The conversation around sustainability is changing. While headlines often focus on regulation and reporting requirements, leading organisations are increasingly recognising sustainability as a driver of growth, resilience and long-term value creation. 

Join us at the ICAS Sustainability Summit 2026 to explore why sustainability remains a commercial imperative and how accountants play a key role in their various positions.  

Taking place in a new hybrid format from Edinburgh's historic Dovecot Studios, this year's summit brings together influential voices from various sustainability perspectives. They’ll share practical insights on how to create and protect value, and how we can be more mindful of the impact on people and planet in an increasingly complex world. 

Through practical discussions, networking opportunities and thought-provoking panel discussions, we'll move beyond compliance and examine how sustainability is shaping strategy, risk management, investment decisions and commercial success. 

Why Attend? 

You'll leave with a clearer understanding of: 

• Why sustainability is a commercial opportunity, not simply a compliance exercise. 
• Why organisations are continuing to use sustainability to create, protect and unlock value.
• The evolving and increasing role of accountants in strategy, governance, investor relations, risk management, reporting and assurance.
• Practical ways to integrate sustainability into business planning and decision-making.
• How sustainability data and financial performance are becoming increasingly connected.  

Cut through the noise, understand what matters most and gain practical insights from those leading sustainability efforts in some of the world's most influential organisations.

If you're looking for a positive, practical and commercially-focused discussion about the future of sustainability, you don't want to miss this one.

CPD Event

Counts as CPD

Depending upon your individual role and training and development needs, attending this event can count towards your annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirement.

• ICAS students and members 
• Non-members working in/with an interest in sustainability  
• UK-based business leaders
• Interested media

• Dr Sarah Ivory

  Academic, and ConsultantDr Sarah Ivory is an academic, author, and consultant. She spent two decades at the University of Edinburgh, including as the inaugural Director of the Centre for Business, Climate Change and Sustainability. She has authored two textbooks with Oxford University Press, and is a regular contributor to the BBC.

• Martin Murray OBE CAFinance Director, Swire Pacific LtdMartin Murray OBE is Finance Director of Swire Pacific and leads the company's ESG strategy and Sustainable Development Office. A Chartered Accountant (ICAS), he serves on the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and was awarded the Climate Leadership Award at the 2025 Finance for the Future Awards for his work linking sustainability initiatives to measurable business outcomes. He was awarded an OBE in 2025 for services to charity.

• Russell PicotDeputy Chair, Universities Superannuation Scheme (former Chair, HSBC Bank (UK) Pension Scheme), Universities Superannuation SchemeRussell is Deputy Chair, Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Investment Committee of the Universities Superannuation Scheme, the UK's largest private sector pension scheme. He recently stepped down as Chair of the HSBC Bank (UK) Pension Scheme, having retired as HSBC's Group Chief Accounting Officer in 2016. He was Co-chair of the FSB's Enhanced Disclosure Task Force, the precursor to the TCFD, and helped set up Accounting for Sustainability.