Editorial: Sustainability in the Built and Natural Environments
Societies have a responsibility to use less resources and develop environments so that they are net zero. There is a need to consider how the built and natural environment can be integrated for natural carbon capture and ensure eco and biodiversity is restored. The places that we live and work, and our national ecosystems need to be sustainable, particularly if we are to slow down greenhouse gas emissions, which continue to grow at an accelerating pace. Current methods of development have led to a loss of biodiversity that presents an immediate danger to our ecosystem needs and food security. Notwithstanding the increasing threat that we are imposing on future generations, current living conditions, toxic emissions and the loss of biodiversity is affecting us now, our urban habitats are inherently unhealthy. The architecture, engineering and construction sectors have a significant role to play in climate change, they uses more natural resources and produces more waste than any other industries. That in mind, research is being applied to address the balance between the built and natural environment and reduce emissions and waste. It is essential that we rapidly draw expertise and centres of knowledge together to address and better understand the action required.
This special issue is focussed on Sustainability in the Built and Natural Environments and includes selected contributions from invited delegates who have presented their works at the International Sustainable, Ecological, Engineering, Design for Society (SEEDS) Conferences (2022 and 2023). The SEEDS conference aims is to bring together experts from around the world focusing on the sustainability agenda, in terms of both the positive and detrimental changes that are taking place. As well as addressing technical issues, measuring and modelling energy efficiency and performance, emphasis is placed on the health and wellbeing of the users of spaces occupied and enclosed. Understanding how buildings and spaces are designed and nurtured to obtain the optimal outcome is often a focus for discussion and debate. This holistic approach draws together the research themes of energy, building performance and physics while placing health, wellbeing and ecology at the heart of the conference.
Through review, research and proven practice, the aim of the SEEDS conference fosters ideas on how to reduce negative impacts on the environment, while providing for the health and wellbeing of society. The professions and fields of research required to ensure buildings and associated infrastructures meet user demands and provide healthy enclosures are many and diverse. The SEEDS conference addresses the interdependence of people, the built and natural environments, and recognises the interdisciplinary and international themes necessary to assemble the knowledge required for positive change.
This special issue comprises five articles that are guided by a range of sustainability themes that readily link to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and their associated Targets:
Article #1 is titled “Sustainable Drainage to Address Zika in Favelas, Brazil: Community Perspectives” (Charlesworth et al., 2024). In this study the authors report on community perceptions around the potential for sustainable drainage systems to provide a means of reducing areas for the mosquito to breed and, hence, reduce Zika infections in favelas. Interviews were carried out with key external stakeholders working with favelas and members of the favela community. The main subject of the study has a direct linkage to Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good health and well-being and to Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation; plus, associated linkages to Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities, Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions, and to Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals.
Article #2 is titled “Role of Local Landlords in Small-town High Streets: A Study of Trowbridge, UK” (Armstrong et al., 2024). In this study the authors investigates landlord contributions towards countering high street decline and their attitudes towards the challenges of maintaining healthy small-town centres as important infrastructure assets. Primary qualitative data and secondary quantitative data are used to expose important insights. The main subject of the study has a direct linkage to Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities; plus, associated linkages to Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals.
Article #3 is titled “Exploration of the Impact of Junction Characteristics on Pedestrian Red-light Violation” (Pellecuer and Chusseau, 2024). In this study the authors identify elements of signalised junction design that are critical in pedestrian safety by analysing how they affect pedestrian behaviour. Both traffic engineering design and associated traffic conditions were investigated, with over 6500 observations made at ten signalised junctions in Montreal, Canada. The main subject of the study has a direct linkage to Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities; plus, associated linkages to Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good health and well-being.
Article #4 is titled “A Phenomenological Inquiry of Building and Living in European Earthship Homes” (Booth et al., 2024). In this study the authors reveal insights into the ‘hands-on’ practical experience of persons who have constructed their own Earthship homes and they also gather insights into the collective experience of these dwellers on the realities of living full time in an Earthship home. They use a phenomenological methodology to solicit these insights and describe the themes and sub-themes that emerge from a suite of interviews from across several European nations. The main subject of the study has a direct linkage to Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production; plus, associated linkages to Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation, Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy, Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities, and to Goal 13: Climate action.
Article #5 is titled “Insights and Experiences of Sustainability Decision making by Construction Clients” (Aboagye-Nimo et al., 2024). In this study the authors explores the various approaches that consultants adopt when encouraging clients to buy into sustainable designs for large construction projects. Using semi-structured interviews, the study sheds much-needed light on best practice methods adopted by firms operating in financially difficult environments and who are working towards green targets. The main subject of the study has a direct linkage to Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities and Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production; plus, associated linkages to Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy, and to Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals.
The assemblage of articles in this special issue are derived from a substantial body of work presented at SEEDS conferences and reflect just part of the research positioned against the 17 SDGs. The SEEDS conference has been gaining increasing momentum over the past decade. While initially driven by practitioners, academics and professionals primarily focused on sustainability research within the built environment arena, the Conference Chairs and Scientific Committee were keenly aware from the beginning of the winder, interconnected nature of sustainability of the need to transcend traditional research boundaries.
The breadth of research reported herein is indicative of an even broader field of interdisciplinary engagement that follows the SEEDs conference. As a collective, the conference remains dedicated to fostering a vibrant and engaged research community. Its vision ensures individual research remain connected, representing just a fraction of the effort that will be required to drive impact and action to address global sustainability.
