Sustainability and climate action in the built environment: a UCEM panel

Several members of staff at UCEM took part in a panel discussing the institution’s role in sustainable education and governance. Here’s what they had to say. On Tuesday 23 April,…

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…

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…

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…

Technology will define the future of sustainability

Technology is going to make or break any attempt to achieve a sustainable built environment. Here’s why. The built environment has a mountain to climb to address its impact on…

COP28: the good, the bad, and the ugly

In this guest article, UCEM’s Jessica Gordon-Calvert gives her personal reaction to the fallout from December’s international climate conference. By Jessica Gordon-Calvert, Sustainability Education & Engagement Officer From an outsider’s…

12 sustainable alternatives to traditional concrete

Concrete, the second most-consumed substance in the world behind water, is also one of the most damaging to the environment. Here are 12 sustainable alternatives. The sector-wide push to realise…

The intrinsic link between ESG and the built environment

Implementing ESG can help built environment businesses demonstrate progress on their sustainability ambitions and goals. Today, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) dominates the conversation when it comes to business strategy.…