
The urgency of renovation: an interview with Sam Kimmins
In an interview, Sam Kimmins, director of energy at Climate Group, outlines the necessary steps to double renovation rates in the UK and Europe, emphasising the need for collaboration and addressing key barriers.
Luca Papapietro

Incorporating vegetation into building facades: the concept of vertical gardens
Vertical gardens, integrated into building facades, improve air quality, regulate temperature, enhance biodiversity, and promote well-being, making urban spaces more sustainable and aesthetically appealing.
Luca Papapietro

Marko Zlonoga: ‘During the renovation, it is necessary to include the principles of sustainability and the consideration of emissions and costs in the whole life cycle of the building’
Building conversations up with... Marko Zlonoga, Head of Buildings Department at REGEA.
Editorial team

Newly developed radiative cooling sheets can cool building by up to 8.4 °C
Researchers have developed porous PMMA sheets that passively cool buildings by reflecting light and radiating heat, offering an energy-efficient solution to combat rising temperatures.
Luca Papapietro

Urgent call for sustainable urban planning in Kenya: a 2024 report on development challenges
The report reveals that poor urban planning in Kenya, due to unapproved developments and inadequate county spatial plans, is causing infrastructure issues, environmental degradation, and unregulated growth, urging urgent action for sustainable development.
Luca Papapietro

Understanding the scope and detail of materials passports
Materials passports digitally track construction materials, enabling reuse, reducing waste, and supporting a circular economy in the built environment.
Luca Papapietro

Kosovo launches largest solar thermal district heating project in the Western Balkans
Kosovo* is developing the Western Balkans' largest solar thermal district heating project, supplying 32,000 citizens with renewable heat while expanding its network with coal plant cogeneration.
Luca Papapietro

Lombardy's first renewable energy community launched by MET Energia Italia
MET Energia Italia has launched Lombardy's first Renewable Energy Community in Cegni, providing solar power for 200 households, with plans to expand across Italy to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Luca Papapietro

Slovenia secures EU funding for renewable energy projects and local energy communities
Slovenia received 11.9 million euros in EU funding to support renewable energy projects, including photovoltaic systems and local energy communities, to boost electricity production and smart energy systems from 2025-2027.
Luca Papapietro

City of London Corporation unveils sustainability framework for net-zero future
The City of London Corporation's new 'Planning for Sustainability Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)' aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 through sustainable building practices, focusing on retrofit, energy efficiency, circular economy, and climate resilience.
Luca Papapietro