Retro-fitting old buildings in order to reduce their environmental impact is just one of the major challenges being faced by the construction industry. Dr Stephanie Glendinning, Reader in Environmental Geotechnics at Newcastle University, explains how academia and industry are working together.

MAKING new developments more sustainable is already high on the agenda,” explains Dr Glendinning, based in the School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences at Newcastle University. “So while there’s still work to be done in this area, we’ve made a good start.

“Our biggest challenge now is how we bring our existing urban infrastructure up-to-date in terms of its sustainability credentials and, unfortunately, there’s no simple quick-fix answer.

“That’s why it’s imperative we all work together, linking up researchers, industry and communities to find workable solutions while minimising the environmental impact. By encouraging forward-thinking and innovative approaches to these challenges, universities such as Newcastle can provide solutions now and in the future.”

It’s a tall order and the clock is ticking. Calls from Government to push forward legislation that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions means the construction industry is under continuous pressure to improve its sustainability credentials.

Meeting these ambitious targets will mean sourcing new materials, developing more efficient processes and incorporating novel designs.

At Newcastle University work is under way to make sure key research in these areas is translating into real-life solutions.

Schemes such as a new teaching link with global engineering consultancy Arup mean civil engineers of the future are working on projects and being given first-hand experience of industry.

Strong research links with industrial partners are bringing new technologies and developments to the market place – industry benefitting from the university’s world-leading expertise and facilities while giving the research teams the opportunity to make a real impact with their work. And most recently, the university has launched its Living Lab – a concept which places the university’s Newcastle Institute for Research on Sustainability (NIReS) at the heart of the city.

“This is about engaging with the city and wider region and embedding this ethos into all our activities such as teaching, research and enterprise,” explains Dr Glendinning.

“It’s about translating our research from the lab to a ‘living’ level so we can see real benefits and make a real difference regionally while at the same time informing best practice on a global scale.”