Rail route 2050: Towards a competitive, resource efficient and intelligent rail transport system for 2050″

Posted on: 1 February 2012
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An initial update of the European Rail Research Advisory Council (ERRAC) vision for the future of rail, projecting to 2050, has been issued, addressing the European effort required for research and innovation to achieve a competitive, resource efficient and intelligent rail transport system. The European vision for railway research and innovation outlined in the document illustrates the research pillars that need to be supplemented by the corresponding investment pillar. To complement those, the legislation pillar is necessary to provide fair market conditions. This combination has the potential to transform rail into the low carbon natural transport mode of choice in the middle of the 21st Century.

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Guidelines for the Active Travel Audit

Posted on: 1 February 2012
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As part of the URBACT European exchange and learning programme, the Active Travel Network has produced guidelines for conducting Active Travel Audits. The Active Travel Audit is a self assessment tool carried out by different groups. It’s not intended as a method for benchmarking, but as a means to improve the active travel system in the audited city. The guidelines outline the steps of the audit – how to prepare, run and analyse the audit – as well as defining the participants that should be involved and the skill set of the auditor.

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Devolving local major transport schemes

Posted on: 1 February 2012
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The Government has produced this consultation document on a new system of prioritising and funding for local major transport schemes. A new system, once in place, will enable construction to begin after the end of the current Spending Review period – 2014/15.

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Indian Hotel Industry Survey 2010-2011

Posted on: 1 February 2012
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This survey aims aims to provide the most comprehensive guide to all-India performance trends for the hotel industry.

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Hotel market snapshot: Amsterdam

Posted on: 1 February 2012
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Provides an overview of the main indicators driving hotel market performance in Amsterdam during 2010 and 2011.

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Sustainable development and economic growth: Challenges for research and evidence

Posted on: 1 February 2012
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To mark the launch of a new phase of the Sustainable Development Research Network, a debate was held in December 2011 under the theme ‘Sustainable development and economic growth – challenges for research and evidence’ The audio recording from this debate is now available online.

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Mainstreaming sustainability: A CIWEM review of the UK Government’s progress against their promises

Posted on: 1 February 2012
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This report from the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) critically examines the coalition Government’s new approach to sustainable development and sets out CIWEM’s position on whether we consider it to be an appropriate model.  This work takes into account recent commentary by the Sustainable Development Commission (closed down in April 2011), the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee and others including CIWEM’s own experts. CIWEM has also analysed the actions taken on planning and zero-carbon homes from the DCLG, low carbon and green economy policies from the DECC and action on the natural environment from Defra. The Government’s own performance across its estate in terms of carbon cutting and procurement is also assessed. CIWEM has judged each area against the principles of sustainable development in Securing the Future, the Government’s sustainable development strategy published in 2005.

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Brownfield regeneration to greenspace

Posted on: 1 February 2012
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A collaborative project between Forest Research and the University of Surrey has been looking to tackle the issues associated with the process of brownfield regeneration to greenspace. The research has used case studies and qualitative data to identify and map out the main stages in the process. A model of the brownfield to greenspace regeneration process has been produced, with the aim of increasing the efficiency of brownfield greening and the sustainability of new greenspace. The model should assist practitioners new to brownfield greening as well as promote best practice in organisations alive in regeneration. The next stage in the project will investigate what types of information practitioners prefer when they are using best practice and guidance such as our greening model. As part of this process, Forest Research is keen to hear from those involved in regeneration, the resources they use and when they use them.

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Basildon Town Centre regeneration

Posted on: 1 February 2012
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Draft plans for the regeneration of Basildon town centre in Essex have been approved for a 6 week public consultation. Proposals include: up to 40,000 square metres of retail and leisure including a new 8-12 screen state of the art cinema, restaurants, retail, bars and cafes providing Basildon with an evening economy; up to 25,000 square metres of office space; a 150 room hotel; a new college up to 10,000 square metres; 1500-2000 new homes; a relocated street market; major improvements to St Martin’s Square and Town Square; and new public squares.

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Office to residential conversion: Where the action is?

Posted on: 1 February 2012
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On 4 November 2011, the Urban Land Institute held a seminar to consider Government proposals to relax planning rules for conversion of office space to residential use. This is a report of the event.

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