The criticism of ESG: why is it becoming controversial?

Despite their growing popularity, ESG policies and practices have attracted criticism from many. Here’s why. Profit and appetite for risk are no longer the sole factor considered in investment decisions.…

What is the green skills gap (and why does it matter)?

The built environment is in dire need of sustainability talent. Here are 10 skills that can help close the growing green talent gap. The UK is in a race to…

A guide to ESG: what is it and why does it matter?

ESG has grown from a small CSR initiative into a global business priority and a multi-million-dollar industry. Here’s why it matters. The factors that determine success for a company have…

Material banks, explained: could they be the path to a circular future?

Material banks could help reduce the enormous amounts of waste produced by the demolitions of buildings and infrastructure. Here's how they work. A wide array of different materials, components and…

Edenica: a case study for the circular economy in the built environment

The Edenica project is more than just another modern looking development in the heart of London - it could represent the future of construction in the built environment. At first…

What are material passports (and how do they work)?

Just as our passports track the journeys we make across the world, material passports can keep a record of how materials are created, utilised and recycled. There’s no avoiding the…

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…

10 heat pump myths, debunked

Here are some of the most common myths and misconceptions about heat pumps that have held back its adoption in the UK. Heat pumps are widely considered to be one…

Are heat pumps just hot air?

Amid fierce debate in the UK, are heat pumps really the future of sustainable energy, heating and retrofitting in the built environment? If we are to achieve the 2050 net…

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…

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…