The first event will take place on Wednesday 24th January at Patina Edinburgh, in Edinburgh Park, bringing together expert speakers to network and explore the question: ‘What strategies can be employed to tackle the shortage of green skills in the built environment and construction sector?’.

A recent report by Skills Development Scotland, (SDS), the national skills body, highlights the scale and challenges ahead, stating that while £90 billion of investment in green industries across Scotland is predicted over the next three years – there is an urgent need to upskill and attract new talent to meet this demand.

The trio of esteemed speakers who will unpick this topic include Ian Stuart, educational support officer at East Lothian and Midlothian Council, who is leading the development of The Design Engineer Construct education pathway from primary school through to senior level qualification, focusing on infrastructure needs, the built environment, design and creative skills.

Deborah Mooney, consultant (partnerships) at Zero Waste Scotland, who works primarily in the education and skills sector, will discuss the work Zero Waste Scotland is doing to support retrofit in construction skills, upskilling Scotland’s labour force and the importance of the circular economy in Scotland’s transition to net zero.

The third speaker is Dougie Bell. Recently appointed MD of The Edinburgh Boiler Company, a Scottish heating and renewables specialist organisation, he will share insights into the work they are doing to upskill and bring new talent into their energy installation operations. He will also be examining some of the challenges the industry faces to transition to a renewable future.

Each month, Sustainabuild Scotland Breakfast Club will have a different focus and feature expert speakers who will lead the conversation on key sustainability topics including green skills, sustainable building materials, modern methods of construction, the role of renewables in the housing sector, and much more.

Matt Colgan, director for Sustainabuild Scotland, said: “We’re thrilled to have a great host of professionals already signed up to attend, from Scottish architects and interior designers to engineers and construction firms and timber frame manufacturers.

“Ian, Deborah and Dougie join us for what promises to be an inspiring networking and learning event. Scotland has an ambitious vision to be a leading nation on Net Zero and to do this, open and honest conversations need to be had to share best practices, overcome challenges, showcase success stories and find ways to improve. We’ve got a fantastic line-up of presenters from Scotland, and I look forward to kicking off this club on a topic of high importance to the green agenda – skills.”

The event will be hosted at Patina, an artisan bakery and restaurant with a dedicated event space at Edinburgh Park - and a proud partner of the Sustainabuild Breakfast Club. Patina is conveniently located close to major transport connections with Edinburgh Park Central tram stop right next to the building. Bus routes from the South Gyle hub offer city-wide access, connecting travellers as well as close links to the M8 and M9.

Book your place at the first Sustainabuild Breakfast Club here.