainability where he managed a European-wide Responsible Property Investment programme.

Huw is a Chartered Environmental and Sustainability professional with 14 years’ experience working in the built environment, transport infrastructure and construction sectors. Having joined leading building consultancy, Jones Hargreaves in 2022 to establish the ESG service offering, as Partner and Head of ESG he is responsible for the day to day running of the ESG, Sustainability, Environmental and Energy services that the business now offers its commercial property clients. His role involves working alongside and advising investors, funders, asset managers and developers on delivering asset-specific and portfolio-level ESG and Sustainability strategies to deliver more efficient, resilient, sustainable and commercially viable assets.

Chris heads Trowers' Energy and Sustainability team, and advises on a range of energy related projects - including district heating/cooling, energy supply/connections and renewable energy. He also advises on wider energy efficiency and retro-fit projects, including large-scale financed energy performance contracts and demand-side management initiatives. Chris specialises in the procurement and structuring of district utilities, including heating and cooling, electricity and water connections and associated infrastructure. He works closely with procurement and real estate teams to develop sustainable business models (with particular focus on energy tariffs and cost recovery), guiding clients through risk review and risk management exercises. Chris also leads on the drafting and negotiation of effective contract documents - including concession agreements, operation and maintenance agreements, outsourced services (including billing and administration), feedstock/off-take agreements and domestic/commercial energy supply agreements."

Having worked on Battersea Power Station for over 17 years, and a Battersea resident herself, Sarah Banham oversees the project’s community and sustainability programmes, and has an extensive knowledge of the landmark’s rich history. Within her role, Sarah ensures the project has meaningful and positive impacts within the wider community, focused on placemaking as a means to ensure that the new Battersea Power Station town centre is an integrated part of the London Borough of Wandsworth.

Jamie joined Related Argent in 2023 as Sustainability Director and is responsible for environmental, social and governance (ESG) across all its projects. He is particularly focused on helping Brent Cross Town become a net zero town by 2030 and King’s Cross to become net zero carbon by 2035. A Chartered Environmentalist and Full Member of IEMA with more than 20 years’ experience, Jamie is experienced in developing partnerships with industry, academia and third sector organisations to achieve key ESG goals. Before joining Related Argent, Jamie held leadership roles at multinational organisations including EQUANS, ENGIE, Cofely GDF-SUEZ and Balfour Beatty, implementing ESG programmes across the built environment sector. He is the former Chairperson of Our Park Life Community Interest Company on The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and is a current Board member of Urban Partners at King’s Cross.

Ceylan Belek Ombregt is a practicing registered Landscape Architect in the United Kingdom, the United States and Turkey, as well as a researcher and a lecturer with more than twenty years of international experience. She resides in London and is a Partner and practice manager of Martha Schwartz Partners (MSP) London office. At MSP, she led internationally published projects such as the Beiqijia Technology Business District in Beijing and the Moscow Children’s Route in Russia. She previously worked at internationally awarded firm OLIN in Philadelphia, where she worked on many projects ranging from institutional master plans to urban parks and residential projects to design competitions. She also worked as a Consultant Landscape Architect for several nationally recognized urban planning and urban design firms in Istanbul, as well as for Istanbul Municipality’s Urban Design Department. Ms. Ombregt graduated from Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)’s Master’s Program in Landscape Architecture, Istanbul Technical University (ITU)’s MSc Program in Landscape Planning, and University of Istanbul’s Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Program. She also holds an MBA Essentials Certificate in Accounting and Business/Management from London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Her research interests are climate change, ecological issues in regard to urban landscapes and interdisciplinary practice. Ms. Ombregt also taught the graduate studio modules and led the Master’s Programme in Landscape Architecture and Garden Design at the Writtle School of Design, in the UK. Ms. Ombregt has published articles, interviews and presented in several international conferences. She sat on place review panel as a guest panelist for Croydon Council and for design reviews for the UCL Barlett School of Design, University of East London, RISD, ITU, Writtle and Greenwich University. In 2019, she was elected as the Member of PRG (Professional Review Group) at the Bartlett School of Architecture UCL Faculty of the Built Environment Landscape Architecture MA/MLA Program.

