Durham Greener Buildings’ Post

Infrastructure development and environmental conservation don't have to be at odds. This project is a perfect example of how innovative design can coexist with nature. By building elevated highways over existing land and water bodies, minimal disruption is caused to the surrounding environment, preserving agricultural land, ecosystems, and local habitats. Sustainable development like this ensures progress without compromising the natural beauty and resources we depend on. #SustainableDevelopment #Infrastructure #EcoFriendly #InnovationInConstruction #GreenEngineering #Sustainability

We're featured in the latest Greenscape magazine! Sam Heard AIoR and Luke Rootham AIoR discuss the key challenges and opportunities of retrofitting green roofs. Green roofs are common on new buildings to meet mandated requirements such as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), but we are yet to see green roofs routinely retrofitted onto existing structures. The UK is facing a biodiversity crisis, and as existing buildings make up such a significant proportion of our built environment, we need to see more green roof retrofit projects taking place in the UK to help increase biodiversity in the coming years. But green roof retrofit involves addressing several complex issues, primarily related to structure and additional loading. Find us on page 24 to read more: https://lnkd.in/dicUtDB #GreenRoofs #RoofingProjects #RoofRetrofit #SustainableRoofing

If you're interested in #climateaction, #urbanplanning, and #sustainability, check out webinars by Canopy on how trees can help mitigate heat waves, biodiversity, improve human health, and more! Check out this "Save the Trees Please" webinar recording on Best Practices for the Development Plan Review Process (~90 min) - https://lnkd.in/gZeV3d6i Canopy page for webinars: https://lnkd.in/ghqrBQ3V - these are pretty interesting on how to integrate both more nature and more housing.

Check out our new infographic! Thanks to Omni Media and Marketing!

Concerned about the environmental impact of middle housing? Did you know that since 1800, 92% of riparian areas, 77% of broadleaf woodlands, and 73% of grasslands have been lost to development? It's time to prioritize green space and environmental preservation in our urban areas. Let's work towards creating sustainable housing options that invest in our urban canopy and public green spaces. #middlehousing #environment #greenspace #sustainability

Future-proofing commercial developments starts with a foundation of resilient, sustainable greenery. Trees play a crucial role in mitigating urban heat islands, managing water run-off, and contributing to long-term environmental stability. At The Tree Co, we provide species like Harpullia Pendula and Magnolia Grandiflora that are built to thrive in challenging urban environments. By integrating low-maintenance, drought-tolerant trees into your projects, you’re not only enhancing the landscape but also reducing future costs and environmental impact. Forward-thinking developers know that green solutions are essential for future success. Let’s make sure your commercial spaces stand the test of time. #FutureProofing #SustainableLandscapes #TreeCo #UrbanDevelopment #GreenResilience

The state of the environment in the cities is a question of public and environmental safety, not just an urban development option. By utilizing the natural based solutions (NBS) we can give the urban communities a fighting chance against the environmental degradation. UPSURGE project #urbanecosystem #environment #NBS

Urbanization and Its Effects on Local Ecosystems Urbanization, the rapid growth of cities and towns, significantly impacts local ecosystems. As natural landscapes are transformed into urban areas, habitats are destroyed, leading to biodiversity loss. Many species are displaced or driven to extinction due to the loss of their natural habitats. Increased urban development also results in pollution. Air, water, and soil pollution from industrial activities, vehicle emissions, and waste contribute to environmental degradation. Urban areas generate large amounts of waste and sewage, often inadequately managed, contaminating local water bodies and soils. Urbanization alters natural water cycles. Impervious surfaces like concrete reduce groundwater recharge and increase surface runoff, leading to more frequent and severe flooding. This disrupts aquatic ecosystems and depletes groundwater resources. Heat islands are another consequence, where urban areas become significantly warmer than their rural surroundings due to human activities and infrastructure. This affects local climate and stresses urban flora and fauna. Mitigating these impacts requires sustainable urban planning, such as creating green spaces, improving waste management, and implementing policies to reduce pollution. Balancing urban growth with environmental conservation is essential to preserving local ecosystems and ensuring sustainable development. #snsinstitutions #designthinking #snsdesignthinkers

I am thrilled to announce the release of our highly anticipated paper from the RECLAIM Network Plus, now published in a top-ranked journal, #TheInnovation. Leading this network is an honour, and I am proud to present this outstanding contribution by my team of over #30collaborators spanning a #dozencountries, titled as: Urban heat mitigation by green and blue infrastructure: drivers, effectiveness, and future needs (https://lnkd.in/e4DG9ahv) “We have known for some time that green spaces and water can cool cities down. However, this study provides us the most comprehensive picture yet. What’s more – we can explain why. From trees providing shade, to evaporating water cooling the air. The whole idea of the network is to promote the implementation of blue and green infrastructure in urban environments" News release here: https://t.co/XhS7kR4yUz Guardian: https://lnkd.in/epaQ-mXh NERC: Natural Environment Research Council EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Aerosol Science Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE) UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) University of Bath University of Surrey Bangor University University of Warwick Institute for Sustainability