Search Results for: sustainability

Government issues new guidance on managing surplus property

Government issues new guidance on managing surplus property

The UK Cabinet Office has published updated functional guidance titled Managing Surplus Government Property, setting out how government departments should identify, evaluate and dispose of surplus real estateThe UK Cabinet Office has published updated functional guidance titled Managing Surplus Government Property, setting out how government departments should identify, evaluate and dispose of surplus real estate within the central government estate. The document was released on 10 November 2025. The guidance replaces the earlier Guide for the Disposal of Surplus Land and reflects a broadened scope, placing greater emphasis on reviewing multiple options and combining factors when considering disposal or reuse of property assets. (more…)

Design Festival North is back for 2026, but with Birmingham replacing Manchester

Design Festival North is back for 2026, but with Birmingham replacing Manchester

Design Festival North, the regional design event organised by Design Social North, will return in 2026 with an expanded programme visiting Leeds, Birmingham and Liverpool.Design Festival North, the regional design event organised by Design Social North, will return in 2026 with an expanded programme visiting Leeds, Birmingham and Liverpool. The one-day festival, which takes place on 12 March, will bring together architects, interior designers, specifiers and suppliers to explore new products and ideas from across the design and built environment sectors. The organisers say the event aims to strengthen connections between creative professionals and foster collaboration across regions outside London. (more…)

Interface introduces In The Mix, a new terrazzo-inspired LVT 

Interface introduces In The Mix, a new terrazzo-inspired LVT 

Interface, the global flooring solutions company and sustainability leader, has introduced In The Mix™, its latest resilient style blending the on-trend look of terrazzo with the performance benefits of LVTInterface, the global flooring solutions company and sustainability leader, has introduced In The Mix™, its latest resilient style blending the on-trend look of terrazzo with the performance benefits of LVT. Available in versatile neutral colourways, the product brings a modern lens to a classic design in a way that supports high-performing commercial spaces. With In The Mix, Interface is responding to the need for terrazzo-inspired flooring solutions without the complexity and upkeep of traditional terrazzo. The aesthetic is now available in a modular tile format, providing more design flexibility while still delivering on the signature look that terrazzo is known for. And the product, like all Interface LVT, is easy to install and maintain, making it a better solution for many projects.    (more…)

Is a smart building worth it? My research says the answer is an unequivocal yes

Is a smart building worth it? My research says the answer is an unequivocal yes

Too often, clients have paid contractors for the design and delivery of a smart building whilst ignoring the operational sideFor my book, The Smart Building Advantage, in which I tracked the evolution of the recent built environment, I trawled through more than a decade’s worth of data. I wasn’t short of material. I studied the Salesforce Tower in San Francisco, 22 Bishopsgate in London and NEOM in Saudi Arabia, amongst many extraordinary examples of how buildings and technology can work together. From these, I concluded that smart buildings are like chameleons in the way they’ve adapted to meet the shifting demands of the corporate zeitgeist. (more…)

Circular design and human-centred innovation celebrated at BCO National Awards

Circular design and human-centred innovation celebrated at BCO National Awards

An office built entirely on circular design principles, a 3,300 sq m living wall and the transformation of a Victorian infirmary into a modern workplace were among the projects recognised at the British Council for Offices (BCO) National Awards. Held on 7 October at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, the event brought together more than 1,200 senior figures from across the office sector to celebrate excellence in workplace design, development and operation. (more…)

Interface expands Woven Gradience carpet tile collection with new transition colourways inspired by nature   

Interface expands Woven Gradience carpet tile collection with new transition colourways inspired by nature   

Interface, Inc the global flooring solutions company and sustainability leader, has introduced fresh colourways for its Woven Gradience™ carpet tile collectionInterface, Inc the global flooring solutions company and sustainability leader, has introduced fresh colourways for its Woven Gradience™ carpet tile collection. The biophilic-inspired collection now includes an expanded range of foundational and transition colourways, taking cues from the seamless gradients and flowing transitions found in nature. Building off the success of the collection’s initial launch in 2021, Woven Gradience’s updated colour palette meets the needs of today’s commercial spaces. Designers can explore strong statements, neutral tones, and all the options in between as they look to natural transition styles for design flexibility and wayfinding.  (more…)

Text to video GenAI will help drive energy consumption of OpenAI to same level as India

Text to video GenAI will help drive energy consumption of OpenAI to same level as India