Richard is the CEO of M3 Consulting. Since joining in 2006, he has led large-scale projects for institutional clients and landowners, championing sustainable design and socially responsible strategies. He brings extensive experience delivering complex schemes, tall buildings, and masterplans across commercial, residential, and mixed-use sectors, with a focus on Central London.

Marianne, a partner based in London, specialises in non-contentious construction law in our Construction team, with particular experience in urban regeneration and complex real estate development, acting for leading property developers, funders, and major corporate occupiers. In her decades long career, Marianne has advised on some of the most iconic buildings in London including Battersea Power Station, the Shard, and Canary Wharf estate, and currently is advising on several sustainable retrofit projects in London for clients such as Helical PLC, Art Invest and JP Morgan Asset Management. She established and currently heads the firm's Real Estate Development Interest Group (Re-DIG), which focuses on the real estate development sector. Marianne is recognised by Legal 500 as a Leading Partner and has also been acknowledged by Chambers and Partners for her expertise in non-contentious construction, reflecting her high standing in the field. Marianne was also featured in "The Lawyer" Hot 100, 2020. Marianne is a regular speaker at client seminars and a contributor to industry publications, as well as LinkedIn vlogs and blogs, demonstrating her expertise and thought leadership in construction law and real estate development. "Her ability to distill her years of experience and give us an understanding of risks is first-class." Client Quote – Chambers and Partners, 2025

Rob has over 30 years’ experience in the real estate industry and is one of the co-founders of Clearbell Capital. As Managing Partner, he is responsible for developing new business and deal origination. Rob is a member of the Investment Committee and also chairs the ESG Committee. Rob previously founded Hawthorne West in 2006. He also worked as an investment broker at Nelson Bakewell Ltd (now Capita), as a founding partner of SG Commercial LLP and at niche London advisors Daniel Watney LLP. Outside of Clearbell, Rob serves on the Court of the Clothworkers’ Livery Company, with a focus on the Company’s London property portfolio.

Laura Thrower is a Senior Responsible Property Investment Analyst at Royal London Asset Management. She leads the delivery and implementation of their Net Zero Carbon Pathway, spearheading initiatives to fulfil RLAM’s net zero ambitions and developing ESG-specific strategies. Laura is responsible for executing and implementing RLAM’s responsible property investment strategy and workstreams across all stages of the property lifecycle, including acquisitions, asset management, and development activities. Laura holds an MSc in Climate Change from UCL and a CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing.

BIO: Pierre-Etienne holds a master’s degree in civil engineering and an MSc in International Finance. He started his career in the Real Estate Acquisition team at Blackstone where he worked on Hospitality, Logistics and Residential acquisitions across Europe. His interest in complex single asset repositioning and strong desire to be part of the urban development process of European Capitals led him to join Oxford Properties Development Team in June 2020. Since then, Pierre-Etienne has been an active member of the EU Life Science & Office Team working on the acquisition and execution of Victoria House, a 300,000 SF office to Life Science conversation project and Cambridge Science Park Unit 310, a 50,000 SF Life Science asset located in the north of Cambridge, leased to Astra Zeneca till end of 2024 and now undergoing refurbishment.

Chris Wright leads Avison Young’s sustainability strategy, helping clients transition to a low-carbon future through an output-oriented approach that delivers cost-effective solutions to complex sustainability and decarbonisation challenges. Before joining Avison Young, Chris was Head of Energy and Engineering at Tesco Group, where he oversaw a broad portfolio including Engineering Design, Energy, Petroleum Engineering, Automation, Project Delivery, Building Surveying, and Structural Engineering. His remit spanned energy and decarbonisation across 5,000 stores, distribution centres, and offices in five countries. During his time at Tesco, Chris achieved several notable milestones: Reduced energy consumption by 18% over three years, in a business that consumed 1% of the UK’s National Grid power. Developed a funded roadmap to meet Tesco’s 2035 Scope 1 and 2 decarbonisation targets. Piloted and scaled technical solutions to decarbonise 100 stores and distribution centres. Initiated a plan to install on-site solar across 100 sites over three years. Chris brings deep technical expertise and strategic insight to his role, driving impactful change in the built environment and supporting clients on their journey to net zero.

