The racist and Islamophobic riots across England and Northern Ireland have been deeply troubling. As a group of professional membership bodies committed to inclusion, we wanted to acknowledge the impact this public disorder may be having on our members, especially those from Asian, Black and Minority Ethnic Communities, both personally and professionally. Whether that is as a result of being directly affected or painful memories this may have evoked.

Violence and unrest can leave us feeling vulnerable, isolated, anxious, and uncertain but during these moments there is strength in community, and we wanted to assure you that the Buit Environment community stands with you and will offer all support that we can as we collectively try to manoeuvre through these difficulties together.

Discrimination of any kind should have no place in society, but recent events make clear that while there has been change, there remains much to be done to ensure that these incidents are truly things of the past.

The B.E. Inclusive partnership remains committed to playing our part in creating that change by eradicating discrimination in the built environment and shaping a more inclusive sector.

The post B.E. Inclusive united against discrimination first appeared on Landscape Institute.

Alongside the draft document, the government published a press release introducing the reforms, and a letter to planning authorities from Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, Angela Rayner. The principal elements of the plan described by Rayner include: 

• Universal coverage of local plans. 
• A focus on strategic planning, including the adoption of ‘Spatial Development Strategies’ to address multiple spatial issues including housing, infrastructure, economic development and climate resilience.  
• New, increased, mandatory housing targets for local and combined authorities, which will be calculated using a new method, as well as measures to increase social and affordable housing within these. 
• A review of the green belt, and the new introduction of ‘grey belt’ land alongside ‘brownfield’ within this designation, with an agenda for councils to review boundaries and release land in order to meet housing or commercial needs.
• Making it easier to build ‘growth supporting infrastructure’ including data networks, energy, and transport.
• Reviewing the capacity and fee structure of local planning authorities.
• A look ahead to further reforms, including new towns, a housing strategy, and ‘Planning and Infrastructure Bill’. 

Alongside the Draft NPPF, the government has now opened a public consultation on the proposed changes, with a view to responding to the consultation and publishing its NPPF revisions before the end of 2024.  

Rob Hughes, CEO Landscape Institute, said: 

“The Landscape Institute is pleased that the new Labour government is taking the urgent need for planning reform in this country seriously, with a range of laudable measures that have the potential to transform the planning system for the better.  

Our landscape policy agenda is grounded in taking a strategic approach, and linking the sustainable development of housing and infrastructure with other positive outcomes for the economy, society, and the environment. We are pleased to see evidence of this approach in the Draft NPPF, but any numerical targets it promotes must be backed up by appropriate policy for the quality, health and climate resiliency of local places. Early engagement with landscape professionals across both private sector enterprise and local authority services, working in collaboration with partners, will be essential for delivering this ambition. This means the government must also tackle the green skills shortage if it is to realise its ambitious planning goals.

The Landscape Institute will be engaging its members and responding to the consultation in detail. We look forward to outlining what a landscape-led approach means, and welcome discussion from the government and civil service on how to enact our recommendations, and integrate quality landscape planning, as this parliament progresses.” 

The post LI CEO Rob Hughes responds to proposed planning reform first appeared on Landscape Institute.

It is formed of The British Institute of Interior Design (BIID), The Chartered Institute of Architectural
Technologists (CIAT), The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), The Construction Industry Council (CIC), Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), The Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), The Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), The Landscape Institute (LI), The Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng), The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), The Society for the Environment (SocEnv).

In July 2023 a meeting of 28 representatives of industry, academia and professional institutions met to discuss how undergraduate education for built and natural environment professionals needs to change in order to address the essential goals of net-zero. This was followed by three further workshops that were held in February, March and April of 2024. The first was attended by students, recent graduates and
practitioners, the second by those working in academia and practitioners, and the third by representatives of Professional Institutions and Accreditation Bodies.

As a result, the group has released a statement:

“We the undersigned have a shared understanding that the climate and nature emergency presents an existential crisis not just for our immediate environment, but also for our planet. It is fundamental that undergraduate education in all built and natural environment professions adequately responds to this crisis. It needs to teach climate and environmental literacy and ethics and develop the ability in students to collaborate, communicate, challenge and advocate.“

“We agree that urgent action is required, and that this will require active collaboration between educators, industry, professional institutions and accreditation bodies.”

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The post CIC outlines policy recommendations for a better built environment first appeared on Landscape Institute.

Read the recommendations here 

The 12 recommendations focus on four key policy areas: 

• Scaling up climate resilient, low carbon development 
• Driving education, awareness and skills for a greener and more resilient economy 
• Promoting a combined approach to environmental policy 
• Championing the power of nature for health and wellbeing  

Within these key areas, specific recommendations focus on a range of topics including the planning system, skills shortages, land use, green space and green infrastructure, Protected Landscapes, and governmental departments. There is also a firm underlining of the vital role of landscape professionals in delivering the solutions required, and of the value of the landscape sector, which contributes £24.6bn GVA (Gross Valued Added) to the UK economy annually. 

