community champions
Spotlighting Places and Projects
People First
No More Silos
Positive Action
🏗️London Festival of Architecture!
🎤Mahsa Ige from @urbanistonamission and Natasha Reid from @matter.space.soul have got together at @rocalondongallery to talk about the upcoming @letsbuild__ event on the 19th of June for the London Festival of Architecture!
🏘️Natasha will be joining as one of our panellists. Founding the design lab as a way to champion and create places for “humans, nature and wellbeing”, Natasha emphasises the importance of integrating multidisciplinary knowledge into design for “more humane, healthy, socially-conscious, inclusive and equitable places.”
➡️Sharing her insights and experience from, Natasha will be contributing to this important conversation around unheard voices and hidden figures across the built environment.
🎟️Don’t forget to book your ticket through the Roca website - we look forward to seeing you there for @londonfestivalofarchitecture!
🏗️London Festival of Architecture!
🎤Mahsa Ige from @urbanistonamission and Natasha Reid from @matter.space.soul have got together at @rocalondongallery to talk about the upcoming @letsbuild__ event on the 19th of June for the London Festival of Architecture!
🏘️Natasha will be joining as one of our panellists. Founding the design lab as a way to champion and create places for “humans, nature and wellbeing”, Natasha emphasises the importance of integrating multidisciplinary knowledge into design for “more humane, healthy, socially-conscious, inclusive and equitable places.”
➡️Sharing her insights and experience from, Natasha will be contributing to this important conversation around unheard voices and hidden figures across the built environment.
🎟️Don’t forget to book your ticket through the Roca website - we look forward to seeing you there for @londonfestivalofarchitecture!
🌱Where Friends Grow!
🏙️As our world increasingly urbanises, it’s so important to protect and promote opportunities to connect with people and nature.
🎟️A perfect example of this is @where_friends_grow, a series of regular events across London, Sheffield, York and Manchester. Tickets fund @no_plant_left_behind_cic, a non-profit focused on community-led design projects. That means a fun day out at one of these events is also supporting schemes like the Hoxton Community Garden!
🎨Having an opportunity to talk to new people whilst engaging with art, crafts and nature can have a powerful impact on our health and wellbeing. A shared activity removes a lot of the pressure around socialising, allowing for personal expression and organic connections.
💭What ‘meet and make’ events are happening near you? What local projects could your events help fund?
🌱Where Friends Grow!
🏙️As our world increasingly urbanises, it’s so important to protect and promote opportunities to connect with people and nature.
🎟️A perfect example of this is @where_friends_grow, a series of regular events across London, Sheffield, York and Manchester. Tickets fund @no_plant_left_behind_cic, a non-profit focused on community-led design projects. That means a fun day out at one of these events is also supporting schemes like the Hoxton Community Garden!
🎨Having an opportunity to talk to new people whilst engaging with art, crafts and nature can have a powerful impact on our health and wellbeing. A shared activity removes a lot of the pressure around socialising, allowing for personal expression and organic connections.
💭What ‘meet and make’ events are happening near you? What local projects could your events help fund?
🌱No Plant Left Behind!
♻️No Plant Left Behind (@no_plant_left_behind_cic) is all about empowering communities to reconnect with nature through innovative, hands-on projects that promote sustainability and transform urban spaces.
💡More than just supporting much-needed local greening, the group creates an environment where those interested in this sector can gain experience and trial creative ideas. Volunteering on real-life projects that impact the community like this can be a great why to experiment with being a landscape architect, engineer, ecologist, planner and much more!
➡️The group source a lot of their funding through hosting @meet_and_make_meetnewpeople, fun events where you can connect with nature, get crafty and meet new people.
💭What volunteer projects are happening locally to you?
🌱No Plant Left Behind!
♻️No Plant Left Behind (@no_plant_left_behind_cic) is all about empowering communities to reconnect with nature through innovative, hands-on projects that promote sustainability and transform urban spaces.
💡More than just supporting much-needed local greening, the group creates an environment where those interested in this sector can gain experience and trial creative ideas. Volunteering on real-life projects that impact the community like this can be a great why to experiment with being a landscape architect, engineer, ecologist, planner and much more!
➡️The group source a lot of their funding through hosting @meet_and_make_meetnewpeople, fun events where you can connect with nature, get crafty and meet new people.
💭What volunteer projects are happening locally to you?
🪴Urban Community Gardens!
🌱Join me at the @thegreenprojectsb in Shepherd’s Bush to hear from some of the amazing volunteers keeping the garden alive.
➡️The top reasons why they have dedicated time to these special pockets of green space include:
- 🌼Making best use of land! These small plots used to be neglected dumping grounds for rubbish. Now they make the street look better and provide a communal garden space for all to benefit from.
- 🌸Connecting with nature. Gardening can provide a therapeutic escape, teach new skills, help us stay active and foster an appreciation for the environment.
- 🌺A sense of belonging and friendship. These places bring different people together regardless of their background, providing a safe space to bond over an activity.
💭Is there a community garden near you that could use some help?
🪴Urban Community Gardens!
🌱Join me at the @thegreenprojectsb in Shepherd’s Bush to hear from some of the amazing volunteers keeping the garden alive.
➡️The top reasons why they have dedicated time to these special pockets of green space include:
- 🌼Making best use of land! These small plots used to be neglected dumping grounds for rubbish. Now they make the street look better and provide a communal garden space for all to benefit from.
- 🌸Connecting with nature. Gardening can provide a therapeutic escape, teach new skills, help us stay active and foster an appreciation for the environment.
- 🌺A sense of belonging and friendship. These places bring different people together regardless of their background, providing a safe space to bond over an activity.
💭Is there a community garden near you that could use some help?
🐒Lekki Conservation Centre and NCF!
🌳The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) uses a nature-based site management model across the country “to improve mitigation and adaptive capacities of fragile ecosystems, vulnerable communities, while protecting species of conservation concern to reduce the impact of climate change.”
🐊Lekki Conservation Centre is an example of this, attracting tourists and locals alike with the longest canopy walkway in Africa and an abundance of biodiversity. By combining fun and education, this unlikely wetland serves as a vital ecological habitat within Lagos city.
📑In addition to conservation, urban greening and public engagement efforts, the group has also inputted into a range of national environmental and climate policy.
💭Are there examples of urban nature parks in your cities?
🐒Lekki Conservation Centre and NCF!
🌳The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) uses a nature-based site management model across the country “to improve mitigation and adaptive capacities of fragile ecosystems, vulnerable communities, while protecting species of conservation concern to reduce the impact of climate change.”
🐊Lekki Conservation Centre is an example of this, attracting tourists and locals alike with the longest canopy walkway in Africa and an abundance of biodiversity. By combining fun and education, this unlikely wetland serves as a vital ecological habitat within Lagos city.
📑In addition to conservation, urban greening and public engagement efforts, the group has also inputted into a range of national environmental and climate policy.
💭Are there examples of urban nature parks in your cities?
📍Bromley Community Hub!
🎤This week the Mayor of Bromley and a diverse range of people joined us at the Greener and Cleaner Hub in @thegladesbromley for their @londonfestivalofarchitecture event series.
This space is a working example of how a consistent and physical location for climate engagement can be used to:
- 💷Address the cost of living crisis and waste through energy efficiency advice, repair workshops and @bromleylibraryofthings.
- 🧩Tackle health issues and loneliness by providing a safe, fun and educational social space in a mainstream location.
- 📚Create opportunities for developing life, language and employment skills
- 🌱And of course, influence a domino effect for local carbon reduction, resilience and nature engagement.
🔦Parisa Wright is the inspiring light behind this project. The work she is doing with the volunteers at the Hub demonstrably proves how interconnected action can have a holistic impact. This deserves attention and support from all of us, particularly those in local government driving sustainable place-shaping!
💡Have you donated to the crowdfund yet? Your contribution will be doubled up to £250 and there are some amazing prizes to win! Link in their bio and my story : @greenerandcleaneruk
📍Bromley Community Hub!
🎤This week the Mayor of Bromley and a diverse range of people joined us at the Greener and Cleaner Hub in @thegladesbromley for their @londonfestivalofarchitecture event series.
This space is a working example of how a consistent and physical location for climate engagement can be used to:
- 💷Address the cost of living crisis and waste through energy efficiency advice, repair workshops and @bromleylibraryofthings.
- 🧩Tackle health issues and loneliness by providing a safe, fun and educational social space in a mainstream location.
- 📚Create opportunities for developing life, language and employment skills
- 🌱And of course, influence a domino effect for local carbon reduction, resilience and nature engagement.
🔦Parisa Wright is the inspiring light behind this project. The work she is doing with the volunteers at the Hub demonstrably proves how interconnected action can have a holistic impact. This deserves attention and support from all of us, particularly those in local government driving sustainable place-shaping!
💡Have you donated to the crowdfund yet? Your contribution will be doubled up to £250 and there are some amazing prizes to win! Link in their bio and my story : @greenerandcleaneruk
🖼️The Bali Sudamala!