A new study has raised concerns about the energy consumption of text-to-video (T2V) models, warning that the technology could become one of the most power-intensive forms of artificial intelligence yet developedA new study has raised concerns about the energy consumption of text-to-video (T2V) models, warning that the technology could become one of the most power-intensive forms of artificial intelligence yet developed. The research coincides with reports from within OpenAI that the firm’s energy consumption will match the current energy use of India within 8 years. The paper, Video Killed the Energy Budget: Characterizing the Latency and Power Regimes of Open Text-to-Video Models, published on the open research platform arXiv, presents a detailed analysis of the power usage of advanced open-source video generation systems. Conducted by researchers Julien Delavande, Régis Pierrard and Sasha Luccioni, the study benchmarks several models and quantifies the way in which video generation consumes energy. (more…)

Exhibitors to look out for at Workspace Design Show in Amsterdam

Exhibitors to look out for at Workspace Design Show in Amsterdam

This November, Workspace Design Show returns to RAI Amsterdam, Hall 5 with the theme Activate the Senses — transforming the exhibition floor into a vibrant journey through sound, light, texture, and space. Over two inspiring days, 5–6 November 2025, the Benelux workplace design community will gather to explore how multi-sensory design is reshaping the way we work. Alongside 150+ international exhibitors, visitors will encounter interactive features and installations created by the likes of Biophilic Design Academy, Casper Schwarz Architects, UNS, Mecanoo, and Tank Design. (more…)

Global commission on healthy indoor air launches at United Nations

Global commission on healthy indoor air launches at United Nations

The Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air has been formed to drive action on indoor air qualityA new international initiative was launched in New York during Climate Week to address what experts describe as one of the most overlooked public health issues of our time. The Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air has been formed to drive action on indoor air quality, bringing together nearly 170 leaders from over 30 countries across health, academia, business and the built environment. The Commission was announced at a United Nations side event and is backed by the International WELL Building Institute. Its members include former United States Surgeon General Dr Richard Carmona, leading scientists and researchers, deans of major universities, as well as executives and sustainability leaders from real estate, technology, and manufacturing. Architecture, engineering and building science are also strongly represented, reflecting the cross-disciplinary nature of the challenge. (more…)

Revolut opens new London HQ as part of long term plan for the UK financial services sector

Revolut opens new London HQ as part of long term plan for the UK financial services sector

Fintech firm Revolut has announced the opening of its new global headquarters in London, underlining a week that has seen more than £110 billion committed to the UK financial services sector.Fintech firm Revolut has announced the opening of its new global headquarters in Canary Wharf, in a week that has seen more than £110 billion committed to the UK financial services sector. The company confirmed it will invest £3 billion over the next five years and create around 1,000 new skilled jobs. (more…)

Sustainable Design Collective hosts ’speed dating’ style talks

Sustainable Design Collective hosts ’speed dating’ style talks

Members of the Sustainable Design Collective including sustainability specialists from leading workplace design practices, such as Perkins & Will, TP Bennett, BDP, JRA, Overbury and Siren Design, are offering the opportunity to join ’speed dating’ style round table discussionsMembers of the Sustainable Design Collective including sustainability specialists from leading workplace design practices, such as Perkins & Will, TP Bennett (main image), BDP, JRA, Overbury and Siren Design, are offering the opportunity to join ’speed dating’ style round table discussions. To be held on Wednesday 1st October, 4-6pm at the Crypt on the Green in Clerkenwell, manufacturers, suppliers, designers, project and facilities manager are invited to join one of the round table discussions hosted by SDC members. After 20 minutes, the whistle will blow and that’s the opportunity to change tables. Topics include: Achieving greater circularity; Understanding Supply Chains & Adding social value; Sustainability & Technology; Project Assessments. (more…)

Bloom: Modular comfort for modern workspaces, introduced by Ocee and Four Design

Bloom: Modular comfort for modern workspaces, introduced by Ocee and Four Design

The Bloom modular sofa system from Ocee & Four Design promises a new approach to flexible shared seating, perfect for modern workspaces - no matter how people like to workThe Bloom modular sofa system from Ocee & Four Design promises a new approach to flexible shared seating, perfect for modern workspaces – no matter how people like to work. With single-sided and double-sided seating options, Bloom invites conversation, collaboration and comfort from every angle. Made with 19 different modules, Bloom can adapt alongside the needs of any organisation – evolving with environments to keep pace with ever-changing commercial trends and demands. Featuring active seating zones integrated into the rear of single units, Bloom encourages spontaneous moments of pause. It is ideal for informal interactions in modern workspaces, hospitality and public settings. (more…)