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This study brings together 2 strands of research in: (1) environmental sustainability and decision taking (Gilmour and Blackwood), and (2) novel computer games technology for efficient 3D real time and interactive visualisation of complex model outcomes (Isaacs and Falconer). This research and knowledge exchange both defined sustainability indicators which informed planning of the £1 bln Dundee waterfront development (one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK) and changed practice in project design and construction processes. The application of our research has also changed how information is displayed to stakeholders, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions.
It is widely acknowledged that conventional approaches to planning and development exacerbate environmental problems with consequential negative social and economic impacts. This award winning research proposes alternatives by examining the systems and techniques used in the design of autonomous eco-building in order to identify best practice in the procurement of low carbon buildings. The research findings were first tested and subsequently validated, through the design and construction of a community building in Lincolnshire. This building has won multiple awards for innovations in sustainability and the underpinning research has impacted at regional, national and international level through direct application to design, changes to professional practice and through enhanced public awareness
The development of a decision support system in close partnership with London's Inward Investment agency (Think London) enabled the latter to win strategic high-value and competitive inward investment projects to the city. The technologies developed played a key role in building the business case for London as a destination for inward investors and were estimated to have contributed towards 45% of 600+ successful completions, leading to the creation or retention of over 18,000 new jobs and the contribution of £2 billion to London's economy. Among the hundreds of successful outcomes was the establishment of Microsoft's Search Technology Centre in London.
Brunel researchers assisted practitioners within the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to develop and explore a range of climate change policy scenarios in agriculture as part of the UK government's climate change strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) CO2 emissions by 3 million tonnes to 2020. This led to:
Environmental and Policy Impact through:
- the novel application of the Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) technique, to enable effective scenario modelling at DEFRA in pursuit of improved management of environmental risks;
- enhanced capacity and capability within and across climate change mitigation project teams and experts, allowing DEFRA practitioners to add the FCM technique to their repertoire of futures modelling.
Practitioner Impact through:
- Improved professional standards, guidelines and training — along with the development of DEFRA resources to enhance their professional practice.
This impact relates to the research and development of the SuBETool, a new framework and method for assessment of spatial master-plans. International use of this framework by planning professionals has set a new bench-mark for master-planning, and re-positioned master-planning as a critical stage in the development process.
The SuBETool research has:
This case study presents a dynamic development framework route-map (the Precinct Planning Design Standard, PPDS) that enhances sustainability and the delivery of a development's goals, aims, and objectives for medium-large mixed-use precinct developments and tourist resorts in developing countries. The standard shortens pre-planning timescales, achieves greater certainty in actual performance delivery and reduces environmental impact for developers, developments, and their infrastructure.
Through Earthcheck Pty PPDS is now commercially available and has been used to benchmark and certify ecological performance improvements of 30 Asia Pacific projects (US$ 25 billion development value). These range from 8,000 person community projects to medium sized tourism resorts and island developments. Our research has challenged existing standards and consequently influenced practitioners to rethink and improve the efficacy of their development processes.
The Construction Management Research Unit (CMRU) has exploited its research into productivity improvement, whole life costing and sustainability assessment through a University spin-out company, Whole Life Consultants Ltd, that has achieved economic impact. With sales exceeding £1M since its inception, the company's post-2008 achievements include: the development of a labour forecasting tool that has generated contracts worth more than £100k to the Construction Industry Training Board in 2011-13; on-going implementation of a productivity improvement programme for Tayside Contracts that has produced an increase in turnover of £6.8M and a threefold increase in profitability since 2009; on-going support of the Croatian PPP/PFI programme that has contributed to the successful implementation of 11 projects since 2008.
The research has led to participation in, and leadership of, high level groups at both national and European levels, and has had an impact on local engagement in planning and urban design, and led to support for sustainable design principles.
The research has concentrated on the inclusion of wider groups within urban and architectural design, and this has helped to encourage engagement in the provision of greenspace and sustainable urban transport. This is manifest through significant sustainable projects, including hydrogen and electric vehicles, and through engagement with the wider community, including children.