Q&A with Pete Swift, Managing Director, Planit
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Why is it important that the UK’s property, planning and sustainability sectors come together at FOOTPRINT+?
FOOTPRINT+ is the only ‘gathering’ for me that genuinely looks deeply at the challenges we are facing today and for the generations ahead of us, with depth and systems-thinking. As a result, rather than panels paying lip service to deep and complex issues, you can explore both the challenges and the solutions in a synergistic way.
If we are going to make the positive impacts we need, quickly, then it is vital to bring together those at the forefront, alongside others who are keen to learn from the experts.
The other key voice in the room is that of the public sector – at local, regional, and national levels. Looking at Biodiversity Net Gain or Active Travel without those who are vital to place-stewardship.
What did you hear about / experience at our last year’s event which has made you want to come back?
I had a ‘year off’ in 2023 and regretted it! Planit were part of the inaugural year down in Brighton and we chaired a session on the great work being done in Leeds by the City Council and their partners.
One of the reasons for a fallow year was trying to move on Planit’s Regenerative Practice studio and programme, led by our colleague Ben Webb. We realised that whilst there are some pioneers out there (most of whom will be at Footprint+), we need to inform, upskill and empower our team to drive the practice’s regenerative mission.
Returning this year gives us the opportunity to share what we have learnt so far; meet up with our generous collaborators and in turn help clarify the need to move beyond sustainable – to repair the mess we are in, rather than simply not making it any worse.
When you attend FOOTPRINT+ in May 2024 what will you be sharing with conference delegates, policy makers, your partners, and your industry peers?
I’m chairing a session on Biodiversity and Community on Thursday. The focus isn’t directly around BNG or the Environment Act, but rather the critical role communities can play in the delivery of the outcomes; the value of ‘Citizen Science’ and how to grow the UK’s biggest Urban Horticulture project through volunteers.
What are you looking to get out of the FOOTPRINT+ event?
To continue learning from the best; to catch up with old friends and meet some new.