Environmental Innovation Centre’s Post

Most books about Assessing Property Conditions are a waste of time. These aren’t: 1. 'Property Condition Assessments: A Guide to Best Practices'—Comprehensive strategies for thorough evaluations. 2. 'The Importance of Regular Property Evaluations'—Insights into maintaining property value. 3. 'Effective Property Assessments'—Techniques for accurate condition analysis. 4. 'Sustainable Building Practices'—Ensuring long-term property health. Any others you’d add? Reach out today for expert advice. #TravisEngineering #ForensicInvestigation #EngineeringExcellence #Innovation #Lawsuits #ConstructionClaims #EnvironmentalConsulting

Did you know that building retrofits have superpowers? 🦸♀️ 🏋♀️ Learn how retrofits are so much more than carbon reduction pathways - Our new review article published in Building and Environment led by Letzai Ruiz and Nastaran Makaremi, and with co-author Sarah Haines, explores the co-benefits of retrofits including avoided healthcare costs, added social benefits and job creation. Specifically, we examine the methods for quantification and monetization of social, economic, and environmental benefits arising from the implementation of residential retrofits. The findings highlight how retrofits can not only improve environmental and economic outcomes, but also provide significant social and health benefits. We advocate for standardized, comprehensive, and multi-scale approaches to effectively evaluate the co-benefits associated with residential retrofits for all stakeholders, including individuals, society, and governments, which can enable the integration of these co-benefits into policy objectives and retrofit decision-making processes. This article is available free until March 08, 2025: https://lnkd.in/gZGHNPTq

Building retrofits have numerous added social, economic and environmental co-benefits beyond just energy savings! 🏢 🏘️ Explore how retrofits provide social and health benefits as well as improved economic and environmental outcomes in our recently published paper “Co-benefits of residential retrofits: A review of quantification and monetization approaches".

📢 Title II entities must make their services accessible, even if full renovations aren't possible. Effective programs & alternate accommodations ensure accessibility—like moving a city council meeting to an accessible space. ♿ #ADA #InclusiveCommunities #PublicServices

I took some time before sending this message, as I believe it’s always good to let the storm pass before expressing anything in words. Some may still interpret this post as sour grapes, but I'll try to remain objective. Last week was tough. Not just for myself, but also for our small company, our team, and the myriad of local supporters and businesses. However, we are not surprised by the result—it’s what we and many other developers in Aberdeen have come to expect from the Local Authority. Twice, we brought vibrant and innovative schemes to the site, backed by the local community and its leaders. Yet twice, they were scuppered by a combination of the local planning authority and planning committee. We are still baffled by the decision to keep a derelict site, subject to vandalism, arson, and antisocial behavior, over a landmark development that would bring 35 new jobs, £2.48m in local revenue, and one of the largest EV charging hubs in Scotland. The LPA and Planning Committee need to reevaluate their processes and the role they play for Aberdeen and its residents. Their actions are clearly at odds with their intentions. This was exemplified during the hearing itself (listen to the last 15 minutes of the hearing). There are glaring gaps in the local development plan (LDP) around Scotland's NPF4 policy, and the LPA’s refusal of 'drive-throughs' purely because their LDP predates NPF4. How is it then that multiple authorities around Scotland, have been able to update and amend their LDP, and allow drive-through sites post NPF4? This is also contrary to the specific guidance set by the planning Minister Tom Arthur, and chief planner Fiona Simpson in relation to this matter. I do want to say a massive thankyou to everyone who has supported this project over the last 4-6 months. This touched both myself and CoCity, and we will always be grateful. Special thanks to the business leaders, councillors, and politicians who put their heads above the parapet and supported this. Aberdeen needs more folk like you, now more than ever. What will happen to the Alba Gate site? The future looks bleak. For the last 4 years, we have battled to make positive change here. However, as an SME, we cannot hold on indefinitely and must move on. We hope the future owners have collaboration at their core, like CoCity, and that the ending is a positive one for the local community and residents. Finally, it is with a heavy heart that CoCity will be permanently exiting the Aberdeen market to focus on other areas of Scotland and the UK. Although we see tremendous opportunity for Aberdeen, a city in a great transition, we need to work with local authorities supportive of innovation and growth, with a clear vision for making their cities 'best in class.' Sadly, I feel Aberdeen has lost its way on this matter. All the best Alex https://lnkd.in/dU_rC4Vx  

