Changing Sites

06/04/2021

Did you know that 5% of global carbon emissions come from the production of Portland cement used in concrete? Check out some sustainable alternatives to cement below!

27/02/2021

Biodiversity exposure has a great impact on our health and wellbeing. Check out some interesting facts below on its social benefits in urban landscapes.

22/02/2021

Here we explain the benefits of green walls, another method along with green roofs, of increasing biodiversity in construction projects. Pictured below is the green wall in the David Attenborough building and Sir David Attenborough himself abseiling down the wall!

20/02/2021

Swifts making good use of their boxes on the David Attenborough building !

https://fb.watch/3MH5w98Pjb/

20/02/2021

Discover how the David Attenborough building has been adapted to support swifts below!

19/02/2021

Some information on green roofs which can be used to enhance biodiversity through construction and renovation. Check out further information below and see the beautiful green roof on the David Attenborough building @ New Museums Site.

14/02/2021

Continuing on with the theme of biodiversity measures in the construction of the New Museums Site.... Did you know?

The Slate Work South wall on the David Attenborough building is constructed using Welsh slate and takes inspiration from a black walnut tree photographed by the artists in the

A layer of embedded snail shells behind the artwork facade gives a double exterior wall. This provides discreet habitat space for bats, solitary bees, spiders and other insects.

The materials used in the artwork is waste product from the roof tiling industry.

The Slate Work South wall demonstrates a wonderful marriage of artistic creativity and biodiversity enhancement through sustainable construction. @ David Attenborough Building Cambridge

12/02/2021

Biodiversity net gain - what does it mean?
Biodiversity, the diversity and richness of species, is currently under threat due to climate change, habitat loss and invasive species. The rapid extinction of species in recent years calls for more action to mitigate the effects of human activities on biodiversity.

In 2019, the UK government announced that all newly developed sites in England would have to show a net 10% gain in biodiversity. This means that after the development of a site is completed, biodiversity should be 10% greater from the baseline.

How exactly is biodiversity measured? When measuring biodiversity, we take into account:
(1) How well the site is connected to other sites of high levels of biodiversity,
(2) The significance of the site - the richness of species that are present there
(3) The condition of the site
(4) How important it is at the national level.

The measurement of biodiversity post development also accounts for the time it takes for the biodiversity to establish, and for the impact of the site on nearby areas. As the process of construction may come with a cost, this is also considered.

The New Museums Site aims to achieve the 10% biodiversity net gain. Main ways of enhancing biodiversity in urban areas are:
(1)Including green roofs and walls in the building
(2)Setting up bird and bat boxes and insect hostels
(3)Providing open areas

Stay tuned for more posts to come on how we can enhance urban biodiversity using these tools!

Image Source: ethical partnership.co.uk

06/02/2021

Hello Everyone! We are changing sites a project of the .ecs

Our team are currently working on the New Museums Site and want to keep you informed on the project.

As part of University Policy, all major new build and refurbishment projects are required to be certified as at least ‘Excellent’ under BREEAM (the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), a comprehensive environmental rating system for buildings.

If BREEAM certification is not deemed appropriate, the design team shall agree with the University’s Environment & Energy Team a method for measuring performance that is considered to be at least equivalent to a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.

The redevelopment of the New Museums Site is an example of this and addresses sustainability issues through a bespoke Sustainability Plan prepared in consultation with University Estate Management, the design teams, and the various user groups. @ New Museums Site

Additions to the BREEAM framework in the case of the New Museums Site redevelopment include greater design for climate change and floor mitigation, encouragement of new employment and education and conservation of the heritage of the buildings.

10/11/2020

Applications are open!!

🌱🌱!! RECRUITING !! 🌱🌱

Cambridge University Environmental Consulting Society – APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR NEW PROJECT
Roles: Analyst and Assessment; Communications
The Changing Sites Project is looking to establish a team of enthusiastic students. This is a great opportunity to participate in an ambitious consulting sustainability project from the very start whilst contributing to the betterment of Cambridge.
We want to tackle the environmental issues in construction and renovation at our University. Construction and buildings are one of the highest energy consuming, CO2 emitting, and biosphere disturbing industries in the world (UNEP, 2017). For us, it directly impacts our educational and living environments. Unfortunately, there is very little communication and transparency about changes in our university spaces or their environmental impact.
It’ll be up to the future Changing Sites members to help analyse these impacts and to communicate them to the rest of the student body at Cambridge. This is a chance to develop invaluable skills in problem solving, teamwork, data analysis and communication. All subjects and years are welcome, and freshers especially are encouraged to apply! In the odd circumstances of this year it can be difficult to meet new people and we’re offering a project around which we can all get to know each other.

❗️DEADLINE: 19th November ❗️

Below is the google form for applications:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScZ2rbYCy8BxskvMCt7CWx1NIyGYg3sUNGZO0IcARuJrgCqmA/viewform?usp=sf_link