igloo's Footprint® Advisory Board strengthened by community regeneration expert and activist

The UK’s original sustainable developer, igloo Regeneration, has appointed Dr Jess Steele OBE as a new member of its prestigious Footprint^® Advisory Board (FAB), an independent governing body of esteemed experts.  

With over 25 years of experience in neighbourhood development and renowned for her independent community activism and entrepreneurship, Jess brings a new avenue of expertise to the Board. Through her company Jericho Road Solutions, Steele works to support grassroots and community-led projects across the country and has been recognised for her contributions to the social sector.

igloo's Footprint ^® Advisory Board, which has been in action for 15 years, brings valuable external perspective, expertise, and constructive challenge to igloo’s projects across the UK, scrutinising the effectiveness of igloo’s Footprint ^® implementation. Additionally, they contribute to annual horizon scanning, offering relevant context keeping Footprint ^® up to date, while also advising on impact reporting, audit reports, and succession planning.

The Footprint ^® process, developed by igloo, is a bespoke framework for sustainable development, structured around six core dimensions: Circular, Climate, Community, Place, Wellbeing, and Nature. These dimensions guide all of igloo’s projects to align with UN sustainability and community goals, and the Footprint ^® Advisory Board oversees the process to ensure developments meet these objectives.  

With extensive hands-on experience in community asset development, leading impactful projects like the rescue of Hastings Pier and the development of Hastings Commons, including driving the revitalisation of key local landmarks such as the Observer Building, Jess offers invaluable expertise to igloo’s regeneration initiatives.

Jess joins FAB chair, Julie Hirigoyen, Senior advisor to Systemiq and past CEO of UKGBC, Sunand Prasad OBE of Penoyre, who is a former President of RIBA, and Peter Madden OBE, Professor of Future Cities at Cardiff University. The longest serving member of FAB, Professor Anne Power, Emeritus Professor of Social Policy at LSE is stepping down after many years of brilliant service and guidance to igloo.

Jess Steele, Director at Jericho Road said: “I’ve always admired igloo’s approach to placemaking, with actively shaping communities at the core of all its developments. I’m pleased to be sitting alongside some of the industry’s leaders and key players on the Footprint Advisory Board, and I look forward to contributing to the important work ahead.  

“The Footprint® approach is making a real effort to steer the industry in the right direction, ensuring that we continue to make progress. With my background in neighbourhoods, I aim to bring additional strength to the community and place dimensions of the board, ensuring these elements remain as central to the Board’s work as the environmental sustainability aspects.”

Lowri Bond, igloo Footprint ^® Lead at igloo said: “We are thrilled to have someone of Jess Steele’s calibre join the igloo Footprint Advisory Board. Her extensive experience in community development, sustainability, and her lifelong commitment to community activism will bring invaluable insight and expertise to our projects.

“Jess's unique perspective will help us refine and strengthen our approach as we continue to drive forward our ambitious regeneration projects. Her insights will help ensure these initiatives deliver lasting, positive impact, fostering cohesive communities and environments where people can thrive, develop a strong sense of identity, and take pride in their surroundings.  

“We would also like to thank Anne Power for her invaluable contribution to the FAB. As our longest serving member her dedication and expertise have been instrumental in shaping our work, and as she steps down, we acknowledge the lasting impact she has made across all our projects.”

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