👁️This place uniquely blends art, architecture and nature to create a “living masterpiece”.
🦋The combination of green space and art has been romanticised by human beings for centuries. The coming together of beautiful natural and man-made creations is apparent throughout @sudamalasanur, consistently engaging the human eye through design and landscaping.
🎨It also hosts @sudakaraartspace, open to the public whilst also tempting visiting guests. For those walking in and out of the building, it’s impossible to miss the current “Heart Voice” exhibition which showcases the diverse work of eight incredibly talented artists.
💭How could your favourite buildings facilitate opportunities for nature and art engagement?
🖼️The Bali Sudamala!
👁️This place uniquely blends art, architecture and nature to create a “living masterpiece”.
🦋The combination of green space and art has been romanticised by human beings for centuries. The coming together of beautiful natural and man-made creations is apparent throughout @sudamalasanur, consistently engaging the human eye through design and landscaping.
🎨It also hosts @sudakaraartspace, open to the public whilst also tempting visiting guests. For those walking in and out of the building, it’s impossible to miss the current “Heart Voice” exhibition which showcases the diverse work of eight incredibly talented artists.
💭How could your favourite buildings facilitate opportunities for nature and art engagement?
🌱London edible urban teaching gardens!
👩🏻🌾I caught up with the director of Growing Space, Pascale Rochefeuille, who shared about their community projects in Kensington & Chelsea.
➡️By carving out pockets of urban, green and edible spaces they are:
- 🏙️Creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect to nature, each other and improve well-being in city life.
- 🪴Enhancing knowledge about soil and food, as well as teaching life skills.
- 🐝Making best use of land while supporting local biodiversity.
💡Check out @growing_space to learn more about their outdoor activities, volunteering days, projects, support and funding opportunities!
🌱London edible urban teaching gardens!
👩🏻🌾I caught up with the director of Growing Space, Pascale Rochefeuille, who shared about their community projects in Kensington & Chelsea.
➡️By carving out pockets of urban, green and edible spaces they are:
- 🏙️Creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect to nature, each other and improve well-being in city life.
- 🪴Enhancing knowledge about soil and food, as well as teaching life skills.
- 🐝Making best use of land while supporting local biodiversity.
💡Check out @growing_space to learn more about their outdoor activities, volunteering days, projects, support and funding opportunities!
🎤Intersectionality in Planning!
🗓️Only a few days left until our upcoming event between @rtpiplanners and @arupuk! The session will focus on ‘Intersectionality in Planning: Designing Equitable Spaces’.
💡I caught up with one of our panellists, Jenny McLaughlin, to talk through her thoughts on the subject. Jenny is a Senior Project Manager at Heathrow with a wealth of experience across the industry. She passionately advocates that each person should have an equitable seat at the table, creating a safe environment to challenge and improve the way we interreact and build the world around us.
🏙️Jenny is dyslexic and has ADHD, sharing “the way that my brain is wired differently is an asset”. She is a speaker at a number of industry events on ‘Systematic Inclusion’, bringing to life the criticality of accessibility if we are to remain a safe and sustainable industry. This is most evident in being a key player in creation of @riba Inclusive Design Overlay published summer 2023.
💭What does designing equitable spaces mean to you?
🎤Intersectionality in Planning!
🗓️Only a few days left until our upcoming event between @rtpiplanners and @arupuk! The session will focus on ‘Intersectionality in Planning: Designing Equitable Spaces’.
💡I caught up with one of our panellists, Jenny McLaughlin, to talk through her thoughts on the subject. Jenny is a Senior Project Manager at Heathrow with a wealth of experience across the industry. She passionately advocates that each person should have an equitable seat at the table, creating a safe environment to challenge and improve the way we interreact and build the world around us.
🏙️Jenny is dyslexic and has ADHD, sharing “the way that my brain is wired differently is an asset”. She is a speaker at a number of industry events on ‘Systematic Inclusion’, bringing to life the criticality of accessibility if we are to remain a safe and sustainable industry. This is most evident in being a key player in creation of @riba Inclusive Design Overlay published summer 2023.
💭What does designing equitable spaces mean to you?
➡️EPC Methodology Changes!
🎤This week I caught up with Rick Dalton, Director at @thegreenerhouseuk, after our presentations at the @platinumpropertypartners_ June Summit.
📊My session focused on planning and licensing updates, followed by the fantastic Mike Anderson who reviewed air source heat pumps against boilers in great detail (costs, carbon and more!).
🪟Rick then broke down the revisions made to the methodology used to calculate Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). RdSAP 10 was introduced on the 15th June, requiring assessors to collect more detailed information during their site visits as part of determining the energy efficiency of a property. Rick talked us through what that means in practice, sharing some of his insights for us in the video!
💭What resources and networks are you using to inform energy efficiency improvements across your property?
➡️EPC Methodology Changes!
🎤This week I caught up with Rick Dalton, Director at @thegreenerhouseuk, after our presentations at the @platinumpropertypartners_ June Summit.
📊My session focused on planning and licensing updates, followed by the fantastic Mike Anderson who reviewed air source heat pumps against boilers in great detail (costs, carbon and more!).
🪟Rick then broke down the revisions made to the methodology used to calculate Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). RdSAP 10 was introduced on the 15th June, requiring assessors to collect more detailed information during their site visits as part of determining the energy efficiency of a property. Rick talked us through what that means in practice, sharing some of his insights for us in the video!
💭What resources and networks are you using to inform energy efficiency improvements across your property?
🏡Sustainable Homes Festival!
📍The National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC) is “the UK’s only permanent venue for independent home building advice and support”.
🗓️Over the past couple of days, the centre hosted “The Festival of Sustainable Homes”, one of their three big shows a year. I sat down with the NSBRC’s Sustainability Manager, Nick, to talk about what the day was all about and why it’s so important to create opportunities like this for people across the industry to connect.
♻️Visitors could attend talks, see live demonstrations and speak with experts in planning, renewable energy, insulation, water conservation, and much more. Of course, this doesn’t stop with the show. The centre is based in Swindon and open all year round to the public for free.
💭Have you been to @nsbrc_official before? Why not check out their website to see what’s on!
🏡Sustainable Homes Festival!
📍The National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC) is “the UK’s only permanent venue for independent home building advice and support”.
🗓️Over the past couple of days, the centre hosted “The Festival of Sustainable Homes”, one of their three big shows a year. I sat down with the NSBRC’s Sustainability Manager, Nick, to talk about what the day was all about and why it’s so important to create opportunities like this for people across the industry to connect.
♻️Visitors could attend talks, see live demonstrations and speak with experts in planning, renewable energy, insulation, water conservation, and much more. Of course, this doesn’t stop with the show. The centre is based in Swindon and open all year round to the public for free.
💭Have you been to @nsbrc_official before? Why not check out their website to see what’s on!
🤳🏽Planning Engagement!
💬Join us for a sit down chat between @urbanistonamission and @theurbanplan_her, Council Planning Officer and content creator.
📸The @rtpiplanners champions raising awareness about the power of town planning and attracting more diverse voices. That’s why it’s so exciting to see planning content like this, working to make the industry more accessible.
🏗️Town planning engagement is essential for creating sustainable, functional, and vibrant communities. By helping people learn about planning and how they can get involved, we can work together to manage land use efficiently. This includes ensuring that areas for housing, commerce, recreation and green spaces are well-distributed.
💭What pages could we follow that help us learn more about how our neighbourhoods are being shaped?
🤳🏽Planning Engagement!
💬Join us for a sit down chat between @urbanistonamission and @theurbanplan_her, Council Planning Officer and content creator.
📸The @rtpiplanners champions raising awareness about the power of town planning and attracting more diverse voices. That’s why it’s so exciting to see planning content like this, working to make the industry more accessible.
🏗️Town planning engagement is essential for creating sustainable, functional, and vibrant communities. By helping people learn about planning and how they can get involved, we can work together to manage land use efficiently. This includes ensuring that areas for housing, commerce, recreation and green spaces are well-distributed.
💭What pages could we follow that help us learn more about how our neighbourhoods are being shaped?
🎤Webinar Wrap-Up!
💡Thank you to the 60+ people who registered to join us for our webinar: Retrofit Skills – What’s Next? Here’s a few short snippets!
➡️The session was hosted by Mahsa Ige, Founder of Urbanist on a Mission, which aims to motivate the creation of sustainable places through town planning, public speaking and social media. Following the webinar, @urbanistonamission commented:
“It was a privilege to host this interactive session featuring three experienced Retrofit Coordinators, Ben Owen, Ian Preston and Tom Procter. They offered some great insights into the real world of retrofitting, from the different roles within the industry, managing communication and overcoming challenges.
As the country aims to retrofit at pace for more efficient, safe and comfortable homes, it’s so important to understand what the process looks like in practice. Amongst the audience, some of their biggest barriers to retrofitting included:
* Training and skills
* Costs and homeowner awareness
* Opportunities for experience, shadowing and finding freelance work
I believe that what RetrofitWorks are doing to create a community for shared knowledge and experience is absolutely vital for achieving the retrofit revolution.”
