16 sustainable and cost-effective building materials

These 16 innovative and eco-friendly materials can help the construction industry address its role in the climate crisis. The built environment is one of the single most pollutive sectors in…

Could flexible working be the key to greater diversity in construction?

Flexible working could be the silver bullet that construction companies need to improve diversity and representation in the sector. Here's how. Flexible working has been steadily growing in popularity over…

What is adaptive reuse (and why is it important)?

Adaptive reuse has emerged as a sustainable alternative to demolition for the built environment. Here’s how it works. The Göbekli Tepe is an archaeological site that was inhabited from 9500…

My understanding of sustainability has completely changed: a student profile with David Harris

“Sustainability is the biggest challenge our industry, our generation, probably the world has ever faced.” David Harris is no stranger to managing study on top of his work. He graduated…

Creating a culture of sustainability: a Q&A with UCEM Project Manager Emma Kearsey

Emma Kearsey, Project Manager at UCEM, gave us an overview of a new initiative at UCEM – the Sustainability Champions. UCEM have launched Sustainability Champions – an internal initiative encouraging…

This is why your sustainability initiatives are failing

Sustainability is no longer a long-term aspiration for the built environment – it’s imperative for any business that wants to survive in the current economic landscape.  Today’s customers and employees…

Green Claims Code checklist: are you guilty of greenwashing?

The Green Claims Code has been developed to help businesses communicate their sustainable practices clearly to customers. Here’s how it works. You may have noticed a shift in the tone…

Championing the student voice: a Q&A with UCEM Student Trustee Ben McManus

Ben McManus has recently been appointed as our new Student Trustee. We sat down with Ben to learn more about his journey in the built environment to date and his…

A guide to PropTech (and how it’s shaking up real estate)

PropTech is the latest technological innovation that is set to revolutionise real estate. Here's how it works. There’s no denying that digital acceleration has become a driving force behind the…

What women do matters: a Q&A with UCEM Student Candace O’Brian

We spoke to Candace O’Brian, a Jamaican real estate professional and UCEM student, to get an international perspective on what it’s like to be a woman in the built environment.…

Green infrastructure, defined: how could it help us solve the climate crisis?

Could incorporating green spaces into natural environments help planners balance sustainability and continued development of infrastructure? As the global population continues to grow, so does the housing crisis. This need…

The importance of the student voice in sustainability

Here at UCEM, there are ample opportunities for our students to share feedback about their experiences through things like Programme Representatives, module evaluations and the National Student Survey. The voice…