Redefining sustainability

trend

•  Environmentalism has become mainstream-

It’s no longer unusual or extreme to be an ‘eco warrior’, it’s something we are aware of and taking

part in.

•  Ecological overshoot-

Our ever increasing population is using more energy and resources than are available.

•  Building on this-

  Creating sustainable living and working environments

and continuing to practice eco friendly lifestyles.

.  

•  Predictions of warmer summers and wetter winters will put pressure on our water supply. More efficient and sustainable ways of using water in order to have a secure water supply are needed.

•   Latest data on the UK’s carbon footprint shows a continuation of the decrease in carbon dioxide emissions. Between 2008 and 2009, the UK’s carbon footprint fell by 9%.

  •  Electricity consumption in UK households has increased by 10% since 2000. The Low Carbon

Goods and Services in the UK are expected to grow by approximately 45% between 2007-08 and 2014-2015. Renewable energy is expected to grow the fastest.

   •  Household green recycling (composting) has increased from 1.6% in 1998-98 to 15.7% in

2009-10, whilst recycling of other household materials (dry recycling) has increased from 6.6% to 24% over the same period.

  data.defra.gov.uk

 

evidence

Manifestations

The Beijing National Hotel •  Has 1, 500 rooms.

•  To house a 10,000 m2 interior rainforest.

•  The enclosure of the building is a double skin system where the outer layer is a weather break and the inner layer is the weatherproof enclosure.

•  The skin is also embedded with a second system of solar thermal pipes and grey water capture grooves.

Manifestations

‘We think green and employ only ecologically responsible materials. The containers themselves are produced in China, after which they are used for worldwide transport. This unique concept offers the ideal mix of adventure and comfort at some of the most impressive locations in the city.’      

Sleeping Around, ‘pop up’ Hotel-a moveable hotel made from recycled

shipping containers.  

Manifestations

   

Queen Elizabeth Park, Olympic Site, East London

•  The Park will provide a new blueprint for 21st century sustainable city living.

•  Residents and visitors will be encouraged to cycle and walk, using the bike routes and pathways that cover the entire Park.

•  A new Energy Centre will provide the park with sustainable energy.

•  The Park will also feature other environmental innovations, such as ‘grey and black water’ recycling, where waste water is re-used

elsewhere on-site.

•  The Park’s Energy Centre can power 10,000 homes

http://uk.westfield.com/stratfordcityleasing/ •  2,000 semi-mature trees being planted across the Park

implications

•  Office Space vs. Telecommuting

It is likely that in this technologically advanced age will we see a decrease in office buildings and office space and see more and more people working from home, telecommuting, an increase

flexible working space or the revival of obsolete buildings.

•  City Building Mega Projects

A number of mega building projects are taking place with the aim of developing new cities across the globe, from Kenya to

China to Equatorial Guinea. These building schemes are aiming to elevate citizens from poverty and create eco friendly, high

technology, living and working spaces.    

Opportunities

•  Hotel and Leisure

•  Creating a sustainable brand

•  Influencing on a Micro level

Opportunities

This is an exciting opportunity for the hotel and leisure industry. Sleeping Around and The Beijing National Hotel are cutting edge examples of how to make the experience you provide exciting, innovative and sustainable.

Opportunities

Companies need to take a holistic view that considers environmental implications, all aligned within a common strategy –to work harder for sustainable future.

Opportunities

Opportunities for brands to be part of this movement even if it is on a micro level-your packaging, materials, sources, use of space.        

overview

As environmental awareness continues to infiltrate our everyday lives, we see a noticeable improvement in the way we treat our

environment and more Companies striving for a greener, sustainable future-after all, populations will still continue to rise

and predictions of a polluted energy- less future are still rife.

New cities are under development, obsolete buildings are revived and areas are creating reusable energy.

Schools, universities and work spaces are also becoming more sustainable, as well as hotels and housing. The need for office space may decrease, with central hubs or moveable, flexible

spaces taking their place.

These are all exciting opportunities to ensure your brand is engaging in a sustainable future-on a micro or macro level.

Further reading

Data.defre.gov.uk Urbantimes.com Futurecapetown.com

resources

Glass House Concept by Santabrogiomilano via laughingsquid.com Chengdu City China via urbantimes.com konza Technology City. Image copyright Kenya ICT Board data.defre.gov.uk urbantimes.com futurecapetown.com arch20.com uk.westfield.com/stratfordcityleasing/assets/stratfordcity/pdf/Future-of-the-Park-launch-brochure.pdf aus-tra-lia.tumblr.com Skull- ceedleing.tumblr.com via toryburch.com paper hummingbird-papernoodle via cosascool