Scientific support to EU growth and jobs: Efficient buildings, vehicles and equipment. Brussels, 26 March 2013

Posted on: 3 April 2013
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The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre has launched an initiative on scientific support to growth and jobs, starting with a conference dedicated to “Scientific support to EU growth and jobs: Efficient buildings, vehicles and equipment”. Europe faces unprecedented challenges, and the need to return to economic growth and job creation is critical to recovery from the current crisis. European efficient buildings, vehicles and equipment are three key sectors that present a real opportunity to boost Europe’s competitiveness and contribute to economic development while promoting long-term sustainability at the same time. They have the potential to trigger investment and innovation, leading to economic growth and jobs. However, on the way to shifting to a more efficient approach, there is still a need for additional scientific support from the public as well as the private sector. The main aim of this event was to identify where scientific support is needed.  Presentations are available online.

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What does “urban mobility” actually mean, and why will it be a challenge in the years to come?

Posted on: 2 April 2013
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Those interested in urban mobility might like to familiarise themselves with a few key publications which help to set the scene for this important topic.

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Going to market: The role of outsourcing and shared services in housing associations

Posted on: 2 April 2013
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This paper builds on current debate, and considers the role that shared services and outsourcing may play in the future delivery of housing services. It explores the continued evolution of the housing association sector and the challenges of delivering front-line and back-office services cost effectively. The report draws on detailed interviews and visits to sponsors Circle Housing Group and Orbit Housing Group, lessons from the private sector and HouseMark analysis.

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Beyond banks and big government: Strategies for local authorities to promote investment

Posted on: 2 April 2013
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A new paper from think tank the IPPR North argues that while there has been much debate about how banks and central government can facilitate lending to enterprise and spending on infrastructure, the role of local government has received little attention. The report argues there are several established and emerging finance options available to councils that could more effectively deliver investment in infrastructure and housing. The paper:outlines the nature of the UK’s investment problem; provides an overview of some of the current and emerging finance options available to local authorities; looks at international case studies which could be applied in the UK; and makes some recommendations about new financial tools for local authorities.

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Building resilience to climate change through indigenous knowledge: The case of Bolivia

Posted on: 2 April 2013
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Indigenous knowledge plays an important role in the way communities interact with their climate in many countries, particularly in Bolivia. It contributes to weather forecasting at the community level, and to the preservation of vital ecosystem functions that help to buffer communities against climate change impacts. However, the increasing incidence of extreme weather events and disasters is taking a toll. This situation calls for new partnerships between indigenous people and the scientific community – an area where Bolivia could lead the way.

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Benchmarking, BIM and beyond

Posted on: 2 April 2013
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This presentation was made at the seminar to mark the 30th Anniversary of the Association of Construction Economists in Finland (RAKI), held in Helsinki on the 20th March 2013. Register on the RICS website to view the presentation.

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The Outline for National Tourism and Leisure (2013-2020)

Posted on: 2 April 2013
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China has embarked on a new era in tourism in its national agenda following the release of The Outline for National Tourism and Leisure (2013-2020), a landmark document which will see the complete redefinition of tourism development and management in the country, spark an increase in Chinese outbound tourism and promote a greater distribution of the economic, socio-cultural and environmental benefits of tourism. The document, issued by the State Council of China, the country´s highest level of government, presents a roadmap for restructuring the current paid leave system across China and outlines the technical, multi-sector aspects of creating a more fruitful environment for sustainable tourism development and management in the country.

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Construction Journal

Posted on: 2 April 2013
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The latest issue (April/May 2013) of the RICS publication Construction Journal is available online. This edition has the theme of commercial management, a wide-ranging subject that covers everything from project bank accounts to debt collection. Register on the RICS website to view the journal.

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Conflict in space and place – accommodation and planning issues for Gypsies and Travellers. Leicester, 29-30 November 2012

Posted on: 2 April 2013
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t this event, university academics, policy and practice professionals and Gypsy/traveller community members came together to discuss ways of mediating conflict in planning for sites. Presentations are available online.

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