Driving delivery is the overarching theme of BE-ST Fest 2026, and in the North of Scotland, this is brought into sharp focus through heat & energy efficiency.

While improving energy performance is a national priority, the challenge is particularly acute in the North of Scotland. Harsh weather conditions, a high proportion of older and harder-to-treat homes, and a significant number of off-gas grid properties combine to create one of the most complex energy landscapes in Scotland. These factors contribute to disproportionately high levels of fuel poverty, alongside the urgent need to decarbonise heating systems in line with Scotland’s 2045 net-zero targets.

This summit will go beyond discussion. It will convene those already delivering solutions on the ground, industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and communities to share practical insights, align efforts, and accelerate implementation. The focus is clear, how do we overcome barriers, strengthen supply chains and scale solutions to drive the delivery of warmer, more efficient, and low energy homes across the North, and beyond?

Date: 6th October 2026

Location: Eden Court, Inverness

Book your spot

Heat & Energy Efficiency

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Heat & Energy Efficiency 〰️

Our speakers

Victoria Erasmus

Sustainability Director of the Glen Mhor Hotel and Uile-Bheist Distillery and Brewery

Victoria, the Sustainability Director of the Glen Mhor Hotel and Uile-Bheist Distillery and Brewery, as well as the J&R Group Hotels, is an accomplished leader in Scotland's hospitality sector. With over 25 years of experience spanning both hospitality and education, Victoria is committed to blending these fields to promote lifelong learning within the industry. 

Victoria has championed sustainable tourism and practices, making significant investments to set new industry standards. In May 2022, she unveiled Scotland's first River Source Energy Centre at the Glen Mhor, a groundbreaking £8 million project that provides all heating and water needs through sustainable energy, eliminating the use of gas. Her dedication to sustainability also encompasses advocating for green practices, mental health awareness, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. 

A qualified teacher with a passion for accessibility and education, Victoria has dedicated her career to developing sector-leading resources/ initiatives and school programs designed to break down barriers while ensuring that sustainable tourism is embedded across her businesses. Her work ensures that individuals from all backgrounds have the opportunity to access and benefit from educational resources, developing a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.

Vicky Walker

Centre Manager for Home Energy Scotland Highlands and Islands

Vicky Walker is Centre Manager for Home Energy Scotland Highlands and Islands, leading support for households across Argyll and Bute, Highland, Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles.

A strong advocate for community-led retrofit and locally delivered solutions, she has worked extensively with partners across the region to tackle fuel poverty, improve energy efficiency and strengthen local supply chains. As a member of Changeworks’ leadership team Vicky also leads on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for the organisation and brings a public health perspective to her work on championing a fair and inclusive transition to net zero.

Carrie Higgins

Tertiary Education Leader Technology, Environment and Education at UHI Inverness

Carrie Higgins is the Tertiary Education Leader Technology, Environment and Education at UHI Inverness and is responsible for curriculum areas including Construction, Education, Engineering, Forestry and Science. Within these curriculum areas she oversees the provision of full-time, part-time, apprenticeships and work-based education from SCQF Level 4 to 11.

Carrie is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has a Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary Education with Teaching Qualification Further Education from the University of Stirling. Before coming into the tertiary education sector Carrie worked as a civil engineer in various projects across Scotland having graduated from Heriot Watt University in 2006 with a BEng (Hons) degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. More recently, she was awarded a PgCert Civil Engineering and Construction Management.

Carrie joined UHI Inverness in 2009 and has designed and developed curriculum, including the Foundation and Graduate Apprenticeships in Civil Engineering and Construction, work-based degree in Forestry and MSc Engineering and Built Environment Management. She has also had a wider impact on Scottish education, working with national groups to develop qualifications and training.

Richard Park

Richard is a chartered surveyor with over 20 years of experience across the built environment, with involvement in sectors including: health, education, housing, energy and transport. He is a Statutory Director in two Government-backed Public Private Partnerships: Hub South East Scotland Ltd and Hub North Scotland Ltd, and is also a Director within Galliford Try Investments.

Hub North Scotland, an organisation working across the north region, supports the delivery of significant regional investment programmes, including the Highland Investment Programme, Aberdeen City Vision Masterplans and the North Schools Programme. Hub North are also spearheading critical public sector coordinating vehicles, including the North Territory Energy Coordinating Structure, involving Eight Local Authorities as well UK and Scottish Government to maximise the legacy investment associated with the energy investment programme across the region.   

Exhibitors

  • Built Environment - Smarter Transformation

    We work with organisations across the built environment sector, including industry at all levels, universities and colleges, and the public and third sector, to come up with new ways to transform the built environment to become stronger, more sustainable, and smarter.

    We provide the tools to inspire a strong, sustainable, and smarter built environment through innovation, skills, and collaboration.