Moving to a more affordable area could be the fresh start you need to get ahead financially. Read more in today's blog 👉https://ow.ly/4Vmq50UpoVP #AffordableLiving #RoseAnneEricksonRealty #HomesColumbusGa #HomesForSaleNearMe

The three pillars of urban planning for health and wellbeing. With an ageing population, sedentary lifestyles and environmental changes, urban planning has a key role to play in encouraging and facilitating healthy living. This article outlines the World Health Organisation's "three pillars" for planners: ✅ Green spaces - for physical activity and relaxation. ✅ Smart technology - gathering and aggregating data to provide insights. ✅ Inclusivity - creating communities suitable for all ages and circumstances. Construction has a key role to play in the health of a nation. #construction #building #planning #urbanplanning

In 1993 a small group of builders and architects taught me to frame the view To focus on the holistic goals and impact They were judging the Housing Industry Association (HIA) Australian Housing Awards Large expanses of glass had become the norm in home renovations across Australia. A country where we have an abundance of sunlight and extreme temperatures. At the same time energy ratings had become a focus Whole walls of glass facing on to rear gardens -leaked energy -showed the falling-down shed and the rubbish bins as well as the beautifully landscaped pool area. -and required blinds on beautiful blue-sky days – blocking the view. The better approach was to frame the view -manage energy -focus on the areas that delivered the greatest pleasure -extend the capacity to bring comfort As I sketch out each day, I frame the view. Our Kinds goal is to eliminate the single use cup globally We have trials in cafes and precincts around Australia And each day and week we frame the view – what will bring greatest impact now? #fremantle and #eastfremantle took a chance on us in July 2022 and now we are going to bring our global learning back to #freo -we know what works -we know what doesn’t – yet -we know how to test the next stage of solutions -we have more than 20 ideal partner targets for win win solutions in that one precinct alone -we have a leadership team (to be announced soon) -cafes are waiting for us (see early #freo trial video in comments) Is acting on #unsdg12 Responsible Consumption and Production in your view? Would you like to be part of a local solution that can roll out globally? Why not put an Our Kinds partnership front and centre in your strategy. (And for those patient folk and brands waiting on proposals – get ready. They are coming your way now). Phew! What a view. #frametheview #540billionsingleusecups #justbringitback #femalefounder “Witnessing Karen is like watching a storm happen in a drought-it's disruptive, happens like lightning and any environment will be better off after.” Felicity Smith

🌅 This morning, I had the pleasure of attending the Property Council Australia Breakfast, where the theme was "Is the future Modern Methods of Construction?" The insights from the panelists: Brett Hocking (The APP Group), Phillip Tondl (Lipman Pty Ltd), Katharine Turner (Hassell), and Rebecca Pinkstone (Homes NSW) were truly thought-provoking. Key takeaways: 🔍 Innovation and Risk: Innovation is essential but inherently comes with risks. The challenge is to accept these risks while safeguarding against poor quality through robust regulations. 📈 Demand-Driven Innovation: Simply investing in innovation isn’t enough. It needs to be driven by market demand and supported by an evolved regulatory framework to ensure scalability and success. 🌐 Digital Scalability: For modern construction methods to be scalable, they must leverage digital technologies. Consistent, rules-based planning is crucial for achieving speed and cost benefits. 🔧 Skilled Ecosystem: Innovation requires a skilled ecosystem. Asset management in modern methods of construction (MMC) must be knowledgeable and aligned with industry advancements to ensure effective implementation. 🌆 Quality and Beauty: As Rebecca Pinkstone and Katharine Tuner emphasised, MMC should enhance quality without sacrificing beauty. These methods offer durability and can contribute positively to our urban landscapes, dispelling outdated notions of bland standardisation. Overall, it was a powerful discussion on how MMC can shape the future of construction by creating beautiful, durable, and efficient urban environments. #PropertyCouncilAustralia #MMC #InnovationInConstruction #UrbanDevelopment #SustainableBuilding #DigitalConstruction #QualityInConstruction #APP

The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) recently unveiled its WELL for Residential program, a first-of-its-kind building and design standard to prioritize resident health, comfort and well-being. In this episode, Elizabeth (Liz) Miles, VP of Residential at IWBI, shares how the program came to be, how it differs from its WELL Building Standard (WELL), and how some innovative pilot program participants have been implementing it. See the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/gemX-3jB