Search Results for: climate

Office market upheaval means uncertain times for landlords

Office market upheaval means uncertain times for landlords

The UK office market is facing a period of significant upheaval, according to a new survey commissioned by workspace provider infinitSpaceThe UK office market is facing a period of significant upheaval, according to a new survey commissioned by workspace provider infinitSpace. The research paints what it says is a concerning picture for landlords, with a sizeable portion battling financial strain and even potential closure. Over 14 percent of the 250 surveyed landlords fear their office buildings could shut down within the next five years due to affordability concerns. (more…)

Latest carpet tile and LVT collections from Interface explore crafted textiles and natural forms

Latest carpet tile and LVT collections from Interface explore crafted textiles and natural forms

Interface, Inc. the global flooring solutions company and leader in sustainability, has unveiled its latest global carpet tile and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) collectionsInterface, Inc. the global flooring solutions company and leader in sustainability, has unveiled its latest global carpet tile and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) collections. The Etched & Threaded™ carpet tile and Earthen Forms™ LVT collections push the boundaries of design while continuing the company’s commitment to creating flooring solutions made for purpose and without compromise. The products offer innovative, modular tiles that fit together effortlessly and combine eye-catching textures, natural patterns, and neutral tones that can be mixed and matched, offering more ways to create high-performing, beautiful spaces. (more…)

Fiona Cousins appointed new President of CIBSE

Fiona Cousins appointed new President of CIBSE

https://www.cibse.org/CIBSE  has announced the appointment of Fiona Cousins as its new President. Fiona, who holds several senior roles at Arup, brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to advancing sustainability and broadening the focus on building performance in the industry. Fiona takes over the presidency from Adrian Catchpole, to whom she extended heartfelt thanks for his contributions, especially in promoting STEM Ambassadors in schools and the certified practice initiatives. These efforts will continue to be a priority according to a statement from CIBSE. (more…)

London office market sees sharp decline in leasing activity

London office market sees sharp decline in leasing activity

The London office leasing market kicked off 2024 with a significant downturn, according to a new report from Devono.The London office leasing market kicked off 2024 with a significant downturn, according to a new report from Devono. After a strong end to 2023, leasing activity plummeted by 45 percent in the first quarter, with only 2.3 million sq ft of space leased. This falls short of the 5-year average for Q1 and marks the lowest total since late 2022. The report attributes the decline to a combination of economic factors, including a recent recession and rising inflation. Businesses are cautious about committing to new office space in this uncertain climate. (more…)

People must take the lead on hybrid working to drive highest returns

People must take the lead on hybrid working to drive highest returns

A new report from workplace technology provider Eptura suggests that employee-led hybrid working models and connected technology drive the highest returns for businessesA new report from workplace technology provider Eptura suggests that employee-led hybrid working models and connected technology drive the highest returns for businesses. According to its first half 2024 Workplace Index report [registration], companies with hybrid working models in which employees can choose when to come to the office are seeing the most benefit. This is because employees who work effectively in the office can generate an average revenue increase of 3-8 percent. The study also claims that globally, employees are now spending an average of 3 days a week in the office, with the biggest increase being seen in the Asia-Pacific region. The most common days for office attendance remain Tuesday through Thursday. (more…)

Furniture Makers to hold next sustainability event focussed on ecodesign

Furniture Makers to hold next sustainability event focussed on ecodesign

The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, is hosting its next sustainability event focussed on the issues surrounding ecodesignThe Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, is hosting its next sustainability event focussed on the issues surrounding ecodesign, including the implications of the new EU law, Ecodesign for Products Regulation (ESPR). (more…)

One in six people fall out with colleagues over politics

One in six people fall out with colleagues over politics

Following the recent confirmation of a date for the UK General Election, a new poll from HiBob claims there has been a sharp rise in the number of people who want to banish political chats from the office. The report also suggests there is a major generational split, with younger workers significantly most in favour of holding political discussions at work while also being the group far and away most likely to fall out with others. (more…)

International report calls for collaboration on AI, highlighting both benefits and risks

International report calls for collaboration on AI, highlighting both benefits and risks

A landmark report claims to shed light on the double-edged sword of advanced artificial intelligence (AI)A landmark report claims to shed light on the double-edged sword of advanced artificial intelligence. Backed by over 30 nations, the International Scientific Report on the Safety of Advanced AI paints a picture of a technology brimming with potential benefits, but also fraught with potential risks if safety isn’t prioritized. This first iteration of the report, launched at the AI Safety Summit, fulfils a key commitment set forth during the historic Bletchley Park discussions and the subsequent Bletchley Declaration. (more…)

Seven industry associations join forces to develop  real estate carbon pricing strategy

Seven industry associations join forces to develop real estate carbon pricing strategy

Seven real estate industry associations have announced a new taskforce to develop a comprehensive carbon pricing strategy for the sectorSeven real estate industry associations have announced a new taskforce to develop a comprehensive carbon pricing strategy for the sector that takes a value chain perspective and enables pricing to be incorporated into investment decision making and accelerate its adoption. (more…)

Bisley extends colour palette with three new hues

Bisley extends colour palette with three new hues

British furniture brand Bisley has introduced three new shades to its curated colour palette. Through a meticulous selection process, the furniture manufacturer chose shades that would enhance its existing colour palette to offer customers even greater choice when purchasing furniture for their homes. The new hues, Marine Green, Berry and Natural Canvas take influence from emerging trends in fashion and interiors. They are alluring as individual shades, but can also complement each other when used together, forming a contemporary colour palette. Additionally, each of the new shades align with existing Bisley colours to create micro collections, giving greater versatility to the range. (more…)

A philosophical take on meaningful work

A philosophical take on meaningful work

But what exactly makes a particular job an instance of “meaningful work”? Is it just any sort of work people happen to believe is meaningful? Or is it a job with certain objective features?Work is an inescapable feature of the modern world. Most of us, except for a lucky few, spend a significant portion of our lives working. If this is the case, we may as well try and make it meaningful. In a 2019 report, 82 percent of employees reported that it is important to have a purpose in their work and that creating meaningful work was one of their top priorities. But what exactly makes a particular job an instance of “meaningful work”? Is it just any sort of work people happen to believe is meaningful? Or is it a job with certain objective features? (more…)

European commercial real estate market stumbles in 2024

European commercial real estate market stumbles in 2024

Dreams of a swift recovery in Europe's commercial real estate market have been dashed as the first quarter of 2024 witnessed a continued slump, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of decline according to new dataDreams of a swift recovery in Europe’s commercial real estate market have been dashed as the first quarter of 2024 witnessed a continued slump, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of decline. That is according to data released by MSCI Real Assets which paints a concerning picture, with completed commercial property transactions reaching a mere €34.5 billion in the first three months – a 26 percent drop compared to the same period in 2023. This translates to the lowest transaction volume since the third quarter of 2010, with the number of companies buying and selling properties also hitting a 12-year low. (more…)