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ARU Professor wins national sustainability honour

Saul Humphrey is recognised at the Chartered Institute of Building’s 2024 awards

Saul Humphrey, Professor of Sustainable Construction Management at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), has been recognised as the construction sector’s leading sustainability professional of the year.

Professor Humphrey collected the Sustainability Award at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) 2024 awards at a ceremony held at the Hilton London Metropole Hotel, hosted by TV presenter June Sarpong OBE.

He received the award thanks to his role helping the next generation of construction professionals at ARU, alongside the work of his own sustainable construction project management consultancy, Saul D Humphrey LLP, which is based near Beccles.

Professor Humphrey, who is also the Chair of the Institute of Directors in Norfolk, said:

“By running this award, the CIOB recognises the challenge that is facing the entire construction sector, and I am honoured to receive this from the industry’s national professional body.

“It was worth noting that this award coincides with the announcement that this was the 10th consecutive hottest month on record. Meanwhile, construction and the built environment stubbornly remains responsible for almost 40% of global carbon emissions, massive resource depletion, air, water and land pollution, and huge biodiversity loss. Yet we continue building at pace.

“We have a choice: continue as before and remain part of the problem or become part of the solution. It is incumbent on everyone in the sector to think about the need to commission, design, build and operate buildings in a more responsible manner – and repurpose and refurbish existing buildings wherever possible – and be much more aware of the impact we are currently having.”

Caroline Gumble, the Chief Executive of CIOB, said:

“I am delighted to see Saul Humphrey secure this national award and to be recognised as the very best in sustainable construction. Saul and ARU represent what is the absolute leading edge in this globally critical topic.”

Amanda Williams, CIOB’s Head of Environmental Sustainability, said:

"We need champions for sustainability in the built environment and Saul is a strong advocate for a cultural shift towards sustainable development, alongside his work to ensure his projects are examples of best practice. This is thoroughly deserved recognition."

ARU’s School of Engineering and the Built Environment offers fully accredited BSc degree courses in Construction Management at the Chelmsford campus and at ARU Peterborough. For further details, visit https://www.aru.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/construction-management