HELLO! WELCOME TO THE APRIL ISSUE OF SUSTAINABUILD MONTHLY
Matt Colgan, Director of Sustainabuild
Spring has sprung and there is an optimism and energy from our growing Sustainabuild community. The call for collaboration and knowledge sharing in the built environment sector has never been more urgent as we strive to meet challenging net-zero goals. Fortunately, the spirit of cooperation is alive and well and the support we’ve received from those leading the decarbonisation of the sector is hugely encouraging.
This past month Sustainabuild has been a whirlwind of activity and innovation. Our March Breakfast Club, centring around 'Net Zero Buildings,' was a resounding success
We were honoured to have Richard Thompson from Parabola share the inspiring tale of 1 New Edinburgh Park, a beacon of green development in Edinburgh, with community engagement and placemaking at its heart. Lindsay Adams of Arup emphasised the critical role of collaboration and data exchange in
achieving a net-zero UK building stock, while Ryan Cossar from Scottish Futures Trust introduced the forward-thinking Edinburgh Home Demonstrator project, paving the way for efficient, net-zero ready, affordable homes The unanimous agreement among our speakers was clear: a net-zero vision from the outset combined with collaborative efforts is the key to success, a sentiment strongly supported by more than thirty sustainability enthusiasts in attendance.
April marks a milestone for us as we welcome Brewster Brothers as our inaugural 'Seed Partner ' Aligned with our goal to decarbonise the built environment, they are leaders in construction waste recycling. This partnership will amplify awareness of their services, which should be of great value to our Sustainabuild community. If your business is passionate about decarbonising the built environment and wishes to be at the forefront of our community as a Sustainabuild Partner, please email me: matt@cognitionevents co uk
Looking ahead, our April 25th Breakfast Club will delve into 'Circular Building and Construction.' We're thrilled to host Joanne McClelland, Architect and Founder of EALA Impacts Joining her will be Stephen Boyle, Built Environment Manager at Zero Waste Scotland, discussing circular economy principles
. Don't miss your chance to engage with our burgeoning community Secure your spot at our next Breakfast Club via the events page on our website(www sustainabuildscotland co uk)
SUSTAINABUILD
NEWSLETTER
GOOD NEWS
CITY FOREST PLANS
Paris is set to create its first “urban forest” on a busy roundabout by June this year, part of Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s vision to transform the city into a greener, garden city This project, starting at Place de Catalogne, is just one part of Paris’ larger green plan, which includes planting 170,000 trees by 2026 and reducing car space in favour of eco-friendly transport.
SOAKING UP THE PLASTIC
Researchers have developed a revolutionary microplastic sponge that quickly attracts and absorbs over 85% of plastic particles from water, offering a new, effective tool in the battle against rampant microplastic pollution in our oceans and waterways. This innovative solution holds great potential for large-scale cleanup efforts, signalling a major step forward in environmental protection
SWARM OF SUPPORT FOR SCOTLAND’S POLLINATORS
Nature lovers across Scotland have come together to help save threatened bees, hoverflies and moths The Pollinator 2023 Progress Report has shown that communities are carrying out various activities to support the species, such as creating wildflower meadows and green corridors, carrying out bumble bee surveys, mowing grass less, and creating environmental bodies/communities that work together
IN FOCUS: BREWSTER BROTHERS
Construction – Don’t Bury your Head in the Sand!
The construction industry accounts for 50% of the consumption of natural resources in Scotland – so recycling aggregate building waste has never been so important. Last month Matt and Rachel from the Sustainabuild Team headed over to visit the Brewster Brother’s recycling facility in Livingston where they saw first-hand the operation underway which allows the construction industry to operate more sustainably
It’s an impressive set-up to complement its newer Cumbernauld operation where MD Scott Brewster and his dedicated team are drive the industry odel Without such t to see aggregate d running out in the
big ambitions for economy, and the in a new devolved accelerate the shift products Brewster an innovative and rking with a sector biggest generators onmental practice the sustainable Circular
DID YOU KNOW THAT..
Recycling a single 500 ml aluminium beer can saves enough energy to power a TV for over 4 hours, according to circularecology.com
ECO INSIGHT CHARLIE MARTIN
Meet Charlie Martin, Founder at The Anti-Greenwash Charter, an organisation established to verify responsible marketing practice, help stamp-out greenwashing and ensure the development of a truly sustainable built environment.
TellusbrieflyabouttheAnti-GreenwashCharter.
TheCharterwasestablishedtoensurethat organisations'marketingpracticesandcampaignsare authenticandtransparent,contributingtothefight againstgreenwashingandsupportingthe developmentofasustainablefuture Bybecominga certifiedsignatory,organisationscommittoverifying theirmarketingpracticesandcampaignsthrougha structuredprocess,whichincludescreatingaGreen ClaimsPolicyandundergoingindependentreviewsto assesscampaigns.
WhatdoesatypicaldaylooklikeattheAntiGreenwashCharter?
Atypicaldayinvolvesarangeofactivitiesaimedat supportingoursignatoriesandadvancingourmission. Thiscanincludereviewingquestionnairesubmissions fromprospectivesignatories,assistingorganisations indevelopingtheirGreenClaimsPolicies,conducting periodicreviewstoensureongoingcompliance,and furtherdevelopingourCampaignAnalysisTool
Whatdoyouthinkneedstobeprioritisedforthe UKtoreachitsnetzeroambitions?
TheUKneedstoprioritisetransparencyand accountabilityinsustainabilityclaims Thisincludes encouragingorganisationstoadoptverifiableand honestenvironmentalpractices,ensuringgreen claimsaresubstantiatedwithempiricalevidence,and promotingtheuseofclear,fair,andunambiguous languageinmarketing.Implementingthesepractices widelywillhelpreducegreenwashing,fostergenuine environmentalstewardship,anddrivemeaningful actiontowardssustainability.
Can you explain what greenwashing is and what you are seeing from organisations talking about their sustainability credentials?
Greenwashing is the practice of overstating or fabricating the environmental benefits of a product, service, or company to appear more environmentally friendly than it actually is This misleading approach undermines consumer trust and hinders genuine sustainability efforts Through the Charter, we ' ve observed a desire among organisations to move away from such practices, seeking instead to ensure their sustainability claims are accurate, clear, and evidenced
What is the one motto you live by?
Our integrity is our legacy. Upholding integrity in all our practices ensures that we not only foster a more sustainable world but also inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
75%
Sustainability is increasingly a key factor in consumer decisionmaking, with research by Elopak finding that 75% of UK consumers consider companies’ environmental commitments when making purchasing decisions
250k
Scotland is restoring 250,000 hectares of degraded and drained peatland back to functioning ecosystems, reducing the carbon that peatlands release and enabling them to absorb carb from the atmosphere
50%
By 2030, Scotland have set a target for the equivalent of 50% of the energy for Scotland's heat, transport and electricity use to come from renewable sources.
READ ALL ABOUT US..
Here’s just some of the coverage that our PR partners, Building Relations have secured for us so far..
BY POPULAR DEMAND…
Sustainabuild is spreading its wings. Coming soon to Dundee, Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc on 14th May and Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, The Technology and Innovation Centre on 29th May!
SUSTAINABILITY JOBS OF THE MONTH
Environmental Sustainability Advisor
Balfour Beatty PLC - Kiltyrie, Killin, Scotland
Balfour Beatty has an exciting opportunity for a developing and enthusiastic Environmental Sustainability Advisor to join our Power Transmission and Distribution team in Scotland. Apply here.
Environmental Manager
Kier Group - Glasgow, Scotland
We're looking for an Environmental Manager to join our HMP Glasgow project team based in Glasgow. As an Environmental Manager you will be working within our HMP Glasgow team delivering a major construction project that will provide a critical asset to the local area. Apply here.
Senior Marketing Executive
Brewster Brothers - Livingston, Scotland
Are you a talented and ambitious senior marketing executive looking to grow and thrive within a Marketing and Sustainability Department? Do you have an interest in sustainability and in particular the impact the Construction Industry has in achieving #netzero? Apply here
Environmental Manager
Murphy Group - Alness, Scotland
Recently named as one of the 'Best Big Companies to Work For’ by Best Companies, J Murphy & Sons Limited (Murphy) is a leading international, specialist engineering and construction company Apply here
LCA Sustainability Consultant (Built Environment)
Eden Brown Built Environment - Edinburgh, Scotland
Sustainability Consultant - LCA Edinburgh Up to £50k Hybrid Working A renowned and innovative engineering consultancy, specialising in sustainable design and environmental solutions is looking for a Sustainability Consultant specialising in Lifecycle Carbon Analysis to join their team Apply here
Project Delivery & Sustainability Manager
Carluke Development Trust
Carluke High Mill and Community Garden has recently secured £2.7million of capital and revenue funding to repair and reconstruct the A-listed Carluke High Mill and develop the attached 1 2-acre community garden Apply here
SUSTAINABILITY NEWS ROUNDUP
Buildings: how can Europe reduce emissions from Construction?
11% of global energy-related carbon emissions are embedded in the construction of buildings Though focus has been on reducing operational emissions (28%, from heating and cooling, power etc ) there is not enough attention paid to construction, explains Carolina Kyllmann at CLEW
Scotland's climate target unreachable says watchdog. Scotland's flagship 2030 target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is now out of reach, the government's independent advisers have warned.
Climate change
Scotland: SNP ministers warned £1 1bn extra a year needed to reach net zero. Scotland will need to boost capital spending by at least £1.1 billion a year to keep net zero targets on track – despite facing budget cuts from Westminster
Where next for Energy Performance Certificates?
As the UK gears up to decarbonise its built environment, the Energy Systems Catapult is calling for reform of the flawed Energy Performance Certificates to better reflect buildings’ real-world performance. Senior energy policy adviser Fay Holland looks at how EPCs can be made to w
Green light for build of 256 low-carbon homes in Edinburgh.
PLANNING approval has been granted for Artisan Real Estate’s build of 256 low-carbon homes at commercial space on Edinburgh’s Ferry Road.
Capacity crunch on National Grid is delaying new homes in UK by years
Council leaders warn of ‘infrastructure crisis’ that will also affect green energy schemes and hinder growth.
Green investment team to unlock funding for Glasgow’s net zero ambitions.
Glasgow City Council has agreed plans to create a specialist green investment team that can help unlock a £40 billion fund needed for the city’s net zero bi i
battery storage facility near Abernethy Clean energy enterprise TagEnergy and renewable energy infrastructure developer Harmony Energy’s Jamesfield battery energy storage system (BESS) has gone live following completion of the facility
RICS Launch Pioneering New Standard to Revolutionise Retrofitting Practices across the UK.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), have today (19 March 2024), launched a new Residential Retrofit Standard following an extensive eight week-long consultation period
WHAT’S COMING UP NEXT MONTH
25
April
09:00 - 11:00PM
4-12
May TBC
14
May
09:00 - 11:00PM
15-16
May TBC
22
Sustainbuild Breakfast Club - Edinburgh
1 New Park Square Edinburgh Park, Edinburgh
A monthly event designed for professionals focused on driving sustainability in Scotland's built environment and construction sector. The theme for the April event is ‘Circular Building and Construction.’ For tickets and more information, click here.
Green Living Live - London
Excel London
Bi-annual event co-located with Grand Designs Live, showcasing ecofriendly products and services from companies that focus on sustainability. For tickets and more information, click here.
Sustainbuild Breakfast Club - Dundee
Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc Dundee
A monthly event designed for professionals focused on driving sustainability in Scotland's built environment and construction sector. The theme for the May event is ‘Building for Net Zero.’ For tickets and more information, click here.
SEC Glasgow
Provides expertise and knowledge on technology to better engineer a net zero future For tickets and more information, click here
SSN Annual Conference - Digital 09:00AM
May Online
Present insights and initiatives designed to shift the dial on climate and sustainability action. For tickets and more information, click here.
29
May
09:00 - 11:00PM
25-26
June
Sustainbuild Breakfast Club - Glasgow
University of Strathclyde, The Technology & Innovation Centre
A monthly event designed for professionals focused on driving sustainability in Scotland's built environment and construction sector. The theme for the May event is ‘Retrofitting for Net Zero’. For tickets and more information, click here
Reset Connect - London TBC
Excel London
Talking about the next steps towards finding sustainable, low providers and exploring funding for businesses For tickets and more information, click here
If you want your news included in the next edition please email
Matt@sustainabuild.co.uk
