Thurrock Council’s Social Housing Upgrade
Industry News Thurrock Council’s Social Housing Upgrade In Thurrock, over 270 residences in three high-rise tower blocks underwent an energy upgrade, replacing night storage heaters with ground source heat pumps. This initiative is estimated to reduce fuel bills by over 50% for some households and cut carbon emissions by 70%, equating to approximately 7,080 tonnes […]
Self-Build Bungalow in the UK
Industry News Self-Build Bungalow in the UK Retired electrician Mr. James constructed a two-bedroom bungalow focusing on sustainability. He installed a Shoebox NX ground source heat pump, complemented by 12 solar panels and a 13kW battery. This setup allows him to live almost entirely off-grid with a minimal carbon footprint. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE Share […]
Exploring Biophilic Design in hospitality: issue 11 focus on hotels and leisure
Industry News Exploring Biophilic Design in hospitality: issue 11 focus on hotels and leisure The Sept/October Retail issue of the Journal of Biophilic Design, features a brilliant article by a godfather of Biophilic Design, Bill Browning, where he explains that “Biophilic design has been listed as one of the top design trends in hospitality for […]
Microsoft pioneers wooden datacenters to reduce carbon emissions and champion sustainability
Industry News Microsoft pioneers wooden datacenters to reduce carbon emissions and champion sustainability Microsoft is building a new data centre with mass timber. This is a growing trend in construction using cross-laminated timber, or CLT, a fire-resistant prefabricated wood material. This helps reduce the use of steel and concrete and “significantly reduce the embodied carbon […]
Salutogenic Design: the next evolution in creating health-focused workspaces
Industry News Salutogenic Design: the next evolution in creating health-focused workspaces This article explores how Biophilia, has gained mainstream attention, highlighted by a CNN interview with Oliver Heath, a leading proponent in Europe. This growing interest reflects organisations’ efforts to address multiple challenges, such as employee engagement, wellbeing, and productivity. Evidence supports that biophilic office […]
Inside Pininfarina of America: exploring Biophilic Towers, lounge concepts, and the design principles shaping sustainable living
Industry News Inside Pininfarina of America: exploring Biophilic Towers, lounge concepts, and the design principles shaping sustainable living This article dives into Pininfarina of America’s innovative approach to architecture and interior design, emphasising biophilic principles that go beyond aesthetics. It highlights the integration of natural elements, spatial harmony, and sustainable materials to create environments that […]
The countdown to the Big Retrofit Challenge entry deadline is on
Press release The countdown to the Big Retrofit Challenge entry deadline is on Following the exciting launch of the Big Retrofit Challenge, Futurebuild, in partnership with Innovate UK and the National Home Decarbonisation Group (NHDG) have received an incredible response so far. Don’t miss out! There is just a limited time left to enter the […]
Building a Better World: How Biophilic Design Can Transform Lives and Sustain Our Planet
Opinion Piece Building a Better World: How Biophilic Design Can Transform Lives and Sustain Our Planet Why is it important that we care about how we design our workplaces, our hospitals, our schools or our cities? Why should we care about what materials we source, and how we position them in the buildings we create? […]
UK Budget 2024: Key Opportunities for the Construction Sector
Industry News UK Budget 2024: Key Opportunities for the Construction Sector The UK Budget 2024 presents promising opportunities for the construction industry, emphasising sustainable projects and regional investments. Major areas of focus include infrastructure expansion, housing, and energy-efficient retrofitting, aligning with the government’s broader sustainability goals. While the sector faces challenges like fluctuating costs and […]
UK House Builders Anticipate Passivhaus Standard Details
Industry News UK House Builders Anticipate Passivhaus Standard Details UK housebuilders are awaiting specifics on the planned adoption of the Passivhaus standard, a design aimed at drastically improving energy efficiency in residential buildings. The new standard will require homes to meet strict criteria for insulation, airtightness, and energy usage, aligning with the UK’s environmental goals. […]
Balancing Act: Implementing Net-Zero Standards in Construction
Industry News Balancing Act: Implementing Net-Zero Standards in Construction The UK’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard aims to significantly curb carbon emissions in building construction and operations. This framework, demanding yet achievable, encourages the industry to adopt sustainable materials, improve energy efficiency, and reduce waste. Although the transition poses challenges—such as higher costs and the […]
Futurebuild celebrates 20 years with the launch of the impact 20×20 campaign
Press release Futurebuild celebrates 20 years with the launch of the Impact 20×20 campaign Futurebuild is thrilled to mark its 20th anniversary by launching Impact 20×20: Call for Impact, an inspiring opportunity to showcase and promote visionary thinking that drives meaningful change. As part of the ongoing commitment to a sustainable future, Impact 20×20 offers […]
Overcoming retrofit challenges and enhancing sustainable design