🗓️Check out @retrofitworks for the next webinar on Thursday 23rd January with Dave Bailey from @your.home.better talking all things electricals!
🎤Webinar Wrap-Up!
💡Thank you to the 60+ people who registered to join us for our webinar: Retrofit Skills – What’s Next? Here’s a few short snippets!
➡️The session was hosted by Mahsa Ige, Founder of Urbanist on a Mission, which aims to motivate the creation of sustainable places through town planning, public speaking and social media. Following the webinar, @urbanistonamission commented:
“It was a privilege to host this interactive session featuring three experienced Retrofit Coordinators, Ben Owen, Ian Preston and Tom Procter. They offered some great insights into the real world of retrofitting, from the different roles within the industry, managing communication and overcoming challenges.
As the country aims to retrofit at pace for more efficient, safe and comfortable homes, it’s so important to understand what the process looks like in practice. Amongst the audience, some of their biggest barriers to retrofitting included:
* Training and skills
* Costs and homeowner awareness
* Opportunities for experience, shadowing and finding freelance work
I believe that what RetrofitWorks are doing to create a community for shared knowledge and experience is absolutely vital for achieving the retrofit revolution.”
🗓️Check out @retrofitworks for the next webinar on Thursday 23rd January with Dave Bailey from @your.home.better talking all things electricals!
🎤Planning Reform Webinar!
🏗️I’m at the @savills offices today with superstar Associate Director Alison Broderick, talking through our upcoming webinar on planning updates with @platinumpropertypartners_ on the 22nd of October.
🏘️The new government have shone a spotlight on planning over the past year, highlighting the system as a tool for economic growth. Their clear emphasis on housing delivery has been reflected in a range of official statements, news headlines and planning consultations.
💡Of course, this has a variety of implications for Local Authorities and developers. Regardless of the scale of development, understanding the national direction and how this could impact policy over the next few months will be key to informing projects for success.
➡️You can keep up with these major changes by following the @savills page. Otherwise, Alison and I look forward to unpacking this with the Platinum network later this month!
🎤Planning Reform Webinar!
🏗️I’m at the @savills offices today with superstar Associate Director Alison Broderick, talking through our upcoming webinar on planning updates with @platinumpropertypartners_ on the 22nd of October.
🏘️The new government have shone a spotlight on planning over the past year, highlighting the system as a tool for economic growth. Their clear emphasis on housing delivery has been reflected in a range of official statements, news headlines and planning consultations.
💡Of course, this has a variety of implications for Local Authorities and developers. Regardless of the scale of development, understanding the national direction and how this could impact policy over the next few months will be key to informing projects for success.
➡️You can keep up with these major changes by following the @savills page. Otherwise, Alison and I look forward to unpacking this with the Platinum network later this month!
🎤Case Study!
💻I loved presenting today on one of our recent successful planning applications! I joined the fantastic applicants virtually for their session at the Regional Conference with @platinumpropertypartners_ to tell their story.
🏘️Sharing experiences, whatever the scale of development, is such a key part of championing planning engagement. Learning from others within your area about their projects and the relevant policies that applied can help inspire action and potentially relieve planning resource pressures for councils. It can also be a great way to concisely summarise examples of good quality and compliant development.
📑We particularly highlighted the importance of planning history, reviewing any potential conditions that might influence or restrict development; as well as what steps to take in these situations.
💭Where are you hearing about local planning case studies?
🎤Case Study!
💻I loved presenting today on one of our recent successful planning applications! I joined the fantastic applicants virtually for their session at the Regional Conference with @platinumpropertypartners_ to tell their story.
🏘️Sharing experiences, whatever the scale of development, is such a key part of championing planning engagement. Learning from others within your area about their projects and the relevant policies that applied can help inspire action and potentially relieve planning resource pressures for councils. It can also be a great way to concisely summarise examples of good quality and compliant development.
📑We particularly highlighted the importance of planning history, reviewing any potential conditions that might influence or restrict development; as well as what steps to take in these situations.
💭Where are you hearing about local planning case studies?
💡Energy Efficiency and HMOs!
📍I’m on site with Richard Lloyd in Bristol talking about the design and energy choices throughout his project.
🏠Following planning permission for an 8-bedroom co-living space, Richard has upgraded this building from around 1910 to create a healthier and more efficient house. Working with an EPC assessor early on, a fabric-first approach was taken with a focus on internal insulation (this older building didn’t have cavity walls to work with), draught-proofing and the incorporation of solar panels.
📑We talked about the backdrop of planning policy and regulations that encouraged investing in these changes for a reduced carbon impact. However, beyond the environmental considerations, Richard also sees a clear long-term business case for aiming towards a demonstrably more resilient and energy efficient building.
💭What are your key drivers and barriers to improving energy efficiency?
💡Energy Efficiency and HMOs!
📍I’m on site with Richard Lloyd in Bristol talking about the design and energy choices throughout his project.
🏠Following planning permission for an 8-bedroom co-living space, Richard has upgraded this building from around 1910 to create a healthier and more efficient house. Working with an EPC assessor early on, a fabric-first approach was taken with a focus on internal insulation (this older building didn’t have cavity walls to work with), draught-proofing and the incorporation of solar panels.
📑We talked about the backdrop of planning policy and regulations that encouraged investing in these changes for a reduced carbon impact. However, beyond the environmental considerations, Richard also sees a clear long-term business case for aiming towards a demonstrably more resilient and energy efficient building.
💭What are your key drivers and barriers to improving energy efficiency?
🎤Flood Risk and Planning!
🗓️Daniel Cook, Director for Aegaea, joined me at the Thames today to talk about our upcoming session on the 23rd of July with @platinumpropertypartners_ - if you’re part of the network don’t forget to register!
🏘️We will be covering how the impacts of climate change increase flood risk potential, influencing legislative and policy requirements for planning applications. Daniel will specifically look at HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) examples, talking about common assumptions and risks to avoid through early expert engagement.
💰Building our resilience to flood risk is not only important for our environment, but also for the safety of occupants and protecting our heritage and financial assets for the long-term.
💭How can we achieve the government’s growth agenda whilst mitigating and adapting to flood risk affordably?
🎤Flood Risk and Planning!
🗓️Daniel Cook, Director for Aegaea, joined me at the Thames today to talk about our upcoming session on the 23rd of July with @platinumpropertypartners_ - if you’re part of the network don’t forget to register!
🏘️We will be covering how the impacts of climate change increase flood risk potential, influencing legislative and policy requirements for planning applications. Daniel will specifically look at HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) examples, talking about common assumptions and risks to avoid through early expert engagement.
💰Building our resilience to flood risk is not only important for our environment, but also for the safety of occupants and protecting our heritage and financial assets for the long-term.
💭How can we achieve the government’s growth agenda whilst mitigating and adapting to flood risk affordably?
🚶🏽♀️West London Walking Tours!
📍I had the pleasure of speaking to Joanna from @iya_london_walks who started group walks in West London.
🥾These walks provide a fun space to come together or meet new people, creating a relaxed and safe social environment because you’re leisurely on the move. Of course, there’s also huge physical and mental benefits of taking part (I hit 10k steps for the day!).
🏘️Beyond this, Iya London uses these guided walks to help people of all backgrounds connect to the heritage and beauty of London’s streets. We discussed architecture, planning, walkability and societal history while walking from East Acton to White City. Joanna expertly shared the history of public housing across this area, with an engaging and contagious passion for what we could learn from the past.
💡Why not register for the next walk this summer to unearth some of London’s overlooked stories?
🚶🏽♀️West London Walking Tours!
📍I had the pleasure of speaking to Joanna from @iya_london_walks who started group walks in West London.
🥾These walks provide a fun space to come together or meet new people, creating a relaxed and safe social environment because you’re leisurely on the move. Of course, there’s also huge physical and mental benefits of taking part (I hit 10k steps for the day!).
🏘️Beyond this, Iya London uses these guided walks to help people of all backgrounds connect to the heritage and beauty of London’s streets. We discussed architecture, planning, walkability and societal history while walking from East Acton to White City. Joanna expertly shared the history of public housing across this area, with an engaging and contagious passion for what we could learn from the past.
💡Why not register for the next walk this summer to unearth some of London’s overlooked stories?
🌳Tree Law!
🎤It was great to catch up with Sarah Dodd, also known as the “tree hugging lawyer” and founder of @treelawltd.
🏚️Trees can be a pain point for buildings. It may be that they block views, trigger subsidence issues or fall to create damage. Even more awkward, when you don’t own the tree this can cause arguments with neighbours or escalate to unfortunate legal disputes. However, depending on the situation, handling a tree without having the correct consent can lead to costly or even criminal consequences.
