Raising Awareness Archives | UKGBC https://ukgbc.org/course-audience/raising-awareness/ The voice of our sustainable built environment Tue, 29 Aug 2023 15:22:53 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://ukgbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/cropped-UKGBC-favicon-1.png Raising Awareness Archives | UKGBC https://ukgbc.org/course-audience/raising-awareness/ 32 32 Advancing Net Zero: Essential Knowledge Series https://ukgbc.org/events/advancing-net-zero-essential-knowledge-series/ Wed, 19 Jul 2023 14:04:10 +0000 https://ukgbc.org/?post_type=event&p=48806 Six part webinar series covering the essentials on net zero carbon in the built environment.

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The need for rapid decarbonisation is clear. The impacts of climate change are being felt here and now, with average global temperature records being broken across the summer. We need to accelerate action to mitigate our impacts on our planet. But we’re not moving fast enough. The Whole Life Carbon Roadmap indicates that continuing business as usual would see the sector fall well short of the 2050 net zero target.

Organisations across the built environment value chain need to play their part in reaching net zero, and each and every person in those organisations can support the transformation.

That means you!

‘Net zero’ can appear confusing, complicated, and highly challenging to achieve, but UKGBC are here to help you understand what this means, why it’s important and what actions you can take.

This webinar series will build your core net zero knowledge through exploring key concepts, ideas and solutions needed to reach net zero across our built environment. Each session will delve into a new subject, from measuring carbon, to retrofit and much more.

UKGBC’s Advancing Net Zero team will provide expert guidance across the series, alongside inspirational examples of success and case studies from UKGBC members. Each session will allow for questions, giving you the opportunity to ask our experts and guests anything you want.

Series detail

Each webinar will run from 09:30 – 10:25 GMT (with an extended Q&A from 10:25-10:45)

The subjects covered and dates are as follows:

1. Advancing Net Zero in the Built Environment – An Introduction – Friday 22 September

2. Net Zero in Organisations – Friday 29 September

3. Defining, Designing, and Delivering Net Zero Carbon Buildings – Friday 13 October

4. Whole Life Carbon and the Circular Economy – Friday 27 October

5. Procuring Renewable Energy and Carbon Offsets – Friday 10 November

6. Retrofitting the UK’s Built Environment – Friday 24 November

Why attend?

Every one of us needs to be part of the journey to a net zero, sustainable built environment. As organisations set carbon reduction targets and progress towards more sustainable business objectives, it’s important to understand some of these key concepts to ensure you are not left behind.

From attending this series, you will:

  • Understand what net zero carbon means, and how it can be achieved in the built environment sector.
  • See how organisations are already rising to the challenge.
  • Be inspired to participate in sustainability action in your organisation.
  • Know where to find further UKGBC resources and learning

Who should attend?

These sessions are designed for anyone who’s interested in knowing more about net zero in the built environment – they’re open to all. They will cover essential knowledge, not detailed, technical advice.

You could be early in your career, or keen to know more about what net zero means for your team or role, or you may have recognised that you need to know more on this topic to succeed in your organisation. Either way, this series will give you the essential knowledge you need to support the decarbonisation of the built environment.

Discounts:

For non-members attending all six webinars, contact events@UKGBC.org to get the final session for free.

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]]> Bitesize Learning Guides https://ukgbc.org/resources/bitesize-learning-guides/ Thu, 09 Feb 2023 13:47:45 +0000 https://ukgbc.org/?post_type=resource&p=38689 UKGBC's Bitesize Learning Guides are a growing suite of introductory-level sustainability resources designed to build knowledge and confidence across industry on key sustainability topics.

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]]> The UK has committed to a legally binding target to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Responsible for 25% of the UK’s direct emissions, the built environment has an important part to play to reach this goal, but it requires the full force of the industry behind it.

So to empower all corners of the property and construction sectors to engage in the net zero transition, UKGBC has developed Bitesize Learning Guides – a suite of resources that demystify key carbon concepts and create a common language for non-technical experts to confidently get involved in sustainable building topics.

Free of charge and with a minimal time commitment, UKGBC Bitesize Learning Guides are an accessible learning package supporting all built environment stakeholders to upskill, ensuring everyone can play a role in the green transition.

Tell us the topics you want to see in our next Bitesize series and sign up to be the first to hear about new releases.

Explainer Guides

Using jargon-free, easy-to-understand language, UKGBC’s Explainer Guides provide a jumping-off point for non-sustainability professionals to begin their sustainability learning journey.

The one-pager guides break down key carbon concepts into digestible chunks outlining:

  • How it is defined
  • Its importance in tackling the climate crisis
  • How it relates to the built environment
  • Relevant resources to consolidate knowledge.

