海角视频

Weathering heights: How climate change is redesigning our built environment聽

The weather in the UK has taken a dramatic turn. Recent weeks have brought a barrage of Arctic blasts, relentless rainfall and flooding that has disrupted communities and strained infrastructure. These events underscore the growing challenges posed by a changing climate. The weather, once a predictable staple of British small talk, has become a stark reminder of the urgent need to adapt our built environment to new extremes.听聽聽

In of Sandbox, our regular podcast, we explored how these changes affect the way we design, adapt and live in our homes and cities. Joining our regular host Andy Duncan for this discussion were:聽聽聽

Lara Balazs, Associate in Energy Consultancy at 海角视频, offering practical strategies for managing energy use sustainably.   

Tom Newby, Structural Engineer and Director at 海角视频, highlighting the importance of passive design for resilience.   

And special guest, Smith Mordak, Chief Executive at the UK Green Building Council, providing a broader perspective on the systemic changes needed.   

Read more below and then listen to the podcast whilst snuggled in the warm, watching the rain drumming on your window鈥β�

Key takeaways from the episode   

Accelerated climate change: Human activity has amplified climate shifts at an unprecedented rate, leaving natural systems struggling to adapt.听聽聽

The challenge of retrofitting: Many UK buildings, particularly Victorian terraces, were not designed for today鈥檚 climate. Retrofitting with measures like improved ventilation and shading can help these structures cope with extreme weather while preserving their character.听聽聽

The role of passive design: Features such as better insulation, optimal orientation and effective shading can reduce energy consumption while ensuring resilience during crises like power outages.听聽聽

Heat networks as a solution: Heat networks, already effective in dense urban areas, have the potential to expand into suburban settings, creating an efficient, sustainable system for heating and cooling.听聽聽

Behavioural changes matter: Simple actions, such as turning off appliances during high-demand periods and using smart meters effectively, can have a significant cumulative impact.听聽聽

Cooperation is key: Addressing resource scarcity requires collective effort. Collaborative approaches will be essential to avoid systemic issues such as energy shortages.听聽聽

With the UK鈥檚 current weather chaos as a backdrop, this conversation feels more relevant than ever. If you missed the episode, it鈥檚 worth catching up. The discussion goes beyond technical details to address how we, as a society, can rethink our approach to sustainability and resilience. Listen now and join the conversation on shaping a better future for everyone. 

You can find all episodes to date on our dedicated podcast page and find 鈥楽andbox鈥� on all the usual podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify as well as YouTube.听

Use #BHSandbox on social media to keep up with the conversation. 

Happy listening 鈥� don鈥檛 forget to share 鈥楽andbox鈥� with your friends and network.听