🌦️Of course, we also know that trees do so much good. They can improve our air quality, mitigate flood risk and provide cooling in urban areas. This means that climate change is both a reason to protect trees, whilst also exacerbating the risks associated with more frequent, extreme and unpredictable weather events.
💡That’s why it’s exciting to see someone so passionate about helping people navigate this space in a way that also honours the environment. How could you support people, property and trees living in harmony?
🌳Tree Law!
🎤It was great to catch up with Sarah Dodd, also known as the “tree hugging lawyer” and founder of @treelawltd.
🏚️Trees can be a pain point for buildings. It may be that they block views, trigger subsidence issues or fall to create damage. Even more awkward, when you don’t own the tree this can cause arguments with neighbours or escalate to unfortunate legal disputes. However, depending on the situation, handling a tree without having the correct consent can lead to costly or even criminal consequences.
🌦️Of course, we also know that trees do so much good. They can improve our air quality, mitigate flood risk and provide cooling in urban areas. This means that climate change is both a reason to protect trees, whilst also exacerbating the risks associated with more frequent, extreme and unpredictable weather events.
💡That’s why it’s exciting to see someone so passionate about helping people navigate this space in a way that also honours the environment. How could you support people, property and trees living in harmony?
🏙️Singapore City Gallery!
📣This highly engaging series tells the story of Singapore’s development from the 60s to modern day with sustainability at its heart.
📊Singapore’s growth story is told with people, planet and profit in mind, highlighting the importance of consultations, planning policies and visual models to create a “liveable” and “loveable” city. The gallery honours Singapore’s architectural heritage, and also shows how the city works.
📍I’ve never been in a place that so passionately champions the role of urban planning. Of course I was geeking out, but also so happy to see many others enjoying and learning from the space with no entry fee and even free community tours led by @urasingapore volunteers.
💭Where can you go to learn about your city?
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#townplanning #urbanplanning #builtenvironment #carbon #carbonemissions #sustainability #sustainabledevelopment #environment #travelphotography #travelblogger #climatechange #climateemergency #property #environmentalsustainability #netzero #climateresilience #resilience #southeastasia #singapore #singaporecity #singaporelife #city #citymodel #citygallery #gallery #singaporecitygallery #singaporecityscape #cityplanning #cityphotography #ura
🏙️Singapore City Gallery!
📣This highly engaging series tells the story of Singapore’s development from the 60s to modern day with sustainability at its heart.
📊Singapore’s growth story is told with people, planet and profit in mind, highlighting the importance of consultations, planning policies and visual models to create a “liveable” and “loveable” city. The gallery honours Singapore’s architectural heritage, and also shows how the city works.
📍I’ve never been in a place that so passionately champions the role of urban planning. Of course I was geeking out, but also so happy to see many others enjoying and learning from the space with no entry fee and even free community tours led by @urasingapore volunteers.
💭Where can you go to learn about your city?
-
#townplanning #urbanplanning #builtenvironment #carbon #carbonemissions #sustainability #sustainabledevelopment #environment #travelphotography #travelblogger #climatechange #climateemergency #property #environmentalsustainability #netzero #climateresilience #resilience #southeastasia #singapore #singaporecity #singaporelife #city #citymodel #citygallery #gallery #singaporecitygallery #singaporecityscape #cityplanning #cityphotography #ura
📐Town Planning!
🏗️This profession assesses a range of development for approval, whether it’s creating new urban spaces, making changes to what already exists or even preventing places from urbanising at all.
💻Across both private and public sector it’s easy for town planners to spend a lot of time at a desk reviewing legislation, policies and plans. That being said and despite being a system that needs a lot of change, planning can be one of the most rewarding practices in the pursuit of creating sustainable places.
🏘️Even the smallest of projects behind a screen can add up to influence people’s health, the design and character of an area and the economic opportunities available to those nearby. Of course, if we don’t look after the resources we depend upon to achieve this, all of the above is compromised.
💭What do you wish was the biggest priority for town planners in your area?
📐Town Planning!
🏗️This profession assesses a range of development for approval, whether it’s creating new urban spaces, making changes to what already exists or even preventing places from urbanising at all.
💻Across both private and public sector it’s easy for town planners to spend a lot of time at a desk reviewing legislation, policies and plans. That being said and despite being a system that needs a lot of change, planning can be one of the most rewarding practices in the pursuit of creating sustainable places.
🏘️Even the smallest of projects behind a screen can add up to influence people’s health, the design and character of an area and the economic opportunities available to those nearby. Of course, if we don’t look after the resources we depend upon to achieve this, all of the above is compromised.
💭What do you wish was the biggest priority for town planners in your area?
🌸HIV & AIDS Memorial Garden
📍I’m back at the Memorial Garden talking to former volunteer Tony, who shares the important history behind the site and why it’s so much more than just a garden. At the back of the Museum of Brands in North Kensington, this pocket of green space continues to be a place of healing and remembrance for those impacted by HIV and AIDS, and the pioneering work of the London Lighthouse.
🪴The group are submitting a planning application for a new greenhouse and workspace with storage at the end of the month, and Tony helps highlight why it’s needed. He shares “it’s a metaphor for what we hope the whole garden is, it’s about beauty and new life”.
📝Let us know if you have any thoughts or feedback on the new greenhouse in the comments section below. If you would like to support the Memorial Garden group on their greenhouse journey you can also donate here: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/memorialgarden-greenhouse.
Videography | @andreadmx
🌸HIV & AIDS Memorial Garden
📍I’m back at the Memorial Garden talking to former volunteer Tony, who shares the important history behind the site and why it’s so much more than just a garden. At the back of the Museum of Brands in North Kensington, this pocket of green space continues to be a place of healing and remembrance for those impacted by HIV and AIDS, and the pioneering work of the London Lighthouse.
🪴The group are submitting a planning application for a new greenhouse and workspace with storage at the end of the month, and Tony helps highlight why it’s needed. He shares “it’s a metaphor for what we hope the whole garden is, it’s about beauty and new life”.
📝Let us know if you have any thoughts or feedback on the new greenhouse in the comments section below. If you would like to support the Memorial Garden group on their greenhouse journey you can also donate here: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/memorialgarden-greenhouse.
Videography | @andreadmx
🪴Planning for a new Greenhouse!
📍The fantastic volunteer group at the Memorial Garden are submitting a planning application this month for a new greenhouse and workspace with storage. Peta Sissons shares why the project is needed and how the volunteers plan to use the greenhouse to benefit the Garden and local community.
📝Let us know if you have any thoughts or feedback on the new greenhouse in the comments section below! If you would like to support the Memorial Garden group on their greenhouse journey you can also donate here: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/memorialgarden-greenhouse.
🌱Thank you to director of Growing Space, Pascale Rochefeuille, for coming down to the Garden and talking about the local funding opportunities available to help kickstart similar projects.
Videography | @andreadmx
🪴Planning for a new Greenhouse!
📍The fantastic volunteer group at the Memorial Garden are submitting a planning application this month for a new greenhouse and workspace with storage. Peta Sissons shares why the project is needed and how the volunteers plan to use the greenhouse to benefit the Garden and local community.
📝Let us know if you have any thoughts or feedback on the new greenhouse in the comments section below! If you would like to support the Memorial Garden group on their greenhouse journey you can also donate here: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/memorialgarden-greenhouse.
🌱Thank you to director of Growing Space, Pascale Rochefeuille, for coming down to the Garden and talking about the local funding opportunities available to help kickstart similar projects.
Videography | @andreadmx
🏡Eco HMO Project!
🎙️I’m back in Norwich with Francis Meynell talking about this fantastic Passivhaus-led project converting an ex-police site into a shared house.
📊Although the HMO isn’t quite up and running yet, it was important for Francis to open the doors to the Green Party’s Councillor Galvin and other HMO landlords. In addition to a walking tour, Francis provided a detailed presentation covering everything from motivations, obstacles and cost-benefit analysis.
💡When I asked Francis why he decided to do this, he emphasised the importance of sharing experiences and key learnings when it comes to property. Not only is this part of the ethos as a Franchise Partner with @platinumpropertypartners_ , but a critical way of motivating the much-needed retrofit work across the country’s existing housing stock.
💭If we’re going to decarbonise and improve the quality of housing at scale and pace, there is no doubt that we need more support and collaboration with landlords like Francis who are setting the tone. What is your council doing to champion this work?
-
#townplanning #urbanplanning #builtenvironment #carbon #carbonemissions #sustainability #sustainabledevelopment #environment #climatechange #climateemergency #property #propertymanagement #propertyinvestment #propertydevelopment #environmentalsustainability #netzero #climateresilience #resilience #norwich #england #housing #hmo #hmos #houseinmultipleoccupation #hmolandlord #landlord #passivhaus #eco #ecohouse #fabricfirst
🏡Eco HMO Project!
🎙️I’m back in Norwich with Francis Meynell talking about this fantastic Passivhaus-led project converting an ex-police site into a shared house.
