GROHE X Panel Talk
A planet in need – How to build for a sustainable tomorrow?
The construction industry finds itself at the centre of any discussion on sustainability for the simple reason that it accounts for around half of global resource extraction. Being such a big part of the problem makes it essential to any possible solution. Given the massive scale of the challenge it’s clear that change will have to be multi-faceted. Broadly speaking, designers and architects are going to have to expand their visions, suppliers and engineers will have to revolutionise materials and methods, and policy-makers will have responsibility for devising effective regulation and certification schemes.
For today’s talk we’ve gathered experts who are able to give informed views from all of these angles. Their experience in their various fields should allow them to construct a realistic picture of how buildings of the future will be imagined and created. It appears there will have to be a paradigm shift in the architecture and design sector, so how will that be realised? And will alternative construction methods and an emphasis on resource optimization and circularity achieve the savings that will be needed?
Gerhard Sturm
Leader, Commercial Development, LIXIL EMENA
Gerhard joined GROHE in 2016 as Chief Marketing Officer, having gained experience in the previous two decades in marketing and management roles for leading global brands. He is in charge of every aspect of GROHE’s marketing operation, from the product portfolio to sales operations. He is therefore a key stakeholder in driving forward the sustainable transformation of GROHE's portfolio.
Thomas Rau
Architect, founder of Turntoo
Amsterdam-based architect Thomas Rau has a reputation for bold thinking and innovation. He sees humanity as a temporary presence on our planet, but one which nonetheless should be facilitated through thoughtful design. Architecture for Thomas can be the interface between ourselves and the natural world we inhabit. He is at the forefront of the current debate around sustainability and renewables in architecture.
Anna-Vera Deinhammer
Head of International Affairs and Municipalities, OGNI
Dr Anna-Vera Deinhammer is an expert on green building and the circular economy. As Director for Circular Cities & Regions in the Circular Economy Forum Austria, as well as in her role at ÖGNI, the Austrian Sustainable Building Council, her work focuses on the creation of a healthy and liveable built environment. She is an adherent of the quadruple helix approach to planning and the environment, which combines the perspectives of business, science, civil society, and politics.
Paulina Bohdanowicz-Godfrey
Senior Director Energy and Environment – Europe, Middle East and Africa
Paulina Godfrey is “the E of the ESG” who drives a sustainable change across the teams in the Hilton EMEA hotels. She develops strategic sustainability plans, encourages responsible behaviours, and supports innovation for resource efficiency and self-sufficiency. Paulina drives alignment in the execution of Hilton ESG strategy, ensures transparency and governance in reporting and compliance, whilst providing value to all the share- and stake-holders and paving the way to net-zero. She is passionate about developing and motivating people so that every individual becomes an ambassador for sustainability. Paulina is the co-author of “Responsible Hospitality: Theory and practice”.
Yasmine Blair
Moderator
Yasmine was born in Los Angeles and moved to her mother’s home city of Vienna as a child. She began her TV career in 2006, moving to Berlin in 2009. She hosts a number of live shows and corporate programs, while also working as a translator and coach.