Cities

17th September 2015

UK leading capabilities on sustainable urbanisation

The research project was primarily desk-based looking at a wide range of publications across the multiple sectors involved in urban development. I also held two expert group workshops involving representatives from industry (large companies and SMEs), academia, government and cities. The experts shared their perceptions on where the UK is truly leading. The report gives … Continue reading “UK leading capabilities on sustainable urbanisation”

24th October 2018

Connecting people and place: the benefits of a Digital Built Britain

With the BRE Cities Convention just a few weeks away, two of our speakers and both leading lights of the built environment world provide an insight into what is really driving connected, smart places and a Digital Built Britain. “The drive for a Digital Built Britain resulted from the pressing need for a more productive, … Continue reading “Connecting people and place: the benefits of a Digital Built Britain”

16th December 2016

Developing healthy homes and communities does not have to cost extra

There is a common view amongst developers that designing and building for health and wellbeing objectives is more expensive than standard projects and that it doesn’t offer return on investment. I have recently written an article which summarises evidence from a range of organisations, including the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Urban Land … Continue reading “Developing healthy homes and communities does not have to cost extra”

21st May 2018

BRE Response to the National Planning Policy Framework Consultation

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the government’s policy for local planning practitioners and stakeholders.  This includes the way in which local (and neighborhood) plans are developed and applications assessed, and also direction in respect to local policy ambition and requirements for issues such as health, security, climate change, housing etc. Like many … Continue reading “BRE Response to the National Planning Policy Framework Consultation”

15th September 2015

Re-engineering the city 2020-2050 | urban foresight and transition management

The Retrofit 2050 project aims to deliver a step change in current knowledge and capacity for urban sustainability by illuminating challenging but realistic social and technical pathways for the systemic retrofitting of UK city-regions. 80% of the UK population lives in urban areas1 , making cities a hub for energy and resource consumption, and potential … Continue reading “Re-engineering the city 2020-2050 | urban foresight and transition management”

25th September 2015

Inspiring places: The Crystal – a Sustainable Cities Initiative by Siemens

Cities account for the biggest share of energy consumption, CO2 emissions and environmental impact, half the world’s population already lives in cities, and the number of city dwellers is rapidly growing. Extensive research has been carried out by Siemens in order to help cities identify and understand new urban challenges and highlight workable solutions. The … Continue reading “Inspiring places: The Crystal – a Sustainable Cities Initiative by Siemens”