Download the six-part series

Net Zero Carbon Buildings and Infrastructure

Download here

Scope 1, 2 & 3 Emissions

Download here

Whole Life Carbon

Download here

Operational & Embodied Carbon

Download here

Carbon Pricing

Download here

Renewable Energy

Download here

Practical Guides

UKGBC’s Practical Guides introduce sustainable building approaches at all stages of the life cycle and detail key considerations and practical tips to enable non-sustainability experts to think about how they approach sustainability and integrate sustainability-driven decisions into their work and projects. 

The concise, two-page guides detail sustainable building across the value chain, outlining: 

  • Key principles 
  • Practical approaches for project stakeholders 
  • Case studies to bring the approach to life 
  • Further resources to continue learning 

Download the six-part series

Sustainable Investment

Download here

Sustainable Design

Download here

Sustainable Procurement

Download here

Sustainable Construction

Download here

Sustainable Operations & Maintenance

Download here

Sustainable Deconstruction & End of Life

Download here

Learning & Leadership

Impactful, inspiring and accessible learning is at the heart of our mission at UKGBC. From bitesize courses accessible on the move to immersive learning on live projects, UKGBC’s diverse and comprehensive Learning and Leadership portfolio offers a range of opportunities to raise awareness, deepen sustainability knowledge and build skill
Learn more

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]]> An Introduction to Sustainability in the Built Environment https://ukgbc.org/events/an-introduction-to-sustainability-in-the-built-environment/ Wed, 06 Jul 2022 13:52:11 +0000 https://ukgbc.org/events/an-introduction-to-sustainability-in-the-built-environment/ Discover the importance of the built environment in fighting the climate crisis and the role you can play in influencing change in this 4 week introductory course.

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]]> The built environment currently contributes around 40% of annual CO2 emissions globally. Therefore, improving the sustainability of the built environment is imperative if we are to stay within a 1.5-degree world.

UKGBC has partnered with FutureLearn, a global on-line learning platform, to deliver a course that is available for free, to anyone, anywhere, at any time.

On this four-week online course, you’ll be introduced to the different approaches that can improve sustainability in the built environment across the globe. By the end, you’ll feel equipped to advocate for sustainable building design and delivery and be empowered to apply this knowledge in your own context.

Learn from the experts at UKGBC

Throughout the course, you’ll be guided by the experts at UKGBC and take part in a range of activities to understand the key challenges in achieving sustainable buildings and net zero.

Explore green building practices

You’ll gain an understanding of core sustainability concepts and how they play out in the built environment. This will include:

  • Climate change
  • Resources use
  • Nature and biodiversity
  • Social value
  • Health and wellbeing

You’ll also discover building typologies and interpret variations in green building practices. Next, you’ll delve into a variety of case studies to see green building in real-life contexts.

Learn how to take action for a sustainable future

Finally, you’ll learn how to turn your knowledge into action. You’ll investigate the unique role you can play in influencing the sustainability in the built environment around you.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to apply your knowledge to your work, community, or home and take action to positively influence sustainability outcomes.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to…

  • Describe the key concepts and examples of sustainability in the built environment
  • Assess variations in green building practices globally
  • Apply your knowledge to your work, community or home
  • Contribute positively to influence sustainability outcomes
  • Collaborate with your new-found sustainable building community to continue learning

Who is this course for?


This course is perfect for upskilling those who are at the beginning of their sustainability journey. This might include clients, sub-contractors, supply chain and those who work support roles (marketing, finance, admin).


You may already be working in the built environment and looking to upskill in the field of sustainability or you may have knowledge of sustainability and want to apply this to the context of the built environment. If you have limited knowledge of both buildings and sustainability and want to learn more about sustainable design and delivery, this course will give you a solid introduction.


To view more of UKGBC’s learning and development opportunities, see here.

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]]> Course Mail Series https://ukgbc.org/events/course-mail-series/ Tue, 04 Jan 2022 15:27:37 +0000 https://ukgbc.org/events/course-mail-series/ 4 - 8 week series on key sustainability and built environment topics delivered in weekly easy-to-read emails.

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]]> UKGBC’s Course Mail sustainability series is on-demand learning, accessible on-the-move or at your desk. You and your colleagues can receive bitesized learning in easy-to-read emails direct to your inbox on key topics surrounding sustainability and the built environment. These are designed to provide entry-level knowledge on sustainability that can be shared throughout organisations.

Course Mail Series 1 – Sustainability in the Built Environment
Course Mail Series 2 – What is a Sustainable Building?
Course Mail Series 3 – Circular Economy in the Built Environment
Course Mail Series 4 – Nature & Biodiversity in the Built Environment
Course Mail Series 5 – Advancing Net Zero
Course Mail Series 6 – Social Value
Course Mail Series 7 – Redefining Health & Wellbeing

Who should sign up?

