How can we deal with urban sprawl?

Urban sprawl is significantly impacting society, the economy and the environment. Here’s why (and how) urban planners should address it. The human race is growing exponentially. In November 2022, the…

Smart buildings, explained – here’s what they mean for the built environment

Smart buildings could represent the intelligent, connected and sustainable future of the built environment. The built environment is no stranger to digital transformation. Just as technology is revolutionising processes across industries like…

What are digital twins (and how do they work)?

How are digital twins helping the built environment adapt to climate change and make sustainable development a reality? Buildings are responsible for 40% of global energy consumption, and the built…

Climate change denial: 6 common myths, debunked

What are the biggest climate change denial myths, where do they come from, and how do they affect the built environment? In 2020, the United Nations (UN) declared a climate…

What is carbon offsetting (and is it just another form of greenwashing)?

Is carbon offsetting actually having a positive impact on the environment, or is it just another way businesses avoid taking real action? Sustainability is in a state of transition. As…

A COP29 post-mortem: why there are reasons for optimism

While much of the reaction to COP29 has been of frustration at the slow rate of change, December’s conference wasn’t without cause for measured optimism. The word ‘COP’ has come…

A guide to prefabrication (and how it’s transforming construction)

While prefabrication is emerging as a sustainable innovation in the construction industry, it’s actually a concept that’s been around for thousands of years. The construction process is complex and multi-faceted.…

What is greenwashing (and how can you spot it)?

What are the different ways businesses attempt to remarket and camouflage their environmentally damaging products and operations? With concerns around the ongoing climate crisis growing and new legislation being set…

Urban regeneration, defined: here’s why it matters

Urban regeneration is the process of bringing derelict and deprived cities back to life. Here's how it works, with several examples from across the world. From industrialisation and war to…

Green belt planning: is the grass always greener?

While the concept of the green belt has been a major political talking point in recent months, it's actually been the subject of debate since it was introduced into the…

This Amsterdam office is one of the world’s most sustainable buildings

If you think of sustainable buildings, you might picture places like London, Shanghai and New York. But did you know that the most sustainable and smartest building in the world…

What is biophilic architecture? 15 real-world examples in 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…