A guide to 15-minute cities: why are they so controversial?

Why has the 15-minute city concept become the centre of heated debate, controversy and conspiracy theories? According to research by TUC, the average person spends 59 minutes travelling to and…

What is adaptive reuse (and why is it important)?

Adaptive reuse has emerged as a sustainable alternative to demolition for the built environment. Here’s how it works. The Göbekli Tepe is an archaeological site that was inhabited from 9500…

My understanding of sustainability has completely changed: a student profile with David Harris

“Sustainability is the biggest challenge our industry, our generation, probably the world has ever faced.” David Harris is no stranger to managing study on top of his work. He graduated…

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…

Championing the student voice: a Q&A with UCEM Student Trustee Ben McManus

Ben McManus has recently been appointed as our new Student Trustee. We sat down with Ben to learn more about his journey in the built environment to date and his…

What is lean construction (and why should you adopt it)?

When applied to the construction industry, the lean methodology can help businesses reduce waste while maximising cost and resource efficiency. The construction industry is facing a conundrum. As a consumer…

A guide to PropTech (and how it’s shaking up real estate)

PropTech is the latest technological innovation that is set to revolutionise real estate. Here's how it works. There’s no denying that digital acceleration has become a driving force behind the…

What women do matters: a Q&A with UCEM Student Candace O’Brian

We spoke to Candace O’Brian, a Jamaican real estate professional and UCEM student, to get an international perspective on what it’s like to be a woman in the built environment.…

Green infrastructure, defined: how could it help us solve the climate crisis?

Could incorporating green spaces into natural environments help planners balance sustainability and continued development of infrastructure? As the global population continues to grow, so does the housing crisis. This need…