The Landscape Institute welcomes engagement and discussion on these recommendations from policymakers, industry and the wider public, and looks forward to working with the next UK government, including ministers, civil servants, local authorities and other decision makers across all UK nations.  

Carolin Göhler, President-Elect, Landscape Institute, said:   

“The Landscape Institute (LI) represents landscape planners, designers and managers working across many different aspects of public life, from housing and high streets, to parks and green spaces, to national parks and large-scale infrastructure projects. Our Royal Charter commits all the work the LI does towards enhancing the natural and built environment for public benefit, and so we’re calling for a landscape policy agenda for people, place and nature.  

Landscape professionals have the skills and expertise to deliver sustainable, nature-based solutions to the challenges we face, but it is vital that this work is supported by policy and resources. Our recommendations for the next government will help the UK to scale up low-carbon development, develop the skills we need for a greener economy, utilise the power of nature for health and wellbeing, and tackle social and environmental issues in unison.  

We hope policymakers heed our recommendations and we look forward to continuing the discussion in the months ahead.” 

Read the recommendations here 

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The post The Landscape Institute’s Response to the King’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament first appeared on Landscape Institute.

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This publication comes a matter of days after the EPF announced the expansion of our collective expertise by welcoming our newest member, the Institution of Royal Engineers. The sectors represented by EPF now include engineering, ecology, environmental sciences, water, forestry, fisheries, environmental management, health, and resource and land management.

Our three cross-cutting and seven thematic priorities for the next government are, as follows:

Cross-cutting priorities

1. Improve environmental governance to ensure effective policy delivery.         
2. Unlock the enormous social, economic and environmental potential of green jobs and skills.      
3. Take a holistic approach to land use.

Thematic priorities

• Ensure soils are treated as a valuable resource.        
• Deliver on our 30×30 commitment to reverse biodiversity decline.           
• Transform the UK agricultural and food system, to secure the UK’s access to sustainable sources of food.  
• Prioritise water resilience to deliver a ‘Fresh Water Future’.  
• Increase ambitions and holistic action for a country with cleaner air.      
• Deliver a truly circular economy.       
• Unlock investment in low carbon technologies to deliver net zero.   

Each priority contains specific asks for policymakers, which should be achieved through support from business.

Professor William Pope HonFSE CEnv CSci, EPF Chair, said:“The UK faces a Climate Emergency and Biodiversity Crisis and action to tackle these challenges is falling behind what is required. In setting out a list of ten clear environmental priorities, this publication is intended to demonstrate cross-sector consensus for action and focus minds on what must be done over the coming five years and beyond. On behalf of our extensive professional network, we look forward to working with the next government to deliver on these priorities and the tremendous opportunities for business development and economic growth that they present.”

Sarah Ridgeon MCIPR, EPF Secretariat, said: “If I was to stress a couple of keywords that define our environmental priorities for the next UK government, I would emphasise the need for a joined-up approach and evidence-based policy. In our publication, we have demonstrated the interconnectedness of our priorities. Taking a joined-up approach, underpinned by evidence-based policy and regular consultation with experts, is essential to delivering on these priorities and achieving better outcomes for the environment, the economy and society as a whole.”

To view our priorities in full including specific asks, please visit: www.envpolicyforum.org.uk/priorities-next-government-2024

The post The Environmental Policy Forum sets out priorities for the next UK Government first appeared on Landscape Institute.

B.E.Inclusive brings together six organisations from across the sector: the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Landscape Institute (LI), Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) – collectively  representing around 350,000 members.  

The agreement focuses on: 

• Data collection – To create a consistent approach and standard model that will allow meaningful comparison between and across respective memberships and help to formulate a clear picture of the built environment sector more widely. 
• Improve understanding of transition from education into employment - To develop a robust, evidence-based understanding of the disparity between the diversity of students that start on institute accredited courses and the talent that makes it into the workforce. To build on existing good practice from individual institutes to improve our collective understanding of retention rates and awarding gaps on accredited courses. 
• EDI competencies – To develop understanding and guidance for the sector, supporting organisations, individuals and institutes to improve and maintain professional standards.       

Over the last year the collective organisations have kept on track with the agreed action plan, delivering against all three pillars.  

• Data collection – An agreed demographic data collection questionnaire was developed and shared with industry stakeholders for wider alignment. This questionnaire includes guidance and frequently asked questions to support organisations in understanding and implementing the questionnaire in their own organisations. Additionally, a paper discussing the challenges and providing guidance for global data demographic data collection was also produced and will be shared with industry.  

