Understanding green building certifications: why should you get one?

More and more developers, businesses and homeowners are pursuing sustainability certification for their buildings, but is it actually worth it? The buildings our sector creates are at the centre of…

What is COP28 (and why is it so controversial)?

This year's global climate conference has been shrouded in controversy and debate from the outset. Here's everything you need to know. On 30 November, the United Nations will kick off…

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…

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…

Why sustainability can’t exist in silos

If you want your sustainability initiatives to have a meaningful impact, your organisation's environmental literacy can’t be siloed among individuals and departments. For modern businesses, sustainability is no longer a…

Small businesses have a crucial role in the battle against climate change

Think your small business is too small to make a difference on climate change and sustainability? Here’s why you may want to reconsider. Small businesses are the backbone of commerce…

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…

Building climate resilience into the built environment

by UCEM Academic Hazel Nash With extreme weather events on the rise, what can the built environment do to ensure buildings are climate resilient? There’s no question that climate change…

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…

5 ways the built environment can avoid greenwashing

As an industry with such a pivotal role to play in the mission for a sustainable future, how can the built environment combat the rise of greenwashing? Greenwashing is rife…