built environment technologies

14 Jul 23

Futuristic concrete made from fungi allows for eco-friendly construction

Geotechnical & Environmental

Using the knitted moulds as a flexible framework or ‘formwork’, the scientists created a composite called ‘mycocrete’ which is stronger and more versatile in terms of shape and form, allowing the scientists to grow lightweight and relatively eco-friendly construction materials. “Our ambition is to transform the look, feel and wellbeing…

12 Jun 23

Energy efficiency improvements restricted to wealthy homeowners, Unison says

Geotechnical & Environmental

The union said that without a major rethink on financial help and incentives, the UK faces “painfully slow” progress on green homes and won’t meet its 2050 net-zero target. The report found that short-term policies and a complex array of “ever-changing support packages” have left millions of households with insufficient…

01 Jun 23

Prototype home with flexible walls allows for easy layout changes

Geotechnical & Environmental

The invention aims to reduce waste and carbon, whilst also improving living conditions for those who cannot afford expensive refurbishments. Some 11 per cent of global energy-related carbon emissions are from construction materials and processes, (known as embodied carbon), according to the World Green Building Council. Dubbed ‘Ephemeral’, the house…

17 Mar 23

The Gallery: Rome’s World Expo bid aims for solar utopia

Geotechnical & Environmental

Expo 2030 Roma would take place in Tor Vergata, a vast area in the Italian capital that, although being home to one of the country’s leading academic hubs as well as residential buildings, has experienced neglect in recent decades. The plan aims to reverse that decline through sustainable, long-term development…

05 Dec 22

‘Time to get serious’ with net-zero homes, UK heating industry tells government

Geotechnical & Environmental

Mike Foster, CEO of the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), has called for full-village trials of heat pumps to be set up to explore the possible heating options available for each home; the likely associated costs of reinforcing the electricity network, and how consumers view the change. In his call,…

08 Nov 22

Net zero buildings: the future of construction?

Geotechnical & Environmental

With humanity scrambling to respond to climate change, countless companies, investors, public sector bodies and national governments have made commitments to achieve ‘net zero’ carbon emissions in the next two or three decades. Net zero is the notion that any greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted through an organisation’s activities must be balanced out through…

28 Sep 22

Hydrogen could prove inefficient for heating homes, despite government claims

Geotechnical & Environmental

Hydrogen will not have a major role in the future of heating homes across Britain, according to a peer-reviewed analysis of more than two dozen independent studies, published in the academic journal Joule. The research found that using hydrogen in domestic heating is less economic; less efficient; more resource intensive, and…

26 Sep 22

Tackling the hidden risk from building with wood

Geotechnical & Environmental

The UK saw record temperatures this summer, causing widespread wildfires and droughts. This extreme weather could become a regular seasonal occurrence, affecting us all in years to come. Alongside the looming threat from fire, to make matters worse the fire retardants we use to protect building materials often contain dangerous…

25 Jul 22

eGuide, delivering exceptional resilience for extraordinary care

Engineering & Management

Extreme weather, cyberattacks, and epidemics place tremendous strain on healthcare facilities. While it may not be possible to predict the next catastrophic event, it is possible to plan for it. Download this eGuide to explore the solutions that can help prepare for and respond to unforeseen events - without disrupting…

27 Apr 22

Guide to Environmental Sustainability Metrics for Data Centres

Engineering & Management

Many companies are now reporting on sustainability as a supplement to financial reporting. They are communicating their commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) programs. The data centre industry has unique characteristics, such as high energy intensity, rapid growth, large power consumption and water usage that require specialised metrics. Standardising…