1.
ADOPTING THE WHOLE-LANDSCAPE LENS
Revolutionising the planning and design process, UKGBC’s new Nature-Positive Built Environment Framework centres the natural landscape within the construction industry. With a focus on biodiversity net gains, this guidance reshapes how built environments should be approached in pre- and post-construction stages.
2.
HEAR YE: HERE COMES A CYCLING GAMECHANGER
Sport Ireland’s new National Velodrome and Badminton Centre in Dublin, expected to cost up to €100m, is now in design development phase. Due for completion in 2028, Abbotstown’s National Sports Campus facility looks set to be a gamechanger for Irish cycling, and our Acoustics team is chuffed to be working on the project.
3.
TICK, TOCK, BIOECONOMY BOOM
Algae-based bricks and oyster-shell walls – already being used in Australian builds – may soon be worth their weight in green gold rather than being seen as a strange and experimental alternative. According to global market intelligence and consulting firm DataM Intelligence, the algae-based biofuel market reached USD 9,230.5 million in 2024 and is projected to grow to 19,161.1 million by 2032. In tandem with electrification, algae-based biofuel appears to be a scalable, renewable reality.
4.
SURPRISING USE FOR WATER IN SCOTLAND
In the most significant change to funeral law since cremation was introduced in 1902, Scottish Parliament has legalised hydrolysis (also known as aquamation) to meet demand for more environmentally friendly funeral arrangements. Far less energy-guzzling than flame cremation, it uses water flow, temperature and alkaline chemicals to break down organic material.
5.
IMAGINE A MORE GENEROUS INDUSTRY
By stimulating two areas of the brain known for decision-making and empathy, scientists have discovered a way to make humans less selfish, and potentially treat certain brain disorders. The University of Zurich asked 44 volunteers to decide how to split an amount of money between themselves and an anonymous partner, and when frontal and parietal areas were zapped by an electrical current at the same time, participants gave away more money. What could this mean for the way built environment industry operates?
General Hospital Building, Bispebjerg, Denmark
Hoare Lea is...
Thinking about.
The modern healing environment.
We’ve been working on the new General Hospital Building at Bispebjerg in conjunction with COWI and the Capital Region of Denmark. Being built on the site of the existing hospital, the 69,000m² project in Copenhagen’s Northwest district will combine new construction with renovation of heritage buildings to provide more than 450,000 residents with the best possible comfort, care, privacy, and effective treatment, in green surroundings to support recovery and wellbeing.
Let's talk – LeeHarrison@hoarelea.com
Talking about.
An acoustic revolution – in quick, cost-effective site feasibility.
We’ve developed a smart new acoustics tool for speedy site feasibility, saving on time, money and energy. With early insights and feasibility feedback in hours, not weeks, we can help select the right sites from the start and avoid any hassle later down the line. FaST (Feasibility and Scoping Tool) features a unique data-pulling capability and map-based interface for rapid noise-risk assessment and, with key applications in energy storage and beyond, has transformative potential.
Let's talk – MatthewNaylor@hoarelea.com
Caring about.
Aquatic friends. Detect and protect!
How can AI help protect whales and dolphins while cutting costs and saving time for offshore energy projects? Tetra Tech’s Neptune AI system, trained on real offshore soundscapes, detects faint marine mammal calls in noisy environments with industry-leading accuracy, enabling real-time mitigation, reduced data transmission, and major operational savings. Get in touch to find out how we support offshore energy clients to protect the environment surrounding their project sites.
Let's talk – Stephanie.Milne@tetratech.com
Listen up.
The hands that make light work.
One of our lighting experts, Ruth Kelly Waskett, was interviewed by Nikki Bedi on Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour recently, for a special Easter episode on how light inspires and motivates, and how we can harness it and use it to our advantage.
Conversation kickstarter.
“Beautiful architecture and good design can keep the walk interesting, but one of the most important elements is called ‘the activated edge’...
...It’s not just about being physically able to walk, it’s also about wanting to walk.”
Paul Willstout on what makes somewhere strollable, and the four-pronged city-planning argument that a walk must be useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting. Something to ponder on your next spring wander.
Instagram: @paulwillstout
TikTok: @talkingcities
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