Last night saw the release of another year of UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) Future Leaders at the ‘Disrupt to Construct’ event, aptly set in the Dragons Den venue. The evening began with an announcement from 2050, where Blocks Plc (a well-known toy brick maker) branches out from the toy industry and launches into construction – disrupting the construction industry and changing the built environment as we know it. Whilst this was a fictional story, it delivers a strong message about the need for innovation and change. If we fail to move quickly and adapt to new methods and technologies, it is plausible that an outsider could come in and revolutionise the industry without us – much like Airbnb has changed the hotel industry or Uber in overtaking the black cab.

The rest of the evening was dedicated to presentations from Future Leaders of the past (including myself) and six new disruptive innovation models from this year’s cohort. The innovations didn't disappoint with every one of the business ideas brilliantly convincing and ready to be launched. Without choosing favourites, the three that caught my eye were:

- Breathable: a platform for raising awareness of poor air quality

- GiveUsSpace: a partnering service to bring together small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking for office space with property holders

- Aplotments: movable micro allotments ready to transform unused city space.

But don't just take my word for it, you can check them all out for yourself here.