Opinion Piece Overcoming retrofit challenges and enhancing sustainable design By Rachael Owens, Co-director at the National Retrofit Hub and Head of Sustainability at Buckley Gray Yeoman As the co-director of the National Retrofit Hub and head of sustainability at Buckley Gray Yeoman, I have been engaging with a wide number of stakeholders on the pressing […]
Driving sustainable change in construction: A call to innovate and collaborate
Opinion Piece Driving sustainable change in construction: A call to innovate and collaborate By Martin Townsend, Director for BSI’s Centre of Excellence for Sustainability The construction industry is facing mounting pressure to meet net-zero targets, meaning we must navigate the complex challenge of balancing sustainability with tight margins. The path to greener practices is filled […]
Addressing the Ever Evolving Role of Specification
Opinion Piece Addressing the Ever Evolving Role of Specification By David Ing, Managing Director at Fabrick The role of specification has changed considerably over the past few years with a larger number of people having influence and decision-making powers. A number of different consultants and engineers now have increasing input into specifications, such as façade […]
National Retrofit Hub
Tech-connected plant ‘could be worth £400bn to economy
Industry News Tech-connected plant ‘could be worth £400bn to economy Greater use of connected and autonomous plant (CAP) in the construction sector could boost the UK economy by £417 billion within two and a half decades, according to a study by Costain. This figure represents benefits that could be generated both through extensive use of […]
Aira opens first Scotland ‘hub’ to drive UK heat pump plans
Industry News Aira opens first Scotland ‘hub’ to drive UK heat pump plans Following investment, Aira has opened its first training hub in the UK to support national roll-out of heat pump systems offered as part of monthly subscription charge model. As part of a £300 million UK investment strategy, the company is aiming to […]
Electric wallpaper to be trialled in Glasgow tenements
Industry News Electric wallpaper to be trialled in Glasgow tenements A pilot led by the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, West of Scotland Housing Association, and Glasgow City Council is trialling electric wallpaper in 12 Glasgow tenements to assess its effectiveness as a clean heat source. Funded by Scotland Beyond Net Zero – a […]
Centre to accelerate net-zero buildings for cities
Industry News Centre to accelerate net-zero buildings for cities The new Centre for Net-Zero High Density Buildings is an initiative that aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions from densely packed buildings in UK cities and towns. With a £4.5 million funding boost from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), it will investigate how to make buildings […]
Don’t wait for change, lead it — diversity and sustainability in construction
Opinion Piece Don’t wait for change, lead it — diversity and sustainability in construction By Funmbi Adeagbo, keynote speaker at BE-ST Fest 2024 Driving change in construction and the built environment is not about waiting for others to take the lead – it’s about stepping up, being visible, and inspiring others to follow. That’s where […]
Futurebuild and the National Retrofit Hub announce research collaboration with a spotlight on EPC Reform
Press release Futurebuild and the National Retrofit Hub announce research collaboration with a spotlight on EPC Reform Futurebuild and the National Retrofit Hub (NRH) has today announced a new research collaboration with a first piece of research spotlighting EPC Reform. The research will form the first of several critical topics to be explored by the […]
Futurebuild joins forces with Innovate UK and NHDG for the Big Retrofit Challenge
Press release Futurebuild joins forces with Innovate UK and NHDG for the Big Retrofit Challenge Futurebuild, in partnership with Innovate UK and the National Home Decarbonisation Group (NHDG) has launched its Big Retrofit Challenge, a bold new competition aimed at unearthing game-changing solutions in home decarbonisation. The Big Retrofit Challenge offers a unique opportunity for […]
Planet Earth is in critical condition. These are the steps the world must take to change that
Industry News Planet Earth is in critical condition. These are the steps the world must take to change that The Planetary Health Check, launched by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, reveals that six of Earth’s nine critical planetary systems, including climate, biodiversity, and freshwater cycles, have breached safe operating limits, placing life on […]
ZED-Power partner with 540 WORLD for supply chain innovations
Industry News ZED-Power partner with 540 WORLD for supply chain innovations 540 WORLD has teamed up with ZED Power to audit materials used in ZED Power’s Zed CNC house system. The goal is to enhance sustainability, health, and circularity through the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Products Program. ZED Power, a pioneer in zero-carbon housing, will […]
Introducing C2C Certified® Circularity, a new product certification
Industry News Introducing C2C Certified® Circularity, a new product certification The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute has launched the C2C Certified® Circularity certification, designed to promote sustainable product design for a circular economy. This certification, part of the updated Cradle to Cradle Certified® Version 4.1 standard, focuses on circular sourcing, design, and systems to […]
Trees and land absorbed almost no CO2 last year. Is nature’s carbon sink failing?
