By Professor Malcolm Chrisp, Director of Teaching & Learning in the School of the Built Environment at Heriot-Watt University
The built environment, encompassing infrastructure, buildings, and urban spaces, stands at the nexus of climate action. It both contributes to and is impacted by environmental challenges. Worldwide, the constructed infrastructure accounts for 36 per cent of energy usage, 38 per cent of carbon emissions linked to energy, and 50 per cent of resource utilisation, with an anticipated doubling of its size by 2060. Consequently, it’s evident that buildings, irrespective of their purpose, must undergo more efficient development and operation. Amidst the urgency of mitigating climate change, fostering sustainable practices within the industry is essential. In this pursuit, the collaboration between academia and industry through work-integrated learning proves to be a powerful instrument for nurturing future professionals and driving innovative solutions.
At the heart of this synergy lies the concept of work-integrated learning, where academic knowledge intertwines with real-world application. By engaging students in industry projects, internships, and collaborative research endeavours, educational institutions bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical implementation. This symbiotic relationship not only equips students with hands-on experience but also offers fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the industry. For instance, engineers conducting research at Heriot-Watt University in Dubai have introduced a solar energy testing centre to aid companies in the UK and beyond in creating and experimenting with new solar technologies. Positioned atop the Southwest wing of the University’s campus in Dubai, the Solar Energy Test Site takes advantage of the region’s abundant sunshine. This initiative is a segment of the University’s dedication and series of endeavours leading up to COP28.
COP28, a platform advocating for climate action, catalyses transforming industries toward sustainability. As we witness the evolution of climate policies and commitments at COP events, it becomes pivotal for the built environment sector to embrace these changes proactively. Industry partnerships forged through academia facilitate the infusion of sustainable practices into the fabric of construction, urban planning, and infrastructure development. One of the fundamental pillars of sustainable development is ensuring that buildings and infrastructure are designed, constructed, and operated with minimal environmental impact. Collaborative efforts between academia and industry can introduce cutting-edge technologies, materials, and methodologies that promote energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and enhance resilience to climate change effects. For instance, the development of an innovative, low energy building brick. Originating from Heriot-Watt University’s incubation and now the flagship product of the clean tech spin-out, Kenoteq Ltd, the “K-Briq” generates only a fraction, one-tenth specifically, of the CO2 emissions during production compared to a conventional fired brick. It offers the flexibility of being produced in various colours. Such innovations are capable of supporting the sustainability ambitions of today’s construction industry. Moreover, integrating sustainability principles into the curriculum equips students with a holistic understanding of environmental challenges. Exposure to sustainable practices during their academic journey instils a sense of responsibility and innovation, nurturing a cohort of future professionals committed to sustainable development within the built environment.
Events such as COP28 serve as a stage for global dialogue and policy formulation. The built environment sector must actively participate, showcasing advancements achieved through industry-academia partnerships. Sharing success stories, innovative research outcomes, and sustainable models developed through collaborative efforts can inspire global stakeholders to adopt similar practices, fostering a ripple effect towards a sustainable future. Furthermore, the urgency of addressing climate change demands a multidisciplinary approach. Industry partnerships in the built environment should not be limited to architecture or engineering alone but should encompass diverse fields such as urban planning, social sciences, and environmental studies. Embracing interdisciplinary collaboration enhances the depth and breadth of solutions formulated to tackle complex sustainability challenges.
Aligning with COP28, the crucial role of Universities in advancing sustainability and confronting climate change cannot be emphasised enough. They serve as vital hubs for research and creative solutions essential to tackle these worldwide issues. Their impact extends to influencing policy dialogues, raising public awareness, and educating future leaders on the significance of environmental stewardship. Anticipating 70,000 attendees in the UAE for COP28 to discuss and evaluate progress on the Paris Agreement, Heriot-Watt University Dubai has dedicated two floors of its campus in Dubai Knowledge Park as a Climate Hub. This was aimed to welcome global visitors and foster insightful discussions on pressing global concerns. During COP28, the aspiration is for all participants to actively contribute by sharing their expertise, and research insights, engaging in panel talks, and collaborating with policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society to sculpt effective climate policies.