Beacons

Our growing network of long-time supporters, collaborators and contributors.

Introducing the BE-ST Beacons – the individuals delivering BE-ST's mission through dedication, impact, and lasting commitment across the sector.

Each year, we recognise the impact individuals have made to our mission, regardless of whether that’s been over a long or short career so far. Because we know, their level of commitment means that they will continue to do what they do, long into the future.

The Beacons are a collaborative community that will work closely together to build BE-ST’s alumni and further our mission.

Group of five people standing in front of a yellow background with the words 'BE–ST' and 'Celebrating the stories of a resilient journey'. They are holding awards and smiling.

Blogs

Collaborating for a zero carbon future: Professor Sean Smith, 2024 BE-ST Beacon Award Winner

Sean Smith, Professor of Future Construction and Director of the Centre for Future Infrastructure within the School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, was awarded the BE-ST Beacon Award in 2024. He joined us recently to reflect on the future of buildings and the built environment in Scotland.

Emily Carr, BE-ST Beacon Winner: Driving change through EDI and skills

As a Senior Design Manager at Kier, Beacon Award winner, and former Built Environment Change Maker, Emily Carr has become a driving force for systemic change in the industry - especially when it comes to equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI), and skills development.

Accelerate to Zero Beacon: Robert Hairstans, Edinburgh Napier University & NMITE

Robert has been a leading figure in timber innovation and off-site construction throughout his career which spans both academia and industry.

Accelerate to Zero Beacon: Gina Colley, Threesixty Architecture

Gina Colley is an Architect and Associate Director at Threesixty Architecture. She believes inclusive design should be at the core of a just transition to net zero which creates spaces that are affordable, accessible, and considerate of all people.

Meet the BE-ST Beacons

Accelerate to Zero podcast

Season 9

This season focuses on our BE-ST Beacons. This award recognises individuals who exemplify leadership and dedication in driving the built environment’s just transition towards a net-zero future.

In this episode, we are joined by Gina Colley, Associate Director at ThreeSixty Architects. Gina is not only a former BE Changemaker but also a dedicated champion of ED&I, driving positive change within Threesixty Architecture and setting an industry-wide example of best practice.
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In this episode, we are joined by Professor Robert Hairstains, Robert is the founding Director of the Centre for Advanced Timber Technologies (CATT) at the New Model Institute of Technology and Engineering (NMITE) and Head of the Centre for Offsite Construction + Innovative Structures (COCIS) at Edinburgh Napier University. His specialist expertise is in the fields of timber engineering and technology with a focus on adding value to the timber supply chain with an emphasis on engineered timber products and offsite (modular) construction.
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In this episode, we are joined by Emily Carr, Emily is a chartered architect with experience in the historic built environment, now working as a design manager for Kier Construction.
She is passionate about creating places that reflect today's society and current values, and preserve and celebrate the heritage of the building's context, while also embracing new technologies to create a more sustainable environment for future generations.
Emily is also an advocate for promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in construction.
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In this episode, we are joined by Professor Sean Smith from the University of Edinburgh. Sean has had an incredible career and has most recently launched ⁠Centre for Net Zero High Density Buildings.⁠
CeNZ-HighDB will develop, test and underpin delivery of identified new ‘green’ innovations including high-energy efficiency building fabrics, new lower cost rapid-fit heating technologies, novel community heating-cooling systems for complex multi-use streetscapes and advancements in thermal-cooling modelling and data driven innovation to drive green economy growth.
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