    By tapping into the expertise of universities, colleges, research, and other built environment experts, BE-ST provides the connections and culture to make big ideas, that generate growth and benefit businesses, education, research and communities, a reality.

  • Changeworks

    Changeworks is leading the way in delivering affordably warm, healthy and energy efficient homes and supporting households in fuel poverty. Our work includes delivering energy advice, retrofit management, developing retrofit solutions and providing independent consultancy services. By working with partners, we are driving the transition to a sustainable, just future. 

  • Esteem Training

    Established in 1986, Esteem Training are proud to be Scotland’s No.1 training provider of Construction Modern Apprenticeships.  We deliver funded SVQ programmes for construction supervisors, managers and leaders supporting them throughout their career development.  Visit our stand to discuss your current training requirements and find out how Esteem Training can help you build a confident and competent workforce. 

  • Geovation Scotland

    Geovation Scotland is the only support organisation in Scotland specifically supporting land, property and location technology startups. 

    We help unlock greater value from our national geospatial, land & property data assets by supporting entrepreneurs, innovators and developers to bring new products and services to market through an accelerator programme for early-stage founders and a UK-wide community of PropTech and GeoTech experts. 

    Our bespoke accelerator programme offers technology entrepreneurs looking to accelerate the growth of their businesses a range of support – from finance, sales, pitching and marketing to data access, development support, up to £15k of funding and more! 

  • Iso Chemie GmbH

    Iso Chemie GmbH have been a manufacturer of energy-efficient and sustainable sealing solutions and technical foams for almost five decades. Their products can be used in energy-efficient construction, both in new buildings and in the energy-efficient refurbishment of old buildings.

  • Kensa

    The UK’s heating system is stuck in the past, costing people and the planet too much. At Kensa, we believe it’s time for an upgrade. Since 1999, we’ve been manufacturing ground source heat pumps in Cornwall and installing them all over the country, transforming how people heat and cool their homes and businesses. Our pioneering networked heat pump solutions deliver the cheapest, cleanest way to heat millions of homes and businesses, and even whole towns, all while minimising the impact on the electricity grid. That’s why Kensa is now responsible for half the ground source installations every year. 

  • MAKAR

    MAKAR is a Scottish industry leader in low-carbon, off-site construction, delivering sustainable, precision-built homes through an integrated design and manufacturing process. With over 20 years' experience and more than 250 completed projects, we use Scottish-grown timber, closed-panel construction and fabric-first design to create high-performance buildings with low embodied carbon, minimal waste and rapid on-site assembly. Our hygroscopic, breathable building fabric naturally regulates moisture, helping prevent condensation, damp and mould while improving comfort, durability and energy performance. MAKAR is helping accelerate the transition to a more sustainable built environment.

  • NorDan

    NorDan is one of Europe's leading manufacturers of high-performance timber and aluminium-clad windows, doors and smart accessories. Founded in Norway almost 100 years ago, we are a family-owned business operating across Europe, with sustainability and innovative thinking at our core. 

    We showcase our cutting-edge solutions designed for modern architecture, sustainability, and longevity. With a strong focus on quality, aesthetics and performance, NorDan products are trusted by architects, developers, and homeowners across the UK. 

    Visit us to explore how our windows and doors can enhance your next project with superior design, security, and environmental benefits. 

  • Luths Services

    At Luths Services, our purpose is clear: to drive sustainable change in the built environment. By offering innovative engineering solutions, we empower clients to reduce carbon emissions, cut energy costs, and make informed decisions that benefit their projects and the planet. Every project we undertake reflects our commitment to efficiency, environmental responsibility, and meaningful collaboration.

    We are an independent Building Services Engineering consultancy, with offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Inverness. Drawing on decades of expertise in energy efficiency, heat pumps, and retrofits, we deliver tailored solutions that help projects of all sizes meet their sustainability goals.

  • Scotland Excel

    Scotland Excel is the Centre of Procurement Expertise for the local government sector. We are a leading non-profit organisation serving Scotland’s 32 local authorities and over 180 associate members from across the public and third sector. As leaders of change, we have helped to establish public procurement as an effective driver for local and national economic growth and wellbeing. Our services are designed to help our members deliver sustainable services that every community needs, and realise a host of social, economic and environmental benefits from their spend.

  • Zero Waste Scotland

    Zero Waste Scotland is Scotland’s circular economy public body, working with government, business, and communities to rewire the economy from our current “take, make, waste” model to one where we make the most of materials. A zero waste, circular economy is the right choice - for people, planet and prosperity.  In June 2026, our Built Environment Roadmap to Circularity was published, setting out a long-term vision for a highly efficient sector addressing carbon emissions, improving material reuse, and reducing waste and environmental impacts, while maintaining its role as a significant employer and contributor to the Scottish economy.  

If you would like to discuss BE-ST Fest Sponsorship packages, please get in touch with Ketty Lawrence - klawrence@be-st.build


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