Work smarter, not harder: what are smart materials?

Smart materials have the potential to transform the way we approach the design, construction and management of buildings. Here's how they work, with several key examples of their applications. The…

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

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

Net zero carbon buildings explained: here’s why they matter

If we’re to address our role in the ongoing climate crisis, the built environment needs to explore and champion the potential for net zero carbon buildings. In 2023, the UK…

What is urban greening (and how is it creating the cities of the future)?

Urban greening isn’t just making the cities of the future green – it’s helping them become sustainable, too. Here’s how. The built environment is at a crossroads. As a sector,…

Your guide to change management (and why it matters)

If the last few years have taught us anything about business, it’s that change is a fact of life. From the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of remote working to…

Human-centred design 101: here’s what it means for architecture

Applying human-centric design principles to our buildings and structures can have a wide range of benefits for both their occupants and the environment. From air quality and noise pollution to…

8 exciting career paths in the built environment

The built environment is an exciting sector full of opportunities in a wide range of areas. Here are a handful of examples. When you think of the built environment, you’d…

Building up to COP29 – here’s what to expect from this year’s conference

This November sees the return of one of the most controversial yet significant events in the sustainability calendar. On 11 November, United Nation’s latest Conference of the Parties (COP) event…

What are smart cities (and are they the future of the built environment)?

Are smart cities another marketing buzzword in the built environment, or are they really the future of our urban infrastructure? You may well have heard of smart homes and smart…

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…

Everyone can contribute to global change: a Q&A with UCEM Student Officer for Sustainability Kian Bruney

Kian Bruney has been appointed as one of four new Student Officers for Sustainability at UCEM. We sat down with him to find out what drew him to the role…

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…