Mark Faithfull is the Dublin correspondent for Bisnow and a real estate and retail specialist, editing and contributing to international publications including Forbes, The Economist, MIPIM News, MAPIC News, World Retail Congress and the Forbes 30 under 30 Europe. He covers trends in retail and property and regularly speaks and moderates at events around Europe.

Helena is a Senior Development Director for projects in design, pre-development and delivery. She’s passionate about delivering the best buildings that address the surrounding space to create thriving places. She began as chartered quantity surveyor and then turned her hand to design and delivery, working extensively within retail and large mixed-use developments. Helena is currently working on 1 Victoria Street, an office development right in the heart of Westminster.

Damien Sharkey is HUB’s Managing Director. Damien is keenly involved in all aspects of the HUB business, leading the development process from acquisition and funding through design, consultation, planning, procurement, delivery through to completion. An architect by background, Damien remains passionate about design and ensures maximum value through thoughtful design, technical accuracy and efficient delivery for all of HUB’s portfolio. His agile thinking and proclivity for problem solving allow him to develop the HUB direction, structure deals and lead a fantastic team.

Jamie Firman is Head of Sustainability and Environmental at Oktra, leading the company’s strategy to drive measurable environmental and social impact across the commercial real estate sector. With 17 years’ experience in construction and a specialist focus on sustainability, Jamie works closely with landlords and occupiers to embed sustainability from project inception — aligning design, fit out, and operational strategies with ESG objectives. He is passionate about advancing circular economy practices, innovative design and carbon reduction within the built environment. Jamie holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business from the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and is committed to driving positive, industry-wide change.

Philippa is a Sustainability Director at Buro Happold, working with clients to support the implementation of ESG in their organisations and property development portfolios. Philippa firmly believes in the values of sustainable integrated design and team collaboration and has a passion to ensure that buildings are having a positive impact on the climate. She has a background in Building Surveying and the Environment with a broad experience of applying environmental (and wellbeing) assessment mechanisms and developing bespoke frameworks and Net Zero strategies for portfolios and high performance buildings in the UK.

Tom Ascough is a patented inventor and the CEO of Symphony Energy, a pioneering climate technology company accelerating the Zero Carbon Transition in the commercial built environment. With offices in the US, Ireland, and the UK, Symphony is redefining how buildings perform, combining intelligent automation with sustainability-first engineering. Under Tom’s leadership, Symphony Energy has delivered what many thought impossible: the only technology on the market capable of achieving 2050 carbon targets decades ahead of schedule.

Matthew has nearly 20 years’ experience advising on major construction and development projects in the office, logistics, residential, retail sectors across London and the UK. He focuses on non-contentious construction law, acting for employers, developers, investors and lenders in the drafting and negotiation of all forms of construction documentation including building contracts, consultancy agreements, collateral warranties, third party rights, performance bond and guarantees. He provides advice on procurement routes and the inter-relationship between construction documentation and property documentation required for large scale development projects. He also has a strong interest in sustainable development.

Luke is an architect and partner at Studio PDP, he qualified as a Passivhaus Consultant in 2012 and has a passion for creating lasting, sustainable, low carbon buildings. With an in-depth understanding of building performance, his breadth of knowledge both informs his own project work and provides additional expertise across all work in the practice. With experience on a range of heritage buildings, Luke was team lead for the large-scale, Grade I listed residential development, Regent’s Crescent and the Grade II listed workplace retrofit of Eighty Strand (formerly Shell-Mex House). Recently completed is Claridge House, an adaptive reuse retrofit of a 1920s mansion block which is designed to achieve net-zero carbon ‘in use’. Luke is currently working on a large workplace retrofit in the City of London.

Rob Smith is co-founder and Managing Director of Material Index, a reclaim material marketplace and digital audit platform. Material Index provides circular economy services including pre-demolition audits, material passports, and material exchange. Rob is a chartered engineer with 10 years in technical, operations and project leadership and 8 years in property development.

Morgan Lewis is CEO of Material Index, a reclaim material marketplace and digital audit platform. Material Index provides circular economy services such as pre-demolition audits, material passports and material exchange. Morgan is an architect by background with 15 years experience in design, development and construction technology. He studied at the University of Cambridge and Cooper Union, NYC.