Five human technologies inspired by nature – from velcro to racing cars

Humans often look to nature for the solutions to complex problems – here are five times where biological processes have inspired innovation.

Amin Al-Habaibeh, Professor of Intelligent Engineering Systems, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Dec. 30, 2022 • ~7 min

Five ways drones will change the way buildings are designed

From building planning to heritage restoration and advance surveillance, drones are set to change the face of our cities – here’s how.

Ole B. Jensen, Professor of Urban Theory and Urban Design, Aalborg University • conversation
Dec. 1, 2022 • ~6 min

Wooden housing boom needed to boost climate goals, says new study – but is it possible?

Engineered wood is a sustainable alternative to cement and steel in construction.

Ljubomir Jankovic, Professor of Advanced Building Design, University of Hertfordshire • conversation
Aug. 30, 2022 • ~6 min

Heatwave-proofing homes could save lives – and cut carbon

Adapt to climate change with insulated walls, window shutters and reverse-cycle heat pumps.

Ran Boydell, Associate Professor in Sustainable Development, Heriot-Watt University • conversation
Aug. 2, 2022 • ~6 min

Heatwave-proofing your home could save your life – and shrink your carbon footprint

Adapt to climate change with insulated walls, window shutters and reverse-cycle heat pumps.

Ran Boydell, Associate Professor in Sustainable Development, Heriot-Watt University • conversation
Aug. 2, 2022 • ~6 min

A 21st-century reinvention of the electric grid is crucial for solving the climate change crisis

Renewable energy is expanding at a record pace, but still not fast enough. Here are the key areas to watch for progress in bringing more wind and solar into the power grid in 2022.

Jeffrey Logan, Associate Director of Energy Policy and Analysis, Renewable & Sustainable Energy Institute, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
Jan. 12, 2022 • ~10 min

Technology has made buildings less climate-friendly: but we can look back in time for solutions

Lessons from ancient architecture can help us design buildings that provide comfort and convenience without costing the earth.

Bashar Al Shawa, PhD Student in Architecture, University of Bath • conversation
Jan. 11, 2022 • ~8 min

Why are barns painted red?

Barns are practical buildings, designed to safeguard farm animals and equipment. Why are so many of them painted to stand out from the landscape?

Thomas Durant Visser, Professor of Historic Preservation, University of Vermont • conversation
Nov. 22, 2021 • ~6 min

Embodied carbon: why truly net zero buildings could still be decades away

Embodied emissions in buildings could be a hidden setback for carbon reduction targets.

Ljubomir Jankovic, Professor of Advanced Building Design, University of Hertfordshire • conversation
Nov. 11, 2021 • ~7 min

We have reusable cups, bags and bottles: so why are our buildings still single use?

Embodied carbon - carbon produced during a building’s construction - urgently needs reducing, and reusing buildings could help.

Charles Gillott, PhD Student in Engineering, University of Sheffield • conversation
Nov. 11, 2021 • ~7 min

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