Posted on 26/04/24 by Yisum Heneghan
Arup’s Report: Properties Vulnerable to Heat Impacts in London: Arup was commissioned by the Mayor of London to establish heat risk across the capital’s homes, neighbourhoods and essential properties in the wake of climate change. This was done with its heat-mapping tool, UHeat, a combination of satellite imagery and open-source climate data to analyse huge areas of cities. It can identify the buildings, structures and materials causing temperatures to rise. “The materials we use to build, like concrete and metal, absorb heat in the day and emit it at night. Commonly referenced as the urban heat island (UHI) effect, factors including heat emitted from cars and air-conditioning units, exacerbate the impact and human experience of heat in cities,” Arup said.
In particular, Arup’s report focuses on the city’s “essential properties” such as schools, hospitals, care homes, residential buildings and neighbourhoods. It also highlights a direct correlation between a higher heat risk and areas that have greater socio-economic vulnerabilities.
NGOs, local governments sign declaration calling on EU to up climate adaptation efforts EURATIV – 9th Feb 2024
Botanical gardens ‘most effective’ green space at cooling streets in heatwaves The Guardian – 23rd Feb 2024
Climate change (adaptation and mitigation) and financing Africa CNBC Africa – 23rd Feb 2024
‘Biggest-ever investment’: 40 natural flood management projects to receive £25m in funding Business Green – 23rd Feb 2024
‘Significant’: Government quietly toughens approach to councils requiring more than 10% net gain ENDS Report – 19th Feb 2024
Net zero economy grew 9% in 2023 to be worth £74 billion, report says The Independent – 27th Feb 2024
Environment Agency consultation: charge proposals for water discharges:
The Environment Agency has reviewed their permitting and regulatory activity for water quality activities alongside the water industry transformation programme. Their charges proposals for water discharges (including groundwater activities) are set out in this consultation. They invite you to share your views on their proposed changes to charge. Consultation ends on 11 March 2024.
The Future Homes and Buildings Standards: 2023 consultation
The government is committed to improving energy efficiency and reducing the carbon emissions of new homes and non-domestic buildings. This consultation sets out our plans for achieving the Future Homes Standard and Future Buildings Standard. It sets out technical proposals for changes to the Building Regulations, the associated Approved Document guidance and calculation methods. This consultation was scheduled for 12 weeks from 13 December 2023 to 6 March 2024. This deadline has now been extended another 3 weeks to 11:59 on 27 March 2024.