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Will the 2012 Games affect you and your work? Are you looking to make the most of the opportunities that the Games will present to improve sustainability in your area of interest? Puzzling over how you can harness the Games to drive sustainability? On June 26th, Public Service Events will host The Challenge of the Games - A Sustainable 2012? at the Barbican, London, to take an in-depth look into the unrivalled challenges and opportunities presented by the Games for the sustainable development of the UK.

The day considers two core themes –

- the ‘bricks and mortar’ aspect: Will the physical legacy of the Games be as sustainable as it can be? Looking at the impact of the Games on housing and architecture, speakers including Dr Tim Williams, Chair of the Thames Gateway Commission at the Housing Corporation and Jack Pringle, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, will put forward their expert views.

- the corporate and social aspect: examining how the Games is uniquely placed to embed the principles of sustainability amongst the business community, the third sector and the general public. Will we take this chance? Speakers including Jonathon Porritt, Chair of the Sustainable Development Commission, and Samantha Heath, Director of the London Sustainability Exchange will discuss.

Along with our high-level plenary sessions and workshops, delegates will also have an opportunity to network with colleagues from around the country in the unique surroundings of the Barbican, making contacts and sharing Best Practice in an informal setting.

This event is the second in our series of sustainability-focused conferences for 2007. We have built a strong relationship with all of the concerned parties involved in driving forward the sustainability agenda in the UK, including Defra, the Sustainable Development Commission, the DTI, OGCbuying .solutions, the Commission for Rural Communities, the Greater London Authority and the Countryside Agency, helping them to better deliver their sustainability messages to the public sector audience.

Comments on our recent Sustainable Development conference include:

“A hugely important event.” – Yvette Cooper MP

“Thank you for such a stimulating event…The organisation of the event was slick with great catering and the presentations were inspiring. I learned a lot and feel that I could contribute to my authority’s ability to address sustainability.”

“Immensely inspiring.”

“I thought I would drop you a line to say how useful a day it was. Jonathon Porritt, as ever, spoke candidly and effectively, and it was good to hear how the UK Government is taking a worldwide lead in promoting Sustainable Development. The day was well organised, lunch was delicious and it was well-paced too - so congratulations to you and your team. Thanks again for a useful and informative day."

“Excellent.”

“I think this sort of conference should be obligatory for Council Leaders and Chief Executives.”

Sustainability is not going away on the public sector agenda, and public bodies need to capture the imaginations of the public and the funding of the Government to make serious gains into making the UK a truly sustainable nation. If you would like to make the most of the opportunities to drive sustainability through the public interest and political will behind the Games and its legacy, then this conference is a must attend.