📊Although the HMO isn’t quite up and running yet, it was important for Francis to open the doors to the Green Party’s Councillor Galvin and other HMO landlords. In addition to a walking tour, Francis provided a detailed presentation covering everything from motivations, obstacles and cost-benefit analysis.
💡When I asked Francis why he decided to do this, he emphasised the importance of sharing experiences and key learnings when it comes to property. Not only is this part of the ethos as a Franchise Partner with @platinumpropertypartners_ , but a critical way of motivating the much-needed retrofit work across the country’s existing housing stock.
💭If we’re going to decarbonise and improve the quality of housing at scale and pace, there is no doubt that we need more support and collaboration with landlords like Francis who are setting the tone. What is your council doing to champion this work?
-
#townplanning #urbanplanning #builtenvironment #carbon #carbonemissions #sustainability #sustainabledevelopment #environment #climatechange #climateemergency #property #propertymanagement #propertyinvestment #propertydevelopment #environmentalsustainability #netzero #climateresilience #resilience #norwich #england #housing #hmo #hmos #houseinmultipleoccupation #hmolandlord #landlord #passivhaus #eco #ecohouse #fabricfirst
➡️EPC Methodology Changes!
🎤This week I caught up with Rick Dalton, Director at @thegreenerhouseuk, after our presentations at the @platinumpropertypartners_ June Summit.
📊My session focused on planning and licensing updates, followed by the fantastic Mike Anderson who reviewed air source heat pumps against boilers in great detail (costs, carbon and more!).
🪟Rick then broke down the revisions made to the methodology used to calculate Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). RdSAP 10 was introduced on the 15th June, requiring assessors to collect more detailed information during their site visits as part of determining the energy efficiency of a property. Rick talked us through what that means in practice, sharing some of his insights for us in the video!
💭What resources and networks are you using to inform energy efficiency improvements across your property?
➡️EPC Methodology Changes!
🎤This week I caught up with Rick Dalton, Director at @thegreenerhouseuk, after our presentations at the @platinumpropertypartners_ June Summit.
📊My session focused on planning and licensing updates, followed by the fantastic Mike Anderson who reviewed air source heat pumps against boilers in great detail (costs, carbon and more!).
🪟Rick then broke down the revisions made to the methodology used to calculate Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). RdSAP 10 was introduced on the 15th June, requiring assessors to collect more detailed information during their site visits as part of determining the energy efficiency of a property. Rick talked us through what that means in practice, sharing some of his insights for us in the video!
💭What resources and networks are you using to inform energy efficiency improvements across your property?
🏡Eco Home Tours!
💡The South East London Community Energy Co-op (SELCE) provide a variety of resources and events to help people reduce their energy bills, lower emissions and feel comfortable at home.
🗓️This includes free eco home tours across South East London - with the next one on Saturday November 9th in Deptford!
📝These tours allow you to visit real retrofit projects, seeing first-hand how the energy efficiency has been improved. From cost breakdowns, technology comparisons and health impacts, it’s a great opportunity to ask any questions you might have or get some inspiration! Retrofitting can include measures like:
- 🏚️insulating your loft, walls, and floors
- 💷upgrading your heating system
- 🪟upgrading your windows to double or triple glazing
- ☀️installing solar panels
➡️Check out the @seloncommenergy website to sign up to the next eco home tour, access free energy advice, learn more about available grants and much more!
🏡Eco Home Tours!
💡The South East London Community Energy Co-op (SELCE) provide a variety of resources and events to help people reduce their energy bills, lower emissions and feel comfortable at home.
🗓️This includes free eco home tours across South East London - with the next one on Saturday November 9th in Deptford!
📝These tours allow you to visit real retrofit projects, seeing first-hand how the energy efficiency has been improved. From cost breakdowns, technology comparisons and health impacts, it’s a great opportunity to ask any questions you might have or get some inspiration! Retrofitting can include measures like:
- 🏚️insulating your loft, walls, and floors
- 💷upgrading your heating system
- 🪟upgrading your windows to double or triple glazing
- ☀️installing solar panels
➡️Check out the @seloncommenergy website to sign up to the next eco home tour, access free energy advice, learn more about available grants and much more!
💡Energy Efficiency and HMOs!
📍I’m on site with Richard Lloyd in Bristol talking about the design and energy choices throughout his project.
🏠Following planning permission for an 8-bedroom co-living space, Richard has upgraded this building from around 1910 to create a healthier and more efficient house. Working with an EPC assessor early on, a fabric-first approach was taken with a focus on internal insulation (this older building didn’t have cavity walls to work with), draught-proofing and the incorporation of solar panels.
📑We talked about the backdrop of planning policy and regulations that encouraged investing in these changes for a reduced carbon impact. However, beyond the environmental considerations, Richard also sees a clear long-term business case for aiming towards a demonstrably more resilient and energy efficient building.
💭What are your key drivers and barriers to improving energy efficiency?
💡Energy Efficiency and HMOs!
📍I’m on site with Richard Lloyd in Bristol talking about the design and energy choices throughout his project.
🏠Following planning permission for an 8-bedroom co-living space, Richard has upgraded this building from around 1910 to create a healthier and more efficient house. Working with an EPC assessor early on, a fabric-first approach was taken with a focus on internal insulation (this older building didn’t have cavity walls to work with), draught-proofing and the incorporation of solar panels.
📑We talked about the backdrop of planning policy and regulations that encouraged investing in these changes for a reduced carbon impact. However, beyond the environmental considerations, Richard also sees a clear long-term business case for aiming towards a demonstrably more resilient and energy efficient building.
💭What are your key drivers and barriers to improving energy efficiency?
📍Bromley Community Hub!
🎤This week the Mayor of Bromley and a diverse range of people joined us at the Greener and Cleaner Hub in @thegladesbromley for their @londonfestivalofarchitecture event series.
This space is a working example of how a consistent and physical location for climate engagement can be used to:
- 💷Address the cost of living crisis and waste through energy efficiency advice, repair workshops and @bromleylibraryofthings.
- 🧩Tackle health issues and loneliness by providing a safe, fun and educational social space in a mainstream location.
- 📚Create opportunities for developing life, language and employment skills
- 🌱And of course, influence a domino effect for local carbon reduction, resilience and nature engagement.
🔦Parisa Wright is the inspiring light behind this project. The work she is doing with the volunteers at the Hub demonstrably proves how interconnected action can have a holistic impact. This deserves attention and support from all of us, particularly those in local government driving sustainable place-shaping!
💡Have you donated to the crowdfund yet? Your contribution will be doubled up to £250 and there are some amazing prizes to win! Link in their bio and my story : @greenerandcleaneruk
📍Bromley Community Hub!
🎤This week the Mayor of Bromley and a diverse range of people joined us at the Greener and Cleaner Hub in @thegladesbromley for their @londonfestivalofarchitecture event series.
This space is a working example of how a consistent and physical location for climate engagement can be used to:
- 💷Address the cost of living crisis and waste through energy efficiency advice, repair workshops and @bromleylibraryofthings.
- 🧩Tackle health issues and loneliness by providing a safe, fun and educational social space in a mainstream location.
- 📚Create opportunities for developing life, language and employment skills
- 🌱And of course, influence a domino effect for local carbon reduction, resilience and nature engagement.
🔦Parisa Wright is the inspiring light behind this project. The work she is doing with the volunteers at the Hub demonstrably proves how interconnected action can have a holistic impact. This deserves attention and support from all of us, particularly those in local government driving sustainable place-shaping!
💡Have you donated to the crowdfund yet? Your contribution will be doubled up to £250 and there are some amazing prizes to win! Link in their bio and my story : @greenerandcleaneruk
🗞️The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) update!
📑The delayed NPPF update was shared yesterday on the 19th of December 2023. This document is considered the backbone of the planning system, outlining the planning policies for England.
Michael Gove set the scene for the revisions with “This Government is committed to building more homes; more quickly, more beautifully and more sustainably.”
🏘️In addition to amendments across housing land supply, Green Belt(ish) and housing delivery/over-delivery(?) (too much to iron out here!), here’s three quick nuggets:
- ✍🏽The introduction now highlights to Local Authorities that “Preparing and maintaining up-to-date plans should be seen as a priority”.
- 🖼️There is an even greater emphasis on achieving “beautiful” buildings and places throughout, with an expectation for Local Authorities to have local design frameworks in place and clearer planning conditions referring to visual design details.
- 💡Welcome Section 164: “In determining planning applications, local planning authorities should give significant weight to the need to support energy efficiency and low carbon heating improvements to existing buildings, both domestic and non-domestic (including through installation of heat pumps and solar panels where these do not already benefit from permitted development rights)…”
💭Do you follow planning reforms, and if so are you positive or generally underwhelmed by the practical impact of revisions?
🗞️The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) update!
📑The delayed NPPF update was shared yesterday on the 19th of December 2023. This document is considered the backbone of the planning system, outlining the planning policies for England.
Michael Gove set the scene for the revisions with “This Government is committed to building more homes; more quickly, more beautifully and more sustainably.”
