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…

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…

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.…

It’s not easy, being green – are green building certifications just greenwash?

Certifications like BREEAM and LEED have been lauded in sustainability circles, but just how much importance should be placed on them? If you’ve had any experience in the built environment,…

7 sustainability skills every built environment professional needs

With environmental, social, and governance (ESG) regulations tightening and penalties set to rise, businesses across the UK are in a race against time to decarbonise their operations by 2050. As…