What is embodied carbon (and what can we do about it)?

Reducing the amount of embodied carbon created in the construction process is one of the biggest challenges facing the built environment. The built environment has a pivotal role to play…

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…

The pros and cons of carbon offsetting: 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…

Building climate competency: how UCEM is leading the way in professional sustainability education

A key ethos of UCEM’s Vision & Strategy to 2025 is to work collaboratively with those across the built environment sector, and part of this is to help shape major…

Built environment careers and the advantages of a vocational degree

Pursuing a built environment career? A vocational degree can give you the right combination of hands-on experience and qualifications. When you’re pursuing a career in the built environment, the right…

What does sustainability mean to you? UCEM staff and students share their thoughts

This week, UCEM is hosting Climate and Social Action Week (CASA) – a series of online and hybrid events and activities exploring sustainability and climate action. Learn more: Join UCEM…

What is adaptive reuse (and how can it create a sustainable built environment)?

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…

UCEM INSPIRE: ensuring long-term sustainability performance in the built environment

This article is the third in our series of posts covering our second INSPIRE event this summer. Read our previous piece on built environment sustainability targets - UCEM INSPIRE: experts…

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…

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…

Built environment careers: top trends driving the construction sector during uncertain times

With the right training, a career in the built environment not only gives you the opportunity to transform the world around you, but it could also help you to thrive…

What is greenwashing (and how does it impact the built environment)?

Greenwashing is a common marketing and business practice that can have serious ramifications for business and the environment if left unchecked. With climate change concerns growing and new legislation being…