  • Course Mail is aimed at those not yet involved in sustainability or those simply wanting a refresh.
  • The Course Mails may be of particular interest to you if you are a professional working in architecture, M&E/civil engineering, construction, and in general if you are a stakeholder of any built environment project and wish to have a quick, clear, basic introduction to sustainability. This course will empower you to start discussions with other professionals around green principles and how you might be able to incorporate these in your projects.
  • Prior knowledge of Sustainability is NOT a requirement.

Why sign up?

Sustainability is business-critical. Your organisation is competing in a fast-changing world, where sustainability imperatives are becoming more prominent for investors, employees, and the wider industry. Through the Course Mails you can keep up to date with the key information you need to make sure you understand the:

  • Business case for a sustainable built environment
  • Key drivers, policy, frameworks and market demand for sustainable buildings and infrastructure
  • Key principles of green building and construction

Cost

  • FREE for UKGBC members
  • £30 per person plus VAT for non-members

Sign up by clicking the links below. After signing up you will receive an automatic ticket email from Eventbrite as confirmation. You will then receive the first Course Mail shortly after.

Series 1 – Sustainability in the Built Environment

The first series will take you through the basics in sustainable development with key principles and latest research, covering eight themed mailings:

  1. Sustainability Principles
  2. Climate Change and the Built Environment
  3. Energy and Carbon Efficiency in Buildings
  4. Buildings and Human Health
  5. Sustainable Use of Natural Resources in Construction
  6. The Building Lifecycle
  7. Sustainability at the Neighbourhood and Urban Scale
  8. Creating a Better Built Environment
Sign up to Course Mail Series 1

Series 2 – What is a Sustainable Building?

The aim of this series is to provide a summary of what a sustainable building looks like, not only in terms of physical features but also processes and impact of stakeholders. The building lifecycle provides the structure for the series.

The four key sustainability topics covered in this series are:

  1. Is Concept Stage the Right Time to Kick Off Sustainability?
  2. What are the Sustainable Considerations at Design stage?
  3. What are the Features of Sustainable Construction?
  4. What Role does Sustainability Play in Operation and Disposal/Revival of Buildings?
Sign up to Course Mail Series 2

Series 3 – Circular Economy in the Built Environment

The aim of this series is to provide an overview on circular economy in the built environment looking at materials, buildings, cities and infrastructure. A set of drivers towards circularity and efficient use of resources will complete this series.

The four key topics covered in this series are:

  1. Introduction to Circular Economy: Setting the Scene
  2. Circular Economy from a Micro-scale Perspective: Materials and Buildings
  3. Circular Economy from a Macro-scale Perspective: Cities and Infrastructure
  4. Leadership Examples: A Vision Towards Circular Economy
Sign up to Course Mail Series 3

Series 4 – Nature & Biodiversity in the Built Environment

Through the series we will introduce the importance of restoring nature and biodiversity in the built environment not just for the intrinsic value but in order to mitigate and adapt to climate change, promote the health and wellbeing of people and create long lasting socio-economic value.

  1. Why Nature and Biodiversity is Important to the Built Environment
  2. Green and Blue Infrastructure
  3. Biodiversity Net Gain
  4. Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services
Sign up to Course Mail Series 4

Series 5 – Advancing Net Zero

The built environment sector represents 40% of the UK’s total emissions and is highlighted in the Committee on Climate Change Progress Report as offering some of the most cost effective opportunities to reduce emissions. Achieving a ‘net zero’ carbon built environment will require action at an unprecedented pace and scale.

This Course Mail series will examine the route to ‘Advancing Net Zero’ and the key opportunities for the construction and property sector.

  1. Introduction to Advancing Net Zero
  2. Net Zero Carbon Buildings
  3. Scope 3 Emissions in the Built Environment
  4. Business Leadership for a Net Zero Built Environment
Sign up to Course Mail Series 5

Series 6 – Social Value in the Built Environment

The social value course mail will examine the importance of social value in the built environment and how this can be implemented in practice.

The series will cover:

  1. Introduction to social value in the built environment
  2. Key drivers for a social value approach
  3. Putting communities at the heart of decision-making
  4. Measuring social value
Sign up to Course Mail Series 6

Series 7 – Redefining Health & Wellbeing

Following a global consultation, WorldGBC have launched a new framework for health & wellbeing that expands the focus to include the broader socio-economic and environmental determinants of health, as well as the drive for improving public and environmental health across the whole lifecycle of the building.

The WorldGBC framework defines six core principles for a healthy and sustainable built environment and highlights the challenges and opportunities involved.  Our Course mail will explore how these six principles can be applied to the UK through the following themes:

  1. Introduction to the wider scope of Health & Wellbeing
  2. Improving health and prioritising comfort (principles 1 and 2)
  3. Harmony with nature and facilitating healthy lifestyles (principles 3 and 4)
  4. Creating social value and protecting the environment (principles 5 and 6)

To view more of UKGBC’s learning and development opportunities, see here.

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