Better building regulations can drive greener buildings
Getting involved in updating building codes might seem technical and a bit boring. But, it's probably the best and most efficient, at scale solution to creating a more sustainable building industry.
Sunday Brunch: ad singula or 'can I cut airline emissions by getting more people to fly?'
Individual carbon footprint calculations are useful in decision-making but a big picture view is also needed
Building regs backlash in Germany
German Housing Minister Klara Geywitz, Finance Minister Christian Lindner and a number of other senior cabinet members of the German coalition have expressed their concern about potential revisions to the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which would include mandatory renovations for buildings with the worst energy performance. The
20's plenty?
The introduction of a 20 mph speed limit in built-up areas in Wales has not been without controversy. So emotive was the move that a no confidence vote in the minister who led the introduction of it, Deputy Climate Change Minister Lee Waters, was brought although was easily defeated. The
All swans are black in the dark
In a recent LinkedIn post, Andreas Posavac, Global Head of ESG, Corporate Governance and M&A Advisory at S&P Global Market Intelligence discussed a multi-year research study by The Generation Foundation and 2° Investing Initiative called "All swans are black in the dark." The study
Sustainable food: ingredient diversification and reformulation really helps
"Diversity may be the hardest thing for a society to live with, and perhaps the most dangerous thing for society to be without". William Sloane Coffin Jnr The food industry has the potential to make a massive difference in terms of making our agricultural system more sustainable. And
Sunday Brunch: sustainable finance and the innovation curve
Sustainability is a massive strategic challenge, using the innovation curve can help our preparation. The sustainability transitions will bring change, and executing change is tough. A good strategy is key. Sustainability professionals have a key role in preparing organisations for a new future.
What caught our eye - three key stories
Transition will be harder & easier than we think; sub-optimal optimisation; new way to protect crops?
When optimisation can be sub-optimal
"It's a system optimized to work fantastically, when everything's working fantastically." Coco Krumme, "Optimal Illusions: The false promise of optimization" Technology consultant Dr Jeffrey Funk highlighted a really interesting book by the applied mathematician Coco Krumme. An argument that Dr Funk often
The transitions will be harder and easier than we think.
There is a tendency to gloss over some of the challenges in delivering the sustainability transitions, to simplify what it is we need to do. And as a result our sustainability plans and proposals can jar with the people who actually have to deliver the change on the ground. This
European automotive - a sustainability strategy case study in slow motion?
Strategy is an area where sustainability professionals have the most to add to the long term success of their organisation. But sometimes the best strategy conflicts with the outcome we want - we need to stay true.
Sunday Brunch: stop right now, thank you very much
Transitions are tough but barriers can be overcome if we take the right sequence of steps.
