With the real prospect of power cuts blacking out UK industry and homes in the foreseeable future, new nuclear is not an assured low-carbon energy policy saviour while key decisions hang in the balance. Jon Herbert looks at the long negotiations. In March, the Government granted planning consent for the construction of Hinkley Point Read More …
Mankind’s evolutionary success is built largely on winning the battle for food. Are modern humans in danger of losing the war, asks Jon Herbert. Food is one of life’s staples. Nothing defines Homo sapiens’ relationship with the environment more definitively than the endless human hunt for sustenance. Originally, the balance was a natural one. Read More …
The Government has announced 93 new flood defence schemes that should be in place by 2015 to improve protection for some 64,000 homes and “unlock” up to £1 billion of new economic activity, says Jon Herbert. The Government has unveiled plans for £120 million of new flood defence spending in addition to £2.3 billion Read More …
Building information modelling (BIM) may sound off-putting. Jon Herbert considers the revolution that could transform facilities managers (FMs) into top built environment professionals with their vital practical experience. FMs must aim to do more than simply learn to understand the digital revolution swiftly taking place through BIM. They need to take it, shape it Read More …
Britain’s new high-speed rail routes will be faster. There is debate as to whether they will prove greener. A long planning and construction programme means plenty of time to argue about whether the colossal infrastructure programme will make the UK richer or poorer overall. Jon Herbert looks at key issues. We do things very Read More …
Embedded water, or virtual or embodied water, is the water suppliers and utilities use on your behalf to provide goods and materials essential for your own service delivery or manufacturing. And a lot of it is being wasted! Can businesses learn to use it more sustainably throughout the supply chain? Jon Herbert looks for answers? Read More …
Recent extreme weather might have left us cold, wet and windswept. But companies that react quickly could avoid catching a serious commercial chill. Is it time for Plan B? Jon Herbert examines the options. The news is grim. Several new reports worry that the world is now on track for a 6°C temperature rise Read More …
The long-term implications for life on a warming planet are that both global climate change and very local health and safety risks could pose equal threats. Jon Herbert examines whether the UK planning to live with the consequences. Mention climate change and most people think immediately of rising sea levels, desolate droughts, destructive floods Read More …
Treat yourself to a warm summer cruise over the North Pole when you eventually retire or, alternatively, wait for the Arctic’s weather to come to us, says Jon Herbert. New evidence from the roof of the world suggests that global warming is almost certainly a key cause of rapid pack-ice melting in the Arctic Read More …
Caveat emptor — buyer beware! Sustainable procurement is the way forward for business. But it’s easier said than achieved. Jon Herbert considers how and why. Few companies can avoid procurement — sourcing, buying, using and disposing of everything that makes sound businesses tick. But purchasing decisions are almost always fraught with risks. Yes, sustainability can Read More …