GHA Knowledge Base
The LETI Circular Economy Summary is the first publication from the LETI Circular Economy Workstream. This will be followed by a Circular Economy Primer which aims to explore circularity concepts in the built environment in more detail.
Author: LETI
Publication date: April 2022
More information: https://www.leti.london/circulareconomy1pager
The Embodied Carbon Primer offers supplementary guidance to the Climate Emergency Design Guide, for those interested in exploring embodied carbon in more detail. There is a current lack of knowledge in the built environment industry surrounding embodied carbon reduction strategies and calculations. Therefore, the London Energy Transformation Initiative has produced this document to support project teams to design buildings that deliver ambitious embodied carbon reductions.
The document can also aid planners to be aware of strategies available to designers to reduce embodied carbon in building design, and how planning recommendations on materials, massing and treatment of sites may affect embodied carbon.
For everyone working in the construction of buildings, the leap of knowledge and skill required to be able to fulfil this goal is still relatively large, but far from insurmountable.
Author: LETI
Publication date: January 2020
Increasingly, clients in all sectors are commissioning WLC assessments as part of the project requirements. This is primarily driven by environmental considerations but also makes economic sense. Important benefits of WLC assessments include: a better understanding of the sourcing and processing of materials and products; an understanding of long term post completion considerations such as maintenance, durability and lifespan; and making plain the carbon value of retaining existing built fabric.
Undertaking WLC assessments is recommended for all architects who wish to understand and minimise the carbon emissions associated with their designs over the entire life cycle of the building. The knowledge gained from WLC assessments further enables architects to take the lead in sustainable design and construction. Architects intending to undertake WLC assessments should also refer to the full RICS professional statement.
Author: RIBA
Publication date: December 2019
The Mayor of London is taking a range of actions to improve the environment now, setting London on the path to create a better future.
The state of London’s environment affects everyone who lives in and visits the city – it helps Londoners to stay healthy, makes London a good place to work and keeps the city functioning from day to day.
In many ways London’s environment is improving, but it still faces a host of challenges. Toxic air, noise pollution, threats to our green spaces, and the adverse effects of climate change – they all pose major risks to the health and wellbeing of Londoners.
We need to act now to tackle the most urgent environmental challenges facing our city, as well as safeguard London’s environment over the longer term. We need to ensure that London is greener, cleaner and ready for the future.
This is the first strategy to bring together approaches to every aspect of London’s environment, integrating the following areas:
Author: Mayor of London
Publication date: May 2018
Further information: https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/environment/london-environment-strategy