The Cities of Tomorrow - Featuring EDHEC’s Centre for Net Positive Business and Expert Panel

2025-12-02T18:30:00+00:00

2025-12-02T22:00:00+00:00

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The Cities of TomorrowTuesday 2 December | 6.30pm UK time | Institut Français, LondonAfter the success of previous events on food security, biodiversity, and the role of AI in driving a greener future, the EDHEC Alumni UK Board’s “Make an Impact for Good” sustainability programme, held in partnership with the French Embassy in the UK and France Alumni, is delighted to collaborate with the EDHEC Centre for Net Positive Business to present another insightful conference on the inspiring theme of “The Cities of Tomorrow.” This event will showcase cutting-edge research from EDHEC Centre for Net Positive Business and feature a panel of expert speakers exploring how new business models can accelerate the transition to regenerative cities.Join us on 2 December at the Institut Français for a unique opportunity to:Hear the latest research from the EDHEC Centre for Net Positive Business Explore leading use cases from Germany and Switzerland with direct relevance for LondonGain diverse perspectives from a corporation, a public authority, an investor and a start-up on the regenerative built environmentNetwork with senior sustainability professionals from across multiple sectorsAGENDA6.30PM: Registrations7.00 PM: Welcome remarks by the French Embassy in the UK & EDHEC Alumni UK 7.05PM: Keynote from EDHEC’s Centre for Net Positive Business EDHEC Professor, René Rohrbeck will open the event by introducing catalytic business models and explaining why they are essential to fast-tracking the transition towards regenerative cities, illustrated through cases such as Enpal, district cooling in Geneva, and low-carbon transport.7.10 PM: Engagement with the Audience 7.20 PM: Panel discussion8.10 PM: Q&A 8.30 PM: Networking drinks10.00PM: End of the eventSPEAKERS     Prof. René RohrbeckProfessor of Strategy and Foresight, EDHEC Business SchoolDirector, EDHEC Centre for Net Positive BusinessRené Rohrbeck’s research focuses on strategic foresight, innovation, and sustainable business model transformation, with flagship programs on regenerative built environments and healthy nutrition. A frequent speaker at global forums such as the World Economic Forum, he is widely published on future preparedness and catalytic business models.Frédéric GalTechnical Director, Sustainable Development & Industrialisation, Bouygues UK Frédéric Gal leads innovation in sustainable construction and digital transformation at Bouygues UK. With over 19 years of experience within the Bouygues Construction Group, he has played a pivotal role in integrating sustainable practices, digital project management, and industrialised construction methods. Previously, he has served as Project Director at Bouygues Construction, where he lead the creation of digital project platforms, optimising design and construction processes. As Director of Engineering at Bouygues Bâtiment Île-de-France, he managed teams across methods, cost estimation, sustainability, and structural design, overseeing large-scale public projects. A specialist in sustainable construction, he has driven carbon reporting initiatives, corporate social responsibility strategies, and innovative training programmes. Passionate about advancing digital construction and modular solutions, he works with our UK teams to ensure efficiency, sustainability, and innovation across projects. Emma BushellAssistant Director for Energy and Sustainability, The City of London CorporationEmma Bushell is the Assistant Director for Energy and Sustainability at the City of London Corporation leading a programme of works to deliver the Corporation’s target of Net Zero in its operations by 2027. Her team are currently delivering £15M worth of energy projects across the Corporation’s estate, including Mansion House, the Guildhall and the Barbican. They manage energy contracts, a pioneering 50MW Power Purchase Agreement, and lead on the development of heat networks within the square mile. With 20 years’ experience in sustainability in the built environment she has previously led on energy and sustainability for Southern Housing Group where she developed a Retrofit Strategy. At Lewisham Council she delivered a £4M Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme project to drive down energy use across seven corporate sites and led on the initial development of a strategic district heat network. Alexander PicavetCo founder, RecyNext (EDHEC Alumni 1996) Alexander Picavet is an engineer from IMT Nord Europe and holds an MBA from EDHEC Business School (1996). He is Co-Founder of RecyNext, an industrial CleanTech start up (EDHEC Station F