To retrofit or not to retrofit: what’s the debate around the M&S Oxford Street demolition?

Marks and Spencer have been embroiled in a dispute with the government that has raised questions around sustainability and the built environment. Here’s what’s happened. In July of this year,…

Small businesses have a crucial role in the battle against climate change

Think your small business is too small to make a difference on climate change and sustainability? Here’s why you may want to reconsider. Small businesses are the backbone of commerce…

Why sustainability literacy is in such high demand

Being able to articulate sustainability across groups and disciplines and drive change is high on the wish list of today’s businesses and corporations. Here’s why. The UK’s push to reach…

UCEM INSPIRE: setting meaningful built environment sustainability targets

This article is the second in our series of posts covering our second INSPIRE event this summer. Read the first piece on sustainability leadership here - UCEM INSPIRE: experts define…

The concrete crisis: what’s being done to address RAAC risks?

What is RAAC, the building material at the centre of the UK concrete crisis, and what is the UK government doing to address safety risks? Last month, just days before…

Building climate resilience into the built environment

by UCEM Academic Hazel Nash With extreme weather events on the rise, what can the built environment do to ensure buildings are climate resilient? There’s no question that climate change…

10 examples of biophilic architecture and design

Biophilia is changing the way architects approach sustainable design. Here are 10 famous and innovative examples from around the world. Have you ever stepped into a room full of plants…

What is biophilia (and what does it mean for the built environment)?

When coupled with sustainable development, biophilic design can offer significant benefits for the built environment. As an industry currently responsible for 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions, the built environment…

Equality, diversity, and inclusion in the built environment: a student panel

We spoke to a number of our students to find out what the built environment as a sector can do to improve inclusivity and diversity. Here’s what they had to…

Making a business case for sustainability: why now is the time to act

If your business or client is falling behind in embracing sustainability and ESG, here’s how to make the case for change. In the aftermath of recent climate disasters across the…

5 ways the built environment can avoid greenwashing

As an industry with such a pivotal role to play in the mission for a sustainable future, how can the built environment combat the rise of greenwashing? Greenwashing is rife…