Category: Sustainability
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Explainer: BREEAM V7 and how it raises the sustainability bar
Changes to the world’s leading system for assessing sustainability in the built environment aim to raise the bar even further. Mott MacDonald’s Selin Demirci takes a look at the changes brought in by BREEAM V7. Houghton Primary Care Centre in Sunderland was the first NHS healthcare building to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating at both…
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Eco-brick manufacturer nominated for Prince William’s green prize
Sam Chapman, co-founder and executive director of Kenoteq, said: “Being nominated for the Earthshot Prize is fantastic recognition for our team’s work in developing a truly transformative solution to construction’s environmental crisis. Unlike approaches that simply treat the symptoms of the industry’s environmental impact, the K-Briq addresses the root cause by utilising industry waste to…
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Waste plant fibres make compressed earth blocks stronger, study finds
Plant fibres can increase compressed earth blocks’ strength by 12%, a study by the University of Portsmouth has found. Researchers at the School of Civil Engineering and Surveying examined the fresh and hardened properties of three raw earth mortar mixes to determine the extent to which plant fibres from agricultural waste could replace the cement…
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National Street Sweeper Test Highlights Microplastic Removal and Water Quality Impact
For the first time in over 25 years, a comprehensive, grant-funded national test of street sweeper performance took place the second week of July, marking a pivotal moment for the power sweeping industry. Designed and conducted by WSA’s Director, Ranger Kidwell-Ross, along with noted testing authority, Roger Sutherland, the testing process was administered by the…
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South African Traders: Starting Small, Thinking Big in Careers
South African retail traders are becoming more strategic in how they approach financial markets. A recent study by Kantar reveals that while most traders invest only a small portion of their income, their long-term plans reflect a deep commitment to making trading a primary source of income. This measured approach highlights a growing maturity and…
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Exploring Rome by Golf Cart: Sustainable Urban Planning
Cities worldwide are rethinking how they grow, move, and welcome visitors. Rome, a city with over two thousand years of history, is no exception. While its ancient monuments and timeless charm make it one of the most visited cities in the world, Rome is also adapting to modern challenges. Sustainable mobility, urban planning, and innovative…
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Achieving net zero requires widespread BREEAM adoption
Construction professionals committed to sustainability must adopt performance benchmarks and set science-based targets, argues Barrett Harris. The UK construction sector has a pivotal role to play in achieving the nation’s net-zero target by 2050. However, a comparison of national and construction-specific greenhouse gas emissions reveals a stark contrast. Between 1990 and 2023, the UK reduced…
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Achieving net zero requires widespread BREEAM adoption
Construction professionals committed to sustainability must adopt performance benchmarks and set science-based targets, argues Barrett Harris. The UK construction sector has a pivotal role to play in achieving the nation’s net-zero target by 2050. However, a comparison of national and construction-specific greenhouse gas emissions reveals a stark contrast. Between 1990 and 2023, the UK reduced…