Useful Projects

The new Circular Economy Evidence report for Greater Lincolnshire LEP highlights the untapped potential of keeping resources in use longer - rethinking, reusing, and regenerating materials rather than discarding them. This shift isn't just about sustainability, it is an economic opportunity. Alongside SOENECS Ltd and Metro Dynamics, we worked with the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP) to build an evidence base assessing circular economy activity across the region. The findings offer guidance for businesses and policymakers to drive growth, support Net Zero ambitions, and unlock long-term environmental and economic benefits.   With local councils now leading the next phase, the opportunity to embed circular principles into regional strategy has never been greater. 🔗 Learn more here - https://lnkd.in/et8UVQux. Useful Simple Trust #SustainabilityConsultancy #CircularPrinciples #RegionalStrategy 

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)’s State of the Nation 2025 report underscores the essential role of infrastructure in meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The report highlights the urgent need for affordable, climate-resilient infrastructure solutions across the Transport, Water, and Energy sectors. It emphasises the importance of digital technologies for improved management of transport networks, enhancing water recycling efforts to unlock new resources, and energy grid upgrades to support the net-zero transition. With input from over 36 industry contributors, including Expedition's Director Eva MacNamara, these insights represent a collective effort to drive sustainable infrastructure decisions. These insights play a key role in shaping policies that extend the life of existing systems and embrace innovative solutions for the future. Eva is also currently contributing to the Royal Academy of Engineering's National Engineering Policy Centre working group on Ageing Infrastructure, taking forward this important topic in more depth. 📰 Download the State of the Nation report here - https://lnkd.in/dTkEE2nJ. Eva contributed alongside other experts in the Transport sector:  Prof. (Dr.) Samer Bagaeen FRICS MRTPI FRGS | David Bishop | Mark Brown | Norman Chan | Isabel Coman CEng FICE | Andy Cross |  Steve Denton | Simon Lamont | Hazel McDonald | David McAra | Conor McCone | Billy Minto | Dr Janvi Shah | Mike Wilson Useful Simple Trust #GlobalGoals #SustainableInfrastructure #InnovativeSolutions 

The Trust is delighted to have been Highly Commended in the ‘Best UK Consultancy (Small and Micro)’ category at the Consultancy and Engineering Awards last night! 🎉 A huge thank you to Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) for this recognition - one of three across the Trust - and congratulations to Rivelin Bridge Ltd on their win. A fantastic achievement! 👏 Environmental Industries Commission (EIC)  #ACEAwards #BuiltEnvironment #Consultancy  

Hartree has been shortlisted for The Developer and Festival of Place Future Place award! 🍍   Hartree is a vision for a new part of Cambridge that will create genuine social and environmental value by providing over 20 hectares of open space, thousands of carbon neutral homes, and a significant net gain in biodiversity.    The recognition celebrates the excellent work of our team including partners at LandsecU+I, masterplanners Kjellander Sjöberg, LOLA Landscape Architects, Useful Projects, Pell Frischmann, Carter Jonas, ECF

"No design brief I have ever seen has required a plan for end-of-life recovery." For nearly three decades, Professor Sophie Thomas has challenged how we design, consume, and discard. From leading The Great Recovery to pioneering sustainable materials, she has driven circular design thinking forward. Sophie spoke to Katie Walsh, Founder of THE RE-PETE PROJECT- a fellow B Corp transitioning the fashion industry from linear to circular - to answer 10 questions, sharing her insights on why designers must rethink the process, working backwards to drive progress, and the vital role of collaboration across the supply chain. 🔗 Read the interview in full here - https://lnkd.in/eTG3nznd Thomas.Matthews | Useful Simple Trust  #CircularEconomy #SustainableDesign #RethinkingWaste 

