Edge-Futurebuild newsletter Aug21
Guest editor of the week:
A collective view from the Edge
The final series of webinars curated by the Edge for Futurebuild in the run-up to COP 26 focuses on the critical need for us all to better engage with the complex issues of the political-economy, the natural environment and ourselves as systems that must change – dramatically and NOW. We, as an industry, have a key role in responding effectively to the climate revolution. Combining our huge resources, experience and education with the necessary political support, if we professionals are not ready, then how can we expect anyone else to be?
The Edge is the UK’s only multi-disciplinary, independent thinktank for the built and natural environment that promotes collaboration between our Professionals and between our institutions. Visit our website for more information at www.edgedebate.com.
Oblique air photo of Kingston (1924). Source: Queens University Library
Resource Volatility by Nicoletta Michaletos, Buro Happold
Historians still regard the collapse of the ancient city of Nineveh as the ‘mother of all catastrophes’. The city fell in 612 BC, following two centuries of regional dominance at the heart of the Assyrian Empire. Biblical verse even makes an example of this, the largest city in its time, as a lesson against pride and hubris, describing the fall as strange and quite sudden: an ‘utter end’, a ‘desolation’…and this has been repeated in other cities over time. What do these tales of collapse tell us about cities and the way that they work and what lessons can we learn and what actions should we take today?
"Urgency and agency": Michael E. Mann on beating climate despair
Michael E, Mann, author of The New Climate War - the fight to take back our planet interviewed on how to overcome fear and paralysis when we’re thinking about the scale of this problem and how we turn our fear and anxiety into motivation and action?
An important assessment of humanity's future on earth to date by CCAG
The IPCC 6th Assessment Report (AR6) is the most important assessment of humanity’s future on Earth to date. Climate Crisis Advisory Group (CCAG) commends the IPCC and all the scientists involved for their clear and unflinching assessment of the catastrophe we face without immediate action.
Places to intervene in a system, Donella H. Meadows
Donella Meadows, co-author of The Limits to Growth (1972), on the need to think in systems. Those who do systems analysis have a strong belief in "leverage points"- They are places inside a complex system (a corporation, an economy, a living body, a city, an ecosystem) where a small change in one thing could produce a major impact. The system analysis community has a lot of lore about leveraging points.
What next for concrete? 'Beyond net-zero cement'
UK producers are trialling new types of cement production methods and testing low-carbon concrete recipes in a bid to eliminate carbon emissions and become a net-zero industry. The moves are part of a roadmap that identifies seven ways of decarbonising the industry with the aim of going "beyond net-zero" by 2050, involving running production plants and supply chains on renewable energy and making use of nascent carbon-capture technologies.
CIEEM Briefing paper on environmental net gain (ENG)
This briefing paper aims to provide a practical definition of the term and provide the legislative, policy and strategic context within which Environmental Net Gain (ENG) can be delivered. By taking a holistic approach, majority gains in environmental benefits can be achieved.
£450m Strategic Innovation Fund to give greener energy networks
The funding has opened applications on 31st August 2021 and will be available for over the next five years to be used to keep bills as low as possible, drive the UK towards its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and help turn the UK into the ‘Silicon Valley' of energy.
LETI Client guide
The LETI Client Guide for Net Zero Carbon Buildings pulls together key details from numerous LETI documents and publications, which cover the ways in which briefing, designing, procuring, constructing, occupying, managing and valuing buildings must change. It is our vision that this guide will help you as clients, and your advisers, to create project value and avoid stranded assets and/or projects.
Edge Recommendations for COP26 - relevant investment in people
Integration of Climate and Ecological Education in all subjects
Make changes to the curriculum from nursery to post-grad to integrate climate and ecological education in all subjects for a more informed public.
Organize Climate and Ecological Education as a requirement in all courses
Integrate climate and ecological education as a requirement throughout all courses in built environment education and for continuing professional development (CPD).
Enabling job contracts for the community
Move from outsourcing of labour, involving low wages, little job security, to employee contracts. Job security and the possibility of career advancement are the basis for attracting and keeping good people, as well as investing in training.
Are we ready for COP26?
Session 1: Engaging better with politics and economics for rapid change
Thursday 09 September 2021 12pm (BST)
The first session in the COP26 webinar series, sponsored by ACO and curated by the Edge, takes place on Thursday 09 September at 12 pm (BST). Facilitated by Baroness Kate Parminter, this session asks 'How do we get joined-up working across government?' with Charles Secrett, Dr Kathrine Trebeck and Maria Smith. For more information on the sessions and the speakers and to register for free please visit the website.
It's time to rethink how we can all engage to deliver the transformational political-economic changes needed for a better future for all!
Hear from our expert speakers below.
Baroness Parminter
Chair
The Lords Select Committee on Environment and Climate Change
Charles Secrett
Campaigner and Advisor
The Climate and Ecological Emergency Alliance
Maria Smith
Director of Sustainability and Physics
Buro Happold and RIBA Councillor
Dr Katherine Trebeck
Co-founder
Wellbeing Economy Alliance and WEAll Scotland
