How thirsty are data centres? The truth about their water consumption

By Matthew Smith and Linda Serck Hosepipe bans are rife across England during August 2026’s drought, yet Europe’s largest data-centre cluster in Slough is guzzling millions of litres a day…

Why Britain’s homes and high streets need a heatwave rethink

By Linda Serck Britain’s homes and high streets were designed to keep heat in, now we have to learn to keep it out. Following the June 2026 heatwave, University of…
Pippa Middleton - Barton Court, Kintbury footpath row. University of the Built Environment academic Matthew Smith offers legal perspectives around public rights of way

Pippa Middleton’s footpath battle exposes legal labyrinth around public rights of way

As a public inquiry weighs up a disputed route across the Berkshire estate owned by Pippa Middleton Matthews and her husband James Matthews, the case is shining a light on one of…