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Innovation in practice: delivering rural housing
Posted on: 24 July 2013
By: mackene
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A report from the Hastoe Group, a rural housing association, argues that there is an overwhelming need for more affordable housing in rural areas. It identifies 30 schemes which are successfully delivering affordable housing in rural areas.
Government Construction Strategy: trial projects
Posted on: 24 July 2013
By: mackene
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Constructing Excellence is working with the Cabinet Office to monitor and report on a number of trial projects that are testing three new procurement models (Cost Led Procurement; Integrated Project Insurance; Two Stage Open Book) that were proposed by industry, and developed by a joint task group. The three new procurement routes perform a central role in delivering the Government Construction Strategy’s sustainable 15-20% reduction in costs. The case study reports are an output of monitoring the progress and outcomes of the trial projects. Early findings from the government’s trial projects programme already indicate that smarter procurement focusing on earlier supply chain involvement is delivering 10-20% improvements in value for money. For more information, please see the individual case studies: Environment Agency: Rye Harbour (cost led procurement) ; Ministry of Justice: Cookham Wood Prison (two stage open book) ; Surrey County Council: Project Horizon: highways maintenance (two stage open book); Hackney / Haringey: SCMG: social housing refurbishment (two stage open book).
Mainstreaming climate change resilience into development planning in Kenya
Posted on: 24 July 2013
By: mackene
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Between November 2011 and October 2012, government staff from diverse backgrounds came together at a course facilitated by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) at the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) with support from CDKN to share and reflect on their countries’ experience and needs around integrating climate change into development planning. Based on these discussions, they identified three building blocks for successful mainstreaming: an enabling environment, policies and planning, and projects and programmes. This paper, authored by Vincent Mutie Nzau, reflects Kenya’s experience against this building blocks framework.
Putting a spotlight on gender in climate risk assessments
Posted on: 24 July 2013
By: mackene
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This article discusses how a climate risk assessment approach piloted in Central Asia is shedding light on the gender dimension of climate change.
Rural communities
Posted on: 24 July 2013
By: mackene
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In June 2010, the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, announced that the Commission for Rural Communities would be abolished and that Defra Ministers would lead rural policy from within the Department. An enhanced Rural Communities Policy Unit (RCPU) would operate as a centre of rural expertise, supporting and co-ordinating activity within and beyond DEFRA. This inquiry focused on the work of the RCPU, its ability to act as rural champion in the heart of government, and its effectiveness in delivering rural development. The House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee has published the findings of this inquiry.
The way forward for renewable energy in Central America
Posted on: 24 July 2013
By: mackene
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This study, made possible with support from the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) and the Energy and Environment Partnership with Central America (EEP), assesses the status of renewable energy technologies in Central America and analyzes the conditions for their advancement in the future. It identifies important knowledge and information gaps, evaluates key finance and policy barriers, and makes suggestions for how to overcome both in a number of high-impact areas. The study scopes the improvements needed to facilitate the transition to a sustainable energy system and establishes the necessary methodology and groundwork for comprehensive regional and national energy strategies.
Property owners & Business Improvement Districts: Formalising the role of property owners, who are not ratepayers, in Business Improvement District Schemes
Posted on: 24 July 2013
By: mackene
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Currently, property owners can make voluntary contributions towards a ratepayer business improvement district and some do. However, others choose not to make a contribution but still benefit from the success of a business improvement district. Mary Portas, in her independent report into the future of high streets, recommended that the government should legislate to allow landlords to become high street investors by contributing to their business improvement district. The government recognises the views of the business improvement district community and Mary Portas, that property owner business improvement districts could strengthen the part that landlords play in the future of the high street and in promoting growth, and committed to look at formalising the role of owners in response to a Portas Review recommendation. This consultation seeks views on a framework for allowing such schemes. Comments are requested by 17 September 2013.
Climate planning
Posted on: 24 July 2013
By: mackene
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This interactive website, which helps planners and decision-makers to choose the most suitable planning tools for them, was initially launched in late 2011 with information on more than 30 popular tools. The Climate & development Knowledge Network has re-launched an expanded guide, providing a detailed overview of more than 40 tools relevant to climate planning. A new section presents case studies of how different tools have been used in practice.
Water Sensitive Cities
Posted on: 24 July 2013
By: mackene
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The CRC for Water Sensitive Cities brings together the inter-disciplinary research expertise and thought-leadership to undertake research that will revolutionise water management in Australia and overseas. In collaboration with over 70 research, industry and government partners, it aims to deliver the socio-technical urban water management solutions, education and training programs, and industry engagement required to make towns and cities water sensitive.
A wider view: The socio-economic benefits of responsible property investment
Posted on: 23 July 2013
By: mackene
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Hermes Real Estate Management Limited, the real estate investment subsidiary of Hermes Fund Managers Limited, is an industry leader in responsible investing for almost thirty years. In this report, Hermes argues that investing in green and socially sustainable buildings represent a unique opportunity to simultaneously protect and improve returns for investors, meet occupier requirements and contribute to improving society’s wellbeing. The report covers the company’s responsible property investment strategy and programme, encompassing environmental, social and economic risks and opportunities associated with the management of its clients’ property assets. Comments and feedback are welcomed.
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