Not much of a launch at Ecobuild more like a whimper! It didnt seem like BRE were that interested in running it or keen even. They said that the founder members would get together and do it so it may well turn out to be us (again)!
The Building For a Future stand was GREAT and WONDERFULL and NICE
Liz M
posted on 23-02-06
Biff
I'd like to defend Arup's reputation. You state that they are not the greenest company on the planet. Sustainability is actually deeply embedded into the company culture. There is a stand at the Regenex exhibition today (and yesterday). We were well represented by delegates and visitors to Ecobuild (same exhibition) and often speak on sustainability issues. Many of our projects involve sustainable buildings. Perhaps you have misunderstood what we do? Have a look at our website: www.arup.com. There are many references to sustainability.
Tony
posted on 26-02-06
Go on then explain what you mean by sustainable please.
Liz M
posted on 27-02-06
Well, there's the standard definition of sustainable - meeting the needs of today's population without compromising the ability of tomorrow's generation to meet their needs. I'm not sure exactly what you are after, Tony.
I can list a number of sustainable construction projects that Arup have been involved in - BedZED, Dongtan, Eden Project to name but three. We are also involved in development projects such as those WaterAid (through Arup Cause), providing expertise through disaster relief via organisations such as RedR. Charity work is prevalent. In my office we support local charities that don't get much publicity.
So that's the areas of environmental and social sustainability. I don't know much about economic sustainability, but I'm sure a company owned by the empolyees is better than one owned by shareholders.
Biff
posted on 27-02-06
Liz, I've done as you suggested and had a look at the Arup website. I clicked on 'Our Work' and the first thing I saw was a picture or your work at Gatwick Airport. Could you explain in what way the promotion of air travel can be considered sustainable? I just can't see how a Green Building Council can be run by the same person that runs a company that puts building airports at the top of its 'Our Work' list. Oh, there's plenty of nice rhetoric and when Arup says it's going to stop using concrete and build with straw bales instead I'll start to believe it. Maybe. :)
Liz M
posted on 27-02-06
Firstly, Arup are consulting engineers and not contractors so we do not build buildings, just advise others how to. Yes, we often specify buildings with concrete. In fact, if the concrete is used as thermal mass, then the carbon emissions produced by the concrete are offset by savings in cooling and heating emissions. This is partly due to only 10% of a buildings total carbon emissions being released during construction. What type of buildings have straw bale construction? As far as I know it is usually houses or very small buildings.
Secondly, the issue of choosing which jobs to bid for (we can't completely pick and choose clients - they choose us) is an interesting one. The Co-operative Bank are the only company I know of that do that. One argument is that if these projects are going to happen anyway (which they are, this isn't an ideal world) then Arup's role is to reduce the impact that projects, such as Gatwick, have. At least Arup are trying a lot more than others to be sustainable. There are a number of consultancies out there who have no sustainable agenda. Biff, I'd be interested what you do for a living and whether it is completely ethical.
