Do you have to be rich to be green?

By Jordan Turner Senior lecturer in Real Estate From solar panels and heat pumps to electric vehicles and eco-friendly home renovations, many of the measures we associate with greener living…

From fishing-net carpets to toilet twinning: are we the most sustainable university in the world?

By Linda Serck and Kathy Matthews Ten years after our Reading office achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating, just how far has the University of the Built Environment gone in making…
MSc Renewable Energy and AI article: When renewable energy has to switch off: why the clean energy transition needs smarter systems By Dr Mahmoud Dhimish from the University of the Built Environment

When renewable energy has to switch off: why the clean energy transition needs smarter systems 

By Dr Mahmoud Dhimish Programme leader, MSc Renewable Energy and AI In July 2026,  The Guardian reported that Derril Water solar park in north Devon, described as Britain’s largest community-owned solar…

Why grids need AI brains as much as renewable energy brawn

By Linda Serck Renewable energy now supplies more than half of the UK’s electricity, with wind close behind gas, and coal gone altogether. Building wind turbines and solar photovoltaic farms…

Sustainability starts here: meet the 2025/26 Responsible Futures Working Group

At the University of the Built Environment, sustainability is a shared mission between everyone. This October, the University launched its 2025/26 Responsible Futures Working Group (RFWG), bringing together students and…

The next generation of green leaders: introducing our Student Officers for Sustainability

From tackling waste on construction sites to rebuilding homes after hurricanes, this year’s Student Officers for Sustainability are bringing powerful stories, global perspectives and hands-on experience to the University of…
Bricks with space invader

Should we bin the brick?

In light of the recent news on carbon-capturing bricks, University of the Built Environment Programme Leader James Ritson raises an essential challenge: even if bricks become more carbon-efficient, is it wise to…
Overheating buildings

Overheating Britain: Can our buildings cope?

By Jordan Turner Lecturer The UK Green Building Council’s new 'Climate Resilience Roadmap' pulls no punches: Britain’s built environment is already “facing an urgent reality” when it comes to climate hazards,…

Defining the circular economy: what is it (and how does it work)?

Embracing the circular economy could help the built environment address its role in the climate crisis and bring the sector on board with a net zero future. Here's how. The…

Understanding green building certifications: why should you get one?

More and more developers, businesses and homeowners are pursuing sustainability certification for their buildings, but is it actually worth it? The buildings our sector creates are at the centre of…

What is embodied carbon (and what can we do about it)?

Reducing the amount of embodied carbon created in the construction process is one of the biggest challenges facing the built environment. The built environment has a pivotal role to play…

What is the green skills gap (and why does it matter)?

The built environment is in dire need of sustainability talent. Here are 10 skills that can help close the growing green talent gap. The UK is in a race to…