Our For People, City and Planet, mixed use masterplan Hartree in Northeast Cambridge has made The Pineapple Awards shortlist in the ‘Future Place’ category, with The Developer and Festival of Place Working together with LandsecU+I and TOWN. with Cambridge City Council and Anglian Water Services we have developed a new, much-needed type of responsive 5-minute place with good streets and quality public realm - open to everyone - connected and rooted in Cambridge. There are so many takeaways from this project, and it’s been such a pleasure to support this ‘real’ and highly progressive vision. What has made it special was the dedication to the Quality of Life Framework alongside a long-term public engagement; working hard to reach out to existing communities in all sorts of innovative ways; festivals, ideas exchange and workshops. By taking a granular approach, including a vivid mix of different types of homes (40% affordable, cohousing and more), tenures and plots, where active ground floors contain a blend of commercial as well as community amenities including culture and workshops; we have shaped a masterplan for an active town environment, a supportive place and neighbourhood, long-term regenerative and one day there to enjoy. With a focus on health and wellbeing, the wild, biodiverse, green-blue landscape designed by LOLA Landscape Architects integrates Hartree within nature and the adjacent Fens. The promise is to meet 20% BNG, partly through the Playline and other key green spaces and networks that enable children and the greater community to move freely, safely and pleasantly to school, work, Cambridge North Station, and beyond. Thank you to the whole client team, Cambridge Shared Planning Service, councillors and the general public, for willingness to engage in such a constructive and open manner. And of course, the fantastic team of specialists including Useful Projects, Pell Frischmann Bell Phillips, Carter Jonas, Haworth Tompkins and ECF. With special mention to 5th Studio, Feilden Fowles, NOOMA Studio and Alison Brooks Architects Winners will be announced at the Festival of Place in London, April 2025.

This week’s announcement by The Crown Estate is a significant step forward in tackling some of the UK’s housing challenges. By partnering with visionaries such as GS8, igloo Regeneration, and TOWN., these projects aim to redefine what is possible in sustainable design, energy-efficient construction, and creating inclusive, thriving communities. These initiatives in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Cheshire are opportunities for local communities to shape how housing can reflect their needs and aspirations while setting a new standard for the industry. We look forward to working alongside igloo, TOWN and The Crown Estate, to set a new model for housing delivery that brings long-term benefits the communities they serve within planetary limits.  🔗 View the announcement in full here - https://lnkd.in/eev-FX4w.  Useful Simple Trust | Useful Projects  #HousingInnovation #CommunityBuilding #SME

🎉 Introducing the Future Leaders cohort for 2025! Today, this group of talented young professionals begins their sustainability leadership programme with a kick-off call. For the next six months, they will develop the skills and confidence to drive transformational change in their organisations and across the sector! Want to be part of next year's cohort? Find out more here https://lnkd.in/ePAcJSuz 🌟 This year's Future Leaders are: Alex Benstead, UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) Andrew Vann, NDY Anna Biggs, Useful Simple Trust Ariane Ephraïm, Workspace Group Cecilia Skarupa, Building Atlas Farah Husayni, JLL Francesca Wilkinson, Willmott Dixon Guy Elder, Troup Bywaters + Anders Kerstin Fenelon, The Crown Estate Kirsty Girvan, UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) Laura Solarino, Arup Lauren Longfellow, The Crown Estate Liam Bright, tp bennett Lucy Carnaby-Hayes, Savills Matthew Barratt, CBRE Rebecca Dilnot, World Green Building Council Toby Sowood, Mace Victoria Gallagher, David Chipperfield Architects Will Heffernan, Troup Bywaters + Anders

We are seeking an experienced Associate Structural Engineer to bring strong design, delivery, and leadership skills to our Structures team. This role offers the opportunity to lead exciting projects, mentor a talented team, and contribute to research and innovation in structural engineering. ✅ As an Associate, you will ensure the successful delivery of projects aligned with our ethos and objectives, while also playing a key role in commercial management and business development. ✨ This role is ideal for someone with a blend of technical expertise, leadership potential, and a passion for building meaningful client relationships. Learn more and apply here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/exZ8kE3e.  Useful Simple Trust  #AssociateStructuralEngineer #StructuralEngineering #JobVacancy  

We are seeking an Associate Director to play a pivotal role in advancing energy planning. This is a rare opportunity to work on pioneering energy transition projects with forward-thinking clients, helping shape a more sustainable future. As part of our Sustainability Masterplanning team, you will collaborate across Expedition Engineering Ltd and Useful Projects to create and implement innovative net zero strategies. Your role will include: 🟢 Shaping business strategy as part of our leadership team. 🌱 Overseeing impactful project delivery while mentoring and growing our energy team. ♻️ Leading key projects such as energy strategies for developments, decarbonisation plans, feasibility studies, and district energy concepts. 👥 Working with a mix of private and public organisations, tackling challenges across regional, district, and building scales. If you are looking to lead in the energy transition and thrive in shaping solutions that make a difference, we would love to hear from you. Explore this opportunity and apply here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e_sWhrdv Useful Simple Trust #AssociateDirector #EnergyAndCarbon #Engineering