Cities should feature 'compact' development alongside large, contiguous green spaces to maximise benefits of urban ecosystems to humans, according to new research led by the University of Exeter. More than half the world’s population now lives in cities. As numbers continue to swell, decision-makers across the globe grapple with how best
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Airtightness blamed for health risks in homes
Throughout the past year a slew of reports has been published that raise serious questions about the safety of new-build homes. Increasingly stringent building regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions are resulting in new houses that are ever more airtight. While this helps reduce fuel consumption, the burden is on architects to ensure that occupants of new homes can breathe clean and fresh air. Recent evidence suggests that the construction industry, designers included, is failing to meet this challenge. Read more
Paul Harrison, an independent toxicologist and member of a working group on air quality created by the Royal College of Physicians, describes serious health risks associated with poor ventilation systems. ‘Sick building syndrome describes a variety of symptoms including headaches, allergies, reduced productivity, a sore throat and dry skin,’ he says. ‘In addition, poor air quality can provoke asthma.’ Architects Journal
ASBP Awards are now open for entries!
The awards are free to enter and are open to projects from across the UK built environment sector that have been completed and handed over by June 2018. Projects will be assessed against the ASBP’s ‘Six Pillars of Sustainable Construction’.Read more
An awards ceremony will take place at the ASBP’s third Healthy Buildings Conference and Expo which is due to take place in February 2019 at London South Bank University. ASBP thanks Steico, Cleveland Steel and Tubes and Thermafleece for supporting the ASBP Awards. Apply now.