Industry News Trees and land absorbed almost no CO2 last year. Is nature’s carbon sink failing? In 2023, natural carbon sinks, including forests and oceans, absorbed significantly less CO2, raising concerns about their ability to regulate climate. This decline, worsened by wildfires and rising temperatures, could speed up global warming, as these sinks are crucial […]
Sustainability Impact in Action
Opinion Piece Sustainability Impact in action 540 WORLD just won an LCA 2024 award. You might say, so what, and ask – how is this helpful for me? Well, if you are vaguely interested in building a better tomorrow or understanding materials that unlock residual financial value and circularity, or quantify low carbon, or other […]
Floods and landslides leave 18 dead in Bosnia
Industry News Floods and landslides leave 18 dead in Bosnia At the beginning of October, flash floods and landslides following a period of heavy rain caused devastation in central Bosnia-Herzegovina. Some towns and villages have been cut off, homes are flooded and washed away, and there has been severe damage to roads, bridges and railway […]
Why was Hurricane Helene so damaging?
Industry News Why was Hurricane Helene so damaging? Storm Helene made landfall in Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, and Tennessee. The storm caused damage across six states, and the loss of more than 100 lives. Analysis of Storm Helene suggests that human induced climate change played a significant role in the volume of rainfall […]
Relief and recovery efforts continue in Nigeria
Industry News Relief and recovery efforts continue in Nigeria Almost four weeks have passed since the Alau dam collapsed following a period of heavy rainfall. Flash floods submerged houses and farmland, leaving over 300 people dead, and 1.2 million people affected, across 31 states. Water levels remain dangerously high, and an outbreak of cholera is […]
Floods shut roads, halt trains and close schools
Industry News Floods shut roads, halt trains and close schools In the late afternoon of 26th September 2024, Birmingham experienced a heavy rainfall event lasting around four hours. The preceding days had been fairly wet, and the surface water drainage systems were quickly overwhelmed leading to significant localised flooding within the first couple of hours. […]
Futurebuild releases industry-wide survey
Press release Futurebuild releases industry-wide survey Futurebuild, the leading platform for innovation in the built environment, is proud to unveil its latest research report titled “Impacting the Specification Process: Insights for Manufacturers.” The report provides key insights into the challenges and opportunities that will shape the sector’s future and offers a comprehensive look at the […]
Futurebuild 2025 unveils new placemaking section with focus on sustainable urban futures
Press release Futurebuild 2025 unveils new placemaking section with focus on sustainable urban futures Futurebuild is pleased to introduce a major rebrand of Sustainable Infrastructure, now known as Placemaking. The shift highlights Futurebuild’s commitment to extend the focus from essential infrastructure to the wider benefits of places for people and nature Beyond the buildings themselves, […]
Mapping Climate Risk and Vulnerability in the West Midlands
Opinion Piece Mapping Climate Risk and Vulnerability in the West Midlands Climate change is here, and our urban areas are ill-prepared. In July 2022, the West Midlands experienced temperatures surpassing 38°C, leading to overheating in residences and care facilities, school shutdowns, travel disruptions, data server malfunctions, a rise in fire emergencies, and water safety issues, […]
Buildings to prove they are net zero carbon with UK’s first agreed methodology
Industry News Buildings to prove they are net zero carbon with UK’s first agreed methodology New guidelines for net-zero buildings in the UK aim to reduce “greenwashing” by setting a clear standard for sustainable homes. With claims like “zero bills” and “net zero” often leading to confusion, this cross-industry initiative seeks to ensure that buildings […]
Guidelines for Net-Zero Buildings to Eliminate ‘Greenwashing’
Industry News Guidelines for Net-Zero Buildings to Eliminate ‘Greenwashing’ New guidelines for net-zero buildings in the UK aim to reduce “greenwashing” by setting a clear standard for sustainable homes. With claims like “zero bills” and “net zero” often leading to confusion, this cross-industry initiative seeks to ensure that buildings meet genuine environmental benchmarks. READ FULL […]
Net-zero carbon standard launched to create ‘level playing field’ in built environment
Industry News Net-zero carbon standard launched to create ‘level playing field’ in built environment A pilot version of the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard (UK NZCBS) has been published this week. The standard has been developed over three years of collaboration by organisations. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE Share this article: Read more:
