To watch this event, you can rent or buy the video here.
Tuesday 21st April saw The Future Economy Network run another exciting interactive webinar, a business B-Y-O-Breakfast, titled Innovations Inspired by Nature. The event was attended by a diverse range of delegates, interested in a variety of industries from the built environment to fashion and textiles.
The team introduced everyone to the virtual events space and gave quick training on how to make the most out of the interactive webinar and networking opportunities. Once everyone was used to the space and had networked a little, the seminars began. Katherine Piper, Director of The Future Economy Network, welcomed attendees, highlighting the benefits of joining the Network and also sharing updates about The Future Economy Network’s Carbon Neutral Hub in Bristol, Future Leap. Katherine also briefly ran through the plans for The Festival of Sustainable Business, where you can check out the video here.
First up, we introduced Julian Vincent, Honorary Professor at Heriot-Watt University, who explained his background before speaking about how Biomimetics transfers design from biology to technology. He used Velcro as one of the easier examples, inspired by burrs stuck in dog fur, or direct transfer. He then explained how more complex nature-inspired innovations need some abstraction, such as how to problem-solve: technology relies on energy and materials whereas nature relies on information and structure. An example is air conditioning replaced by insulation that can radiate heat. At an even deeper level, Julian explained how the problem is defined as a trade-off; for example, a wasp laying its eggs in wood led to a steerable intracranial endoscope. He finished off by showcasing that all of these nature-inspired innovations require the identification of a problem that biology has solved (readily available in the biological literature), and collaboration between technology and biology at all stages.
Next up, we welcomed Lewis Derrick, Assistant Engineer at Network members Stantec, who introduced Stantec’s expertise on the topic, before providing an overview of the multiple benefits that can be achieved through Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). This included how they play a role in Green-Blue infrastructure strategies, and how recent changes to the Water Industry will hopefully unlock their potential across new developments. After explaining potential adoption techniques, Lewis ran through some case studies. He finished by giving clear tips on how anyone in the audience can promote the benefits of SuDS depending on their industry involvement, from policy makers and developers to members of the public.
Finally, we welcomed Rob Webbon, CEO at Network members Grn Sportswear, who spoke about bio-based fabric developments. Rob introduced his company and his background in biomaterials, and went on to talk about how programmes such as the BBC's Blue Planet II series & the War on Waste have given rise to a noticeable push-back against the use of synthetic fibres in textiles. He explained how the industry is responding with a swathe of bio-based fabric developments and described the history of bio-based fabrics in the clothing industry. He finished his presentation by discussing the latest exciting developments, and the potential issues to look out for.
The seminar finished with some insightful and high-level questions to the panel by attendees physically raising their hand and taking part in the discussion with their microphone and camera. Network members Green Tourism and Skylark Media gave a 60 second pitch, a popular opportunity at these events that continues despite the virtual nature.
A huge thank you to the speakers and attendees of this event, without this support we would not be able to do these wonderful inspiring events.