The Chartered Institute of Building’s President for the 26/27 term has been revealed as Saul Humphrey FCIOB. 

Humphrey intends to promote climate literacy, resilience and sustainability within the built environment profession so that construction professionals can place these areas of focus at the core of their decision making.

A professor at Anglia Ruskin University and an expert of sustainable construction, Humphrey believes construction professionals hold a significant role in tackling the industry’s increasing climate pressures. 

Humphrey said: “If we are serious about responding to the challenges facing society, then professionalism is how we do it.

 “We need to understand carbon, resilience, materials and impact, not as abstract ideas, but as part of everyday decision making. In short, climate literacy needs to become a core part of what it means to be a professional in the built environment.”

Humphrey’s sustainable development focus is brought into projects led by Saul D Humphrey LLP (B Corp). Outside this work, Humphrey has a variety of trustee, ambassador, chair and non-executive positions, where environmental and social impact form a key area of focus. 

Humphrey continued: “The built environment is not just part of the story – it is central to it. Through CIOB, through our learning, through our CPD and through the Academy, we have the opportunity to make climate literacy and resilience part of the baseline of professional knowledge across our industry.

 “If we can do that, then we will not just talk about change. We will deliver it. This is our moment to build better. Build smarter. Build for life.”

Humphrey is the 123rd person to take the position of CIOB President. In his career he has been a keen advocate for sustainability and raising built environment standards. 

Dr Victoria Hills, chief executive officer at CIOB, said: “Saul’s experience as a hugely respected practitioner and academic will help us continue strengthening links between industry and academia. His vast experience and commitment to sustainability will help to elevate CIOB’s environmental sustainability strategy further.

“I’m looking forward to working with the next president to seize opportunities to support the industry in its transition to a global green economy and continued professionalisation to speed up the uptake of retrofit and accelerate sustainable construction at scale.”