University of Oxford Biochemistry building

ARCC news for September 2015

ARCC network news

Vacancy – Science Communications & Knowledge Transfer Manager

Closing soon! The ARCC network team has a vacancy for a Science Communications & Knowledge Transfer Manager. The post-holder will work to maximise the translation, uptake and impact of evidence and knowledge from a range of research projects. This is a 2-year, full-time post, based in Oxford. Deadline for applications is 25 September 2015.