🏘️In addition to amendments across housing land supply, Green Belt(ish) and housing delivery/over-delivery(?) (too much to iron out here!), here’s three quick nuggets:
- ✍🏽The introduction now highlights to Local Authorities that “Preparing and maintaining up-to-date plans should be seen as a priority”.
- 🖼️There is an even greater emphasis on achieving “beautiful” buildings and places throughout, with an expectation for Local Authorities to have local design frameworks in place and clearer planning conditions referring to visual design details.
- 💡Welcome Section 164: “In determining planning applications, local planning authorities should give significant weight to the need to support energy efficiency and low carbon heating improvements to existing buildings, both domestic and non-domestic (including through installation of heat pumps and solar panels where these do not already benefit from permitted development rights)…”
💭Do you follow planning reforms, and if so are you positive or generally underwhelmed by the practical impact of revisions?
🏚️Juggling Energy Efficiency, Heritage and Costs!
🤹🏽♀️Here’s a snippet from my chat with Lina from @cosyhomesoxon around how to improve the efficiency of a building. For those wanting to reduce unnecessary heat loss and carbon emissions, barriers like funding, heritage conservation or sourcing the right materials can delay or even halt plans. That’s why diagnosing the whole-house to identify key problem areas is such an important first step.
📣We got together at the @lowcarbonhub, which is currently offering Oxfordshire based landlords a chance to win a FREE Whole House Assessment and report worth £600 in partnership with @oxfordcitycouncil! For more information on how to get involved check out my story or the Low Carbon Hub website.
💭Where are you currently losing the most heat in your home? How do you know?
🏚️Juggling Energy Efficiency, Heritage and Costs!
🤹🏽♀️Here’s a snippet from my chat with Lina from @cosyhomesoxon around how to improve the efficiency of a building. For those wanting to reduce unnecessary heat loss and carbon emissions, barriers like funding, heritage conservation or sourcing the right materials can delay or even halt plans. That’s why diagnosing the whole-house to identify key problem areas is such an important first step.
📣We got together at the @lowcarbonhub, which is currently offering Oxfordshire based landlords a chance to win a FREE Whole House Assessment and report worth £600 in partnership with @oxfordcitycouncil! For more information on how to get involved check out my story or the Low Carbon Hub website.
💭Where are you currently losing the most heat in your home? How do you know?
💌Walking & Valentine’s Day!
🎁Like many Holidays it’s easy to get lost in the culture of gift-giving and commercialisation, but really it’s all about the importance of connection.
📱I’m joined by Darya, also known as @tinymoron, social media influencer who covers all things relationships. If you watch her stories you’ll see that she’s always walking in a park, using this time to share stories about her day and ask questions to her followers.
🦽Whether you’re commuting, taking some alone-time or just looking for a low-cost activity to spend time with friends, active travel can be such a powerful way of building relationships with others and yourself. Darya talks about how important movement is for processing our thoughts and feelings, creating a space with less pressure to cover a lot of ground - ‘literally and verbally!’
💭Is your area walkable enough to use active travel as a way to support and be supported by the people in your life?
💌Walking & Valentine’s Day!
🎁Like many Holidays it’s easy to get lost in the culture of gift-giving and commercialisation, but really it’s all about the importance of connection.
📱I’m joined by Darya, also known as @tinymoron, social media influencer who covers all things relationships. If you watch her stories you’ll see that she’s always walking in a park, using this time to share stories about her day and ask questions to her followers.
🦽Whether you’re commuting, taking some alone-time or just looking for a low-cost activity to spend time with friends, active travel can be such a powerful way of building relationships with others and yourself. Darya talks about how important movement is for processing our thoughts and feelings, creating a space with less pressure to cover a lot of ground - ‘literally and verbally!’
💭Is your area walkable enough to use active travel as a way to support and be supported by the people in your life?
🚶🏽♀️Walkability and Air Quality!
🔔This week I’m taking over @globalwalkabilitynetwork to help raise awareness about all things walkability!
🎙️Kicking off, I’m back in King’s Cross with Hinckley and Bosworth Planning Officer and Director of Aeolus Air Quality Consulting, Satty Jandu.
🏗️This area is surrounded by construction sites, historic buildings, a constant flow of high traffic and one of London’s biggest international stations. For an area to be ‘walkable’ it needs to be safe for pedestrians to navigate, and that should include the air that we breathe.
🏥Satty eloquently explains that it’s easy to find urgency in the problems we can see, but because poor air quality is often invisible it can be neglected. The @mayorofldn recently shared that ‘every borough in London exceeds World Health Organization limits for toxic pollution’, which can be scary knowing the vast range of health risks. However, transforming that fear into policy, planning and action is key!
💭Do you feel like the air quality in your area influences how likely you are to take part in active travel like walking, wheeling or cycling?
🚶🏽♀️Walkability and Air Quality!
🔔This week I’m taking over @globalwalkabilitynetwork to help raise awareness about all things walkability!
🎙️Kicking off, I’m back in King’s Cross with Hinckley and Bosworth Planning Officer and Director of Aeolus Air Quality Consulting, Satty Jandu.
🏗️This area is surrounded by construction sites, historic buildings, a constant flow of high traffic and one of London’s biggest international stations. For an area to be ‘walkable’ it needs to be safe for pedestrians to navigate, and that should include the air that we breathe.
🏥Satty eloquently explains that it’s easy to find urgency in the problems we can see, but because poor air quality is often invisible it can be neglected. The @mayorofldn recently shared that ‘every borough in London exceeds World Health Organization limits for toxic pollution’, which can be scary knowing the vast range of health risks. However, transforming that fear into policy, planning and action is key!
💭Do you feel like the air quality in your area influences how likely you are to take part in active travel like walking, wheeling or cycling?
🎤Flood Risk and Planning!
🗓️Daniel Cook, Director for Aegaea, joined me at the Thames today to talk about our upcoming session on the 23rd of July with @platinumpropertypartners_ - if you’re part of the network don’t forget to register!
🏘️We will be covering how the impacts of climate change increase flood risk potential, influencing legislative and policy requirements for planning applications. Daniel will specifically look at HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) examples, talking about common assumptions and risks to avoid through early expert engagement.
💰Building our resilience to flood risk is not only important for our environment, but also for the safety of occupants and protecting our heritage and financial assets for the long-term.
💭How can we achieve the government’s growth agenda whilst mitigating and adapting to flood risk affordably?
🎤Flood Risk and Planning!
🗓️Daniel Cook, Director for Aegaea, joined me at the Thames today to talk about our upcoming session on the 23rd of July with @platinumpropertypartners_ - if you’re part of the network don’t forget to register!
🏘️We will be covering how the impacts of climate change increase flood risk potential, influencing legislative and policy requirements for planning applications. Daniel will specifically look at HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) examples, talking about common assumptions and risks to avoid through early expert engagement.
💰Building our resilience to flood risk is not only important for our environment, but also for the safety of occupants and protecting our heritage and financial assets for the long-term.
💭How can we achieve the government’s growth agenda whilst mitigating and adapting to flood risk affordably?
🚶🏽♀️West London Walking Tours!
📍I had the pleasure of speaking to Joanna from @iya_london_walks who started group walks in West London.
🥾These walks provide a fun space to come together or meet new people, creating a relaxed and safe social environment because you’re leisurely on the move. Of course, there’s also huge physical and mental benefits of taking part (I hit 10k steps for the day!).
🏘️Beyond this, Iya London uses these guided walks to help people of all backgrounds connect to the heritage and beauty of London’s streets. We discussed architecture, planning, walkability and societal history while walking from East Acton to White City. Joanna expertly shared the history of public housing across this area, with an engaging and contagious passion for what we could learn from the past.
💡Why not register for the next walk this summer to unearth some of London’s overlooked stories?
🚶🏽♀️West London Walking Tours!
📍I had the pleasure of speaking to Joanna from @iya_london_walks who started group walks in West London.
🥾These walks provide a fun space to come together or meet new people, creating a relaxed and safe social environment because you’re leisurely on the move. Of course, there’s also huge physical and mental benefits of taking part (I hit 10k steps for the day!).
🏘️Beyond this, Iya London uses these guided walks to help people of all backgrounds connect to the heritage and beauty of London’s streets. We discussed architecture, planning, walkability and societal history while walking from East Acton to White City. Joanna expertly shared the history of public housing across this area, with an engaging and contagious passion for what we could learn from the past.
💡Why not register for the next walk this summer to unearth some of London’s overlooked stories?
🏙️Singapore City Gallery!
📣This highly engaging series tells the story of Singapore’s development from the 60s to modern day with sustainability at its heart.
📊Singapore’s growth story is told with people, planet and profit in mind, highlighting the importance of consultations, planning policies and visual models to create a “liveable” and “loveable” city. The gallery honours Singapore’s architectural heritage, and also shows how the city works.