incubator) developing modular recycling and circular economy solutions for sustainable cities, and serves as Secretary General of EDHEC Alumni. With over 25 years of experience in strategy, transformation, and operational excellence, Alexander has advised leading organisations as a Strategy and Transformation Advisor and board member. His career spans leadership roles in consulting at Oliver Wyman and entrepreneurial success as co-founder of MECATUBE, a European industrial services company in the recycling sector.Samy HamdanReal Estate Investment ManagerWith over a decade of experience investing across the capital stack (debt and equity) and managing real estate portfolios within banks, investment funds, and pension institutions, Samy Hamdan brings a comprehensive perspective to real estate investment management. He began his career at BNP Paribas CIB and Crédit Agricole CIB between 2010 and 2013, before joining Marathon Asset Management in 2014, where he served as a Principal focused on real estate investments. Since 2021, Samy has been with PSP Investments, a leading Canadian pension fund, where he oversees real estate investments and strategic partnerships across the UK and Europe, spanning multiple asset classes.VENUE Hosted in the beautiful Art Deco bibliothèque at the Institut Français, the event will be followed by a networking cocktail in the adjoining salons. MAKE AN IMPACT FOR GOOD Born from the passion for sustainability of dedicated members of the EDHEC Alumni UK Board, “Make an Impact for Good” is an ambitious initiative that raises awareness of today’s sustainability challenges, connects generations to co-create solutions, and strives to make a lasting positive impact on society.If you are interested in speaking at one of our events or getting involved in the programme, please contact the UK team of "Make an Impact for Good" led by Estelle Levacher (EDHEC Alumna 1999) at: ukboard@alumni.edhec.edu. We would be delighted to collaborate with you.EDHEC CENTER FOR NET POSITIVE BUSINESSThe Centre for Net Positive Business explores and defines the pathways that enable businesses of all sizes to develop scalable models capable of driving systemic change. Its mission focuses on three key areas: Advancing towards a universally accepted measurement frameworkCatalyzing regeneration through collaborative and systemic business modelsHelping industries envision long-term trajectories to anticipate and overcome systemic obstacles.By connecting companies, alumni, students, and leading actors, the Centre creates a dynamic platform for collaboration and collective progress toward a regenerative future. EVENT PARTNERS The EDHEC Alumni UK team behind the ‘Make an Impact for Good’ sustainability programme was proud to be one of the two winners of the 2024 hackathon organised by the French Embassy in the UK. Since then, the team has benefited from the Embassy’s support to expand its series of events to the entire France Alumni network in the UK.The France Alumni network brings together graduates from France's higher education system. It enables Alumni from a wide range of institutions to stay connected and benefit from professional opportunities.KlimateNet is the "LinkedIn" for climate professionals and the "Trustpilot" for nature based climate projects. KlimateNet match make and connect professionals directly with project founders and funders on the KlimateNet App that is available on the Google and Apple stores in 63 countries. KlimateNet Project+ support scheme helps projects save costs and time to scale their positive environmental and social impact. KlimateNet Platform+ subscription services contribute to de-risk the investments and efforts of organisations that invest or work with nature bases solutions projects.The French Chamber was established in 1883 to improve the commercial and industrial relationships between France and the UK. Today we are a network of over 360 French and international multinationals and SMEs with significant investment and operations in the UK. We are part of the network of International French Chambers of Commerce and Industry, spanning 120 Chambers in 95 countries, and more than 33,000 businesses. We are an independent, member-powered organisation, not attached to, nor funded by, the French Government. Our strength come directly from our members.The EDHEC Business School Foundation, was founded in 1998. It plays an active part in the school's development by providing financial assistance to students and supporting high-impact projects in areas such as entrepreneurship, research, and the social and societal commitment of businesses.

https://alumni.edhec.edu/en/group/uk-london/86/calendar/the-cities-of-tomorrow-featuring-edhec-s-centre-for-net-positive-business-and-expert-panel/2025/12/02/22488