• Improve understanding of transition from education into employment – the group have been successfully awarded a grant from the Academy of Social Sciences to conduct more detailed research around the education to industry pipeline. Findings of this research will be delivered in a report later in 2024, which will be used to develop a more detailed and collaborative action plan to address leaks in existing pipelines and explore new opportunities to ensure pathways into the built environment are open and accessible to everyone.  

• EDI competencies – To date, the group have delivered three combined large-scale industry events focusing on important topics like gender and racial equity, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. The next event will be held in July 2024 and will focus on disability inclusion in the workplace. These events bring together members, networks and experts to share best practice, increase understanding and inspire collective action to shape a more inclusive culture in the industry.   

Looking forward, B.E.Inclusive will explore more areas for closer collaboration and coordination around learning and development, inspiring and retaining new talent, and providing stronger support for those who have taken career breaks coming back into the industry.      

Justin Young, RICS CEO, said:  

“Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) remains a big priority for all of our institutions as we strive to attract, develop and retain diverse talent and shape a more inclusive culture in the built and natural environment. A tremendous amount of work has been accomplished by this collective and I am proud of the work they are continuing to do to engage widely and inspire greater collaboration and unity of effort across the industry.”  

Caroline Gumble, CIOB CEO, said: 

“It was heartening to be part of such a positive and energising meeting. It’s vital to keep this topic on the agenda and recognise that our collaboration will help across the built environment, as it impacts on so many areas of the industry, not least at a time when the skills shortage still needs to be tackled.” 

Robert Hughes, Landscape Institute CEO, said: 

“The Landscape Institute is proud to continue the work of this important cross-sector partnership. Creating more diverse, equitable and inclusive public spaces simply isn’t possible without a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce delivering them across our collective organisations and membership bodies. 

Given the green skills shortage we currently face in the UK, our industry must be more accessible, inclusive and welcoming than ever. B.E Inclusive’s forward focus areas of learning and development, talent retention, and returning to work after careers breaks, will be essential for bringing about the positive change we need.” 

Dr. Valerie Vaughan-Dick RIBA CEO said:   

“We know there is still work to do to create a fairer and more inclusive built environment sector. RIBA remains committed to working collaboratively with our colleagues from across the industry to help make it a place where everyone is welcome, and I am pleased with our progress on our EDI commitments. Our professions face similar challenges, so by combining our efforts to address the systemic barriers that perpetuate discrimination and underrepresentation, we can drive change at a faster rate.” 

Victoria Hills, RTPI CEO, said:  

“Inclusion is at the heart of RTPI’s vision for our profession and the wider sector. However, achieving this goal requires meaningful collaboration. I had the pleasure of catching up with my fellow CEO to discuss the excellent progress we have collectively made in creating a more inclusive sector.  

“While a significant amount has been accomplished, there is still much work to be done. But I believe that, if we continue to work together, we’ll be able to shape the profession and the wider sector into being more inclusive for everyone.” 

Janet Young, ICE Director General, said: 

“The ICE is fully committed to continuing to collaborate on EDI with partners across the built environment sector. Achieving a diverse and representative workforce is not only crucial to tackling those global challenges posed by climate change but is also both morally and ethically the right thing to do. We continue to prioritise steps that ensure underrepresented groups join the profession, and the insights gained from working with other professional bodies are invaluable.  

“The partnership enables a much greater impact on outcomes than can be achieved by organisations acting alone. In key areas such as data collection and the coordination of events, we are stronger and more effective together. The differences between professional bodies are often unrecognised by the young person considering a built environment career and in this spirit the partnership sets aside parochial interests and instead focuses on the needs of society.” 

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The manifestos urge the government to:

• Prioritise enhancing national health and wellbeing through the liveability of the built environment. This involves creating spaces that promote physical and mental health, safety, and accessibility for all.
• Recognise the urgency of developing a collaborative national roadmap with built environment professionals to urgently address climate change and biodiversity decline.
• Invest in innovation across built environment research, education, practice, and lifelong learning. This investment is crucial to drive advancements, equip professionals with new and emerging skills, and sustain the industry’s growth and resilience in the face of future challenges.

This is a full list of the manifestos that have been presented:

• Landscape Institute (LI)
  A landscape policy agenda for people, place and nature
• Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE)
  Sustainable growth and prosperity
• Association for Project Management (APM)
  APM’s Manifesto asks
• Building Research Establishment (BRE)
  Making British buildings safer, smarter and greener
• Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
  CIAT’s recommendations for the next government
• Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT)
  A transport network that is fit for all our futures
• Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
  CIOB’s Manifesto for the built environment
• Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
  RIBA’s manifesto for a better built environment
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
  Empowering a sustainable future
• Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
  Planifesto 2024

The post CIC Presents Built Environment Manifestos to Government first appeared on Landscape Institute.