📍I’ve never been in a place that so passionately champions the role of urban planning. Of course I was geeking out, but also so happy to see many others enjoying and learning from the space with no entry fee and even free community tours led by @urasingapore volunteers.
💭Where can you go to learn about your city?
-
#townplanning #urbanplanning #builtenvironment #carbon #carbonemissions #sustainability #sustainabledevelopment #environment #travelphotography #travelblogger #climatechange #climateemergency #property #environmentalsustainability #netzero #climateresilience #resilience #southeastasia #singapore #singaporecity #singaporelife #city #citymodel #citygallery #gallery #singaporecitygallery #singaporecityscape #cityplanning #cityphotography #ura
🏙️Singapore City Gallery!
📣This highly engaging series tells the story of Singapore’s development from the 60s to modern day with sustainability at its heart.
📊Singapore’s growth story is told with people, planet and profit in mind, highlighting the importance of consultations, planning policies and visual models to create a “liveable” and “loveable” city. The gallery honours Singapore’s architectural heritage, and also shows how the city works.
📍I’ve never been in a place that so passionately champions the role of urban planning. Of course I was geeking out, but also so happy to see many others enjoying and learning from the space with no entry fee and even free community tours led by @urasingapore volunteers.
💭Where can you go to learn about your city?
-
#townplanning #urbanplanning #builtenvironment #carbon #carbonemissions #sustainability #sustainabledevelopment #environment #travelphotography #travelblogger #climatechange #climateemergency #property #environmentalsustainability #netzero #climateresilience #resilience #southeastasia #singapore #singaporecity #singaporelife #city #citymodel #citygallery #gallery #singaporecitygallery #singaporecityscape #cityplanning #cityphotography #ura
🏚️Juggling Energy Efficiency, Heritage and Costs!
🤹🏽♀️Here’s a snippet from my chat with Lina from @cosyhomesoxon around how to improve the efficiency of a building. For those wanting to reduce unnecessary heat loss and carbon emissions, barriers like funding, heritage conservation or sourcing the right materials can delay or even halt plans. That’s why diagnosing the whole-house to identify key problem areas is such an important first step.
📣We got together at the @lowcarbonhub, which is currently offering Oxfordshire based landlords a chance to win a FREE Whole House Assessment and report worth £600 in partnership with @oxfordcitycouncil! For more information on how to get involved check out my story or the Low Carbon Hub website.
💭Where are you currently losing the most heat in your home? How do you know?
🏚️Juggling Energy Efficiency, Heritage and Costs!
🤹🏽♀️Here’s a snippet from my chat with Lina from @cosyhomesoxon around how to improve the efficiency of a building. For those wanting to reduce unnecessary heat loss and carbon emissions, barriers like funding, heritage conservation or sourcing the right materials can delay or even halt plans. That’s why diagnosing the whole-house to identify key problem areas is such an important first step.
📣We got together at the @lowcarbonhub, which is currently offering Oxfordshire based landlords a chance to win a FREE Whole House Assessment and report worth £600 in partnership with @oxfordcitycouncil! For more information on how to get involved check out my story or the Low Carbon Hub website.
💭Where are you currently losing the most heat in your home? How do you know?
📍Bromley Community Hub!
🎤This week the Mayor of Bromley and a diverse range of people joined us at the Greener and Cleaner Hub in @thegladesbromley for their @londonfestivalofarchitecture event series.
This space is a working example of how a consistent and physical location for climate engagement can be used to:
- 💷Address the cost of living crisis and waste through energy efficiency advice, repair workshops and @bromleylibraryofthings.
- 🧩Tackle health issues and loneliness by providing a safe, fun and educational social space in a mainstream location.
- 📚Create opportunities for developing life, language and employment skills
- 🌱And of course, influence a domino effect for local carbon reduction, resilience and nature engagement.
🔦Parisa Wright is the inspiring light behind this project. The work she is doing with the volunteers at the Hub demonstrably proves how interconnected action can have a holistic impact. This deserves attention and support from all of us, particularly those in local government driving sustainable place-shaping!
💡Have you donated to the crowdfund yet? Your contribution will be doubled up to £250 and there are some amazing prizes to win! Link in their bio and my story : @greenerandcleaneruk
📍Bromley Community Hub!
🎤This week the Mayor of Bromley and a diverse range of people joined us at the Greener and Cleaner Hub in @thegladesbromley for their @londonfestivalofarchitecture event series.
This space is a working example of how a consistent and physical location for climate engagement can be used to:
- 💷Address the cost of living crisis and waste through energy efficiency advice, repair workshops and @bromleylibraryofthings.
- 🧩Tackle health issues and loneliness by providing a safe, fun and educational social space in a mainstream location.
- 📚Create opportunities for developing life, language and employment skills
- 🌱And of course, influence a domino effect for local carbon reduction, resilience and nature engagement.
🔦Parisa Wright is the inspiring light behind this project. The work she is doing with the volunteers at the Hub demonstrably proves how interconnected action can have a holistic impact. This deserves attention and support from all of us, particularly those in local government driving sustainable place-shaping!
💡Have you donated to the crowdfund yet? Your contribution will be doubled up to £250 and there are some amazing prizes to win! Link in their bio and my story : @greenerandcleaneruk
📊Plastics, recycling and incineration!
🧱I’m back with the @circular_11 talking about how they’re turning plastic waste into low carbon building materials.
🏗️It was weird to hear “the main benefit of plastic is that it takes a long time to decompose” - it`s been a while since I`ve had a conversation where this was considered a GOOD thing! Frankly I welcome the positivity, making it all the more important that we use these materials wisely, in a closed loop and in the right sectors.
🏥Although throwing plastic waste in the recycling bin (which isn’t even always an option) may seem like an immediate solution, it’s clear the system isn’t working. In 2022, @greenpeaceuk found that "just 12% of the UK’s plastic is recycled, yet 46% is burned to create energy (a process known as incineration)", which can be more carbon intensive than coal.
💡Do you know where the plastic from your recycling bin ends up? You can get involved by sending your plastic to @circular_11 to use in their products, just check out their website for more info!
📊Plastics, recycling and incineration!
🧱I’m back with the @circular_11 talking about how they’re turning plastic waste into low carbon building materials.
🏗️It was weird to hear “the main benefit of plastic is that it takes a long time to decompose” - it`s been a while since I`ve had a conversation where this was considered a GOOD thing! Frankly I welcome the positivity, making it all the more important that we use these materials wisely, in a closed loop and in the right sectors.
🏥Although throwing plastic waste in the recycling bin (which isn’t even always an option) may seem like an immediate solution, it’s clear the system isn’t working. In 2022, @greenpeaceuk found that "just 12% of the UK’s plastic is recycled, yet 46% is burned to create energy (a process known as incineration)", which can be more carbon intensive than coal.
💡Do you know where the plastic from your recycling bin ends up? You can get involved by sending your plastic to @circular_11 to use in their products, just check out their website for more info!
♻️Building Materials from Plastic Waste!
📍I was so impressed by @circular_11 based down in Christchurch who explained all about how this business takes plastic waste and turns it into low carbon building materials like fencing, planters and benches!
🐢The team is beyond passionate about reducing plastic waste in a transparent and meaningful way. There is no doubt that plastic is a useful and important material, but the way we have carelessly managed and thrown away plastics, harming our health and the planet we rely on, is now at a scale the human mind just doesn’t seem to be capable of processing.
💡Imagine a world where we just kept the plastic we have in a cycle, supporting businesses like Circular11 who are taking a solutions-approach and setting the standard for what’s possible…
💭Do you know where the plastics in your products are coming from and what happens to them once they’re thrown away?
♻️Building Materials from Plastic Waste!
📍I was so impressed by @circular_11 based down in Christchurch who explained all about how this business takes plastic waste and turns it into low carbon building materials like fencing, planters and benches!
🐢The team is beyond passionate about reducing plastic waste in a transparent and meaningful way. There is no doubt that plastic is a useful and important material, but the way we have carelessly managed and thrown away plastics, harming our health and the planet we rely on, is now at a scale the human mind just doesn’t seem to be capable of processing.
💡Imagine a world where we just kept the plastic we have in a cycle, supporting businesses like Circular11 who are taking a solutions-approach and setting the standard for what’s possible…
💭Do you know where the plastics in your products are coming from and what happens to them once they’re thrown away?
🛒Consumption, climate and cost!
📍I’m back in West London with Louisa, founder of @nude_daun, who shared some of the reasons why she’s passionate enough about refill to start her own business!
🛍️On the surface, choosing an item at a grocery store may feel like one decision, but the reality is that we are making several about what we support:
- 📦Am I okay with the waste and unnecessary plastic that comes with the packaging?
- 🚛Am I okay with the carbon emissions associated with transporting the food from other countries or via carbon-intensive vehicles?
- 🏥Am I okay with the health risks associated with this item?
- 💰Am I okay with the treatment of the workers, animals and land behind the supply-chain?
