The university estate is an institution’s largest expenditure after staff and HEIs are often the largest single landowners in a local authority area. Effectively planning and maintaining a modern, sustainable estate, building on current success and managing assets well, is crucial to the success and future of a university. This annual conference is the largest gathering of HE leaders and senior managers across estates, finance and sustainability. In light of the 2008 HEFCE grant letter proposing future capital funding being linked to an HEI’s success in reducing carbon emissions, the 2008 event mapped out the latest policy changes, future directions of the HE sector and how built estate planning, financing and development must respond to secure the future of UK institutions.