Approval for new net zero standard
Industry News Approval for new net zero standard Promoters of the Passivhaus concept in the UK have approved the drafting of an industry definition for what constitutes a net zero building. The pilot version of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard has been released this week for consultation. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE Share this […]
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard
Opinion Piece UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard In May 2022, a cross-industry group comprising leading organisations BBP, BRE, the Carbon Trust, CIBSE, IStructE, LETI, RIBA, RICS, and UKGBC, joined together to develop a Standard to define the requirements for buildings in the UK to be Net Zero Carbon (NZC). The UK Net Zero Carbon […]
New Experience route to membership and registration
Industry News New Experience route to membership and registration New route is tailored for building services engineers with practical experience who do not hold the academic requirement. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE Share this article: Read more:
Grundfos Water Treatment achieves CIBSE Certification for sustainable practices
Industry News Grundfos Water Treatment achieves CIBSE Certification for sustainable practices This ECV certification not only recognises Grundfos’ position as a leader in sustainable building practices but also encourages other manufacturers to adopt similar environmentally responsible approaches. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE Share this article: Read more:
CIBSE relocates to new Headquarters in central London
Industry News Build2Perform Live to showcase NABERS UK A seminar to promote Nabers UK will take place at this year’s Build2Perform Live. The energy rating system for offices was launched in November 2020 and is based on the successful Nabers scheme in Australia. CIBSE Certification, a subsidiary of CIBSE, has administered the scheme since April. […]
Build2Perform Live to showcase NABERS UK
Industry News Build2Perform Live to showcase NABERS UK A seminar to promote Nabers UK will take place at this year’s Build2Perform Live. The energy rating system for offices was launched in November 2020 and is based on the successful Nabers scheme in Australia. CIBSE Certification, a subsidiary of CIBSE, has administered the scheme since April. […]
The Challenge Ahead: CIBSE’s Role in Leading Industry Innovation
Opinion Piece The challenge ahead: CIBSE’s role in leading industry innovation As we enter a transformative phase in the built environment, the stakes for our industry have never been higher. With the introduction of the Building Safety Act and the urgent push towards net zero, CIBSE is at the forefront, guiding and supporting its members […]
Lalalli Senna designs Brazil’s tallest skyscraper to be “celestial”
Industry News Lalalli Senna designs Brazil’s tallest skyscraper to be celestial The project will pursue LEED Platinum certification, making it the “first supertall residential building” to achieve the feat if awarded and it will also be the first building in Latin America to use a Tuned Mass Damper (TMD), which reduces vibrations in tall and […]
Sustainability from the ground up: Designing eco friendly buildings with AI
Industry News Sustainability from the ground up Designing eco friendly buildings with AI In today’s age of heightened climate awareness and accelerated innovation, it’s fair to ask, “What is systemically hindering the transition to efficient buildings and green construction?” READ FULL ARTICLE HERE Share this article: Read more:
Futurebuild unveils FutureX digital disruptors
Press release Futurebuild unveils FutureX digital disruptors Futurebuild, the leading event for forward-thinking innovation in the built environment, is thrilled to announce the launch of FutureX Digital Disruptors, at Futurebuild 2025. Building on the success of FutureX Innovation, this new initiative highlights the trailblazers driving the next wave of digital transformation in construction. As the […]
Inaugural Natural Fibre Insulation Week kicks off on 14th October 2024
Industry News Inaugural Natural Fibre Insulation Week kicks off on 14th October 2024 ASBP is delighted to announce the launch of our Natural Fibre Insulation Week, an exciting new showcase of natural fibre insulation products and systems, with a series of in-person events, CPDs, tours and practical hands-on workshops taking place across the UK from […]
ASBP Reuse Now campaign: Promoting a Circular Economy in the Built Environment
Industry News ASBP Reuse Now campaign: Promoting a Circular Economy in the Built Environment An update on the ASBPour Reuse Now campaign, which is promoting the reuse of construction materials through a series of webinars, in-person events, ‘deep-dive’ workshops and the creation of a resource hub. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE Share this article: Read more: