This is a pivotal year for the global response to climate change, although some still question the need or the expense. Hywel Davies considers the cost of not preparing
Category: Opinion
Renewing rented homes
The UK lacks a coordinated UK retrofit strategy, while the consultation for improving private rented homes contains some flaws, says Julie Godefroy
Anything but play
After the government announced measures to improve collaboration with industry, minimise greenhouse gas emissions and support the UK recovery from Covid-19, Hywel Davies considers the likely impact
Thriving in the fourth industrial revolution
Automation of simple M&E tasks will free up engineers to develop innovative zero carbon designs, argue CIBSE’s Carl Collins and Jagannatha Reddy
Joining the dots
We will emerge from lockdown to a sense of déjà vu. Covid-19 has not changed targets to cut carbon emissions by 2050 or the need to improve building safety. Hywel Davies considers how these ambitions interact
How to make it as a female engineer in UAE
After taking up a senior sustainability post in Dubai, Farah Naz explains how the Emirate was open to female engineers in lead roles
Regulations and guidance
Confusion is rife about what Building Regulations require and what government guidance suggests. Hywel Davies explores the role of Approved Documents and the responsibility for satisfying requirements of the Building Regulations
The big reveal
Disclosure of energy performance is coming. Julie Godefroy says now is the time to get ahead of the curve and contribute to CIBSE energy benchmarks and showcase developments and existing buildings
A question of competence
The draft Building Safety Bill sets out new requirements for professional competence. Hywel Davies considers proposals in the draft framework
Planning sticking points
More environmental rigour is needed to support the government’s rhetoric on deregulating planning while ensuring standards, says Julie Godefroy