🚲The answer may be no, but when you’re hungry and tight on a budget it is very difficult to see beyond what’s right in front of us. I hope we start seeing more businesses like @nude_daun @hodmedods @wildfarmed @newdawntraders who do the work for us, supporting local farmers, carbon reduction and promoting more accessible ways for people to make the switch.
💭How could we support the refill revolution to mainstream this culture shift and bring down the overall cost?
🛒Consumption, climate and cost!
📍I’m back in West London with Louisa, founder of @nude_daun, who shared some of the reasons why she’s passionate enough about refill to start her own business!
🛍️On the surface, choosing an item at a grocery store may feel like one decision, but the reality is that we are making several about what we support:
- 📦Am I okay with the waste and unnecessary plastic that comes with the packaging?
- 🚛Am I okay with the carbon emissions associated with transporting the food from other countries or via carbon-intensive vehicles?
- 🏥Am I okay with the health risks associated with this item?
- 💰Am I okay with the treatment of the workers, animals and land behind the supply-chain?
🚲The answer may be no, but when you’re hungry and tight on a budget it is very difficult to see beyond what’s right in front of us. I hope we start seeing more businesses like @nude_daun @hodmedods @wildfarmed @newdawntraders who do the work for us, supporting local farmers, carbon reduction and promoting more accessible ways for people to make the switch.
💭How could we support the refill revolution to mainstream this culture shift and bring down the overall cost?
🛍️Refill delivery service in London!
🚲It was so great to spend time with talking to Louisa in West London today about her business @nude_daun, a recent @londontheinside hero!
🥣We know that throwaway culture is behind eye-watering levels of food and plastic waste, but in reality it can be hard to change grocery shopping habitats especially with cost and convenience in mind. That’s why it’s so great to see and support more refill stores popping up where you can take your bottles/jars/containers to top up without the need for unnecessary packaging - but for some they might be hard to access!
♻️I’m in awe of Louise who has taken matters into her own hands, delivering dry goods to doorsteps across London and collecting the same packaging for cleaning and refill to keep a closed cycle.
💭What are your biggest barriers to refill?
🛍️Refill delivery service in London!
🚲It was so great to spend time with talking to Louisa in West London today about her business @nude_daun, a recent @londontheinside hero!
🥣We know that throwaway culture is behind eye-watering levels of food and plastic waste, but in reality it can be hard to change grocery shopping habitats especially with cost and convenience in mind. That’s why it’s so great to see and support more refill stores popping up where you can take your bottles/jars/containers to top up without the need for unnecessary packaging - but for some they might be hard to access!
♻️I’m in awe of Louise who has taken matters into her own hands, delivering dry goods to doorsteps across London and collecting the same packaging for cleaning and refill to keep a closed cycle.
💭What are your biggest barriers to refill?
🎄Zero Waste Christmas Shopping!
🚮This time of year it’s so important to think about the lifecycle of ‘stuff’. Throwaway culture can be tempting for convenience but the harm to people, planet and our wallets long-term just isn’t worth it.
🛍️I visited James from @just1swap_ in Bournemouth, one of my favourite stores normalising refilling, reusing and reducing. Whether it’s staple food items (love the peanut butter machine!), toiletries, make-up, cleaning products - the list goes on - this place allows you to get what you need ethically, without the unnecessary waste.
💭Remembering the true spirit of Christmas, how could we normalise being less wasteful for our households and communities over the Holidays, 2024 and beyond?
🎄Zero Waste Christmas Shopping!
🚮This time of year it’s so important to think about the lifecycle of ‘stuff’. Throwaway culture can be tempting for convenience but the harm to people, planet and our wallets long-term just isn’t worth it.
🛍️I visited James from @just1swap_ in Bournemouth, one of my favourite stores normalising refilling, reusing and reducing. Whether it’s staple food items (love the peanut butter machine!), toiletries, make-up, cleaning products - the list goes on - this place allows you to get what you need ethically, without the unnecessary waste.
💭Remembering the true spirit of Christmas, how could we normalise being less wasteful for our households and communities over the Holidays, 2024 and beyond?
🚇An Inclusive London Underground!
📍This month I got together with Tanya, award-winning @cairlondon founder, to talk about life on the tube.
🚽With a range of filters across air pollution, noise pollution and access to toilets(!), the CAIR app helps people navigate the London Underground in a way that suites their personal needs. As one of the most diverse cities in the world, an app like this is simply essential.
🚉CAIR also has filters for air conditioning and water fountains, particularly key as our cities adapt to the impacts of climate change and record-breaking temperatures. For many, having this sort of information available can help encourage the use of public transport instead of cars, where otherwise it might be avoided to protect physical and mental health.
💡How can we support digital innovations like this to build resilient communities and inclusive spaces?
🚇An Inclusive London Underground!
📍This month I got together with Tanya, award-winning @cairlondon founder, to talk about life on the tube.
🚽With a range of filters across air pollution, noise pollution and access to toilets(!), the CAIR app helps people navigate the London Underground in a way that suites their personal needs. As one of the most diverse cities in the world, an app like this is simply essential.
🚉CAIR also has filters for air conditioning and water fountains, particularly key as our cities adapt to the impacts of climate change and record-breaking temperatures. For many, having this sort of information available can help encourage the use of public transport instead of cars, where otherwise it might be avoided to protect physical and mental health.
💡How can we support digital innovations like this to build resilient communities and inclusive spaces?
🏘️Friends of Limehouse!
📍It was a pleasure to head down to Tower Hamlets to talk to the impressive and dedicated Marina from the @friendsoflimehouse community group.
🚗Limehouse experiences some of the worst air quality across London because of the Rotherhithe and Limehouse Link Tunnels. This means that despite Tower Hamlets having one of the lowest car ownership rates in London, the local community suffers due to the pollution from traffic passing through.
🛝Marina passionately highlights the inequality and health implications of this for the residents of Limehouse. We also talked about the danger of a ‘piecemeal approach’ rather than a more joined-up strategy, using the example of a newly renovated playground that is great in theory but in reality attracts children to this area of high air pollution.
📣The group have done numerous events raising awareness about the issue, but are calling for collaboration with the Council and other key members to enact change.
💭How is your council engaging with proactive local organisations like this? How could they be doing this more to support and fund their fantastic work?
🏘️Friends of Limehouse!
📍It was a pleasure to head down to Tower Hamlets to talk to the impressive and dedicated Marina from the @friendsoflimehouse community group.
🚗Limehouse experiences some of the worst air quality across London because of the Rotherhithe and Limehouse Link Tunnels. This means that despite Tower Hamlets having one of the lowest car ownership rates in London, the local community suffers due to the pollution from traffic passing through.
🛝Marina passionately highlights the inequality and health implications of this for the residents of Limehouse. We also talked about the danger of a ‘piecemeal approach’ rather than a more joined-up strategy, using the example of a newly renovated playground that is great in theory but in reality attracts children to this area of high air pollution.
📣The group have done numerous events raising awareness about the issue, but are calling for collaboration with the Council and other key members to enact change.
💭How is your council engaging with proactive local organisations like this? How could they be doing this more to support and fund their fantastic work?
🚶🏽♀️Walkability and Air Quality!
🔔This week I’m taking over @globalwalkabilitynetwork to help raise awareness about all things walkability!
🎙️Kicking off, I’m back in King’s Cross with Hinckley and Bosworth Planning Officer and Director of Aeolus Air Quality Consulting, Satty Jandu.
🏗️This area is surrounded by construction sites, historic buildings, a constant flow of high traffic and one of London’s biggest international stations. For an area to be ‘walkable’ it needs to be safe for pedestrians to navigate, and that should include the air that we breathe.
🏥Satty eloquently explains that it’s easy to find urgency in the problems we can see, but because poor air quality is often invisible it can be neglected. The @mayorofldn recently shared that ‘every borough in London exceeds World Health Organization limits for toxic pollution’, which can be scary knowing the vast range of health risks. However, transforming that fear into policy, planning and action is key!
💭Do you feel like the air quality in your area influences how likely you are to take part in active travel like walking, wheeling or cycling?
🚶🏽♀️Walkability and Air Quality!
🔔This week I’m taking over @globalwalkabilitynetwork to help raise awareness about all things walkability!
🎙️Kicking off, I’m back in King’s Cross with Hinckley and Bosworth Planning Officer and Director of Aeolus Air Quality Consulting, Satty Jandu.
🏗️This area is surrounded by construction sites, historic buildings, a constant flow of high traffic and one of London’s biggest international stations. For an area to be ‘walkable’ it needs to be safe for pedestrians to navigate, and that should include the air that we breathe.
🏥Satty eloquently explains that it’s easy to find urgency in the problems we can see, but because poor air quality is often invisible it can be neglected. The @mayorofldn recently shared that ‘every borough in London exceeds World Health Organization limits for toxic pollution’, which can be scary knowing the vast range of health risks. However, transforming that fear into policy, planning and action is key!
💭Do you feel like the air quality in your area influences how likely you are to take part in active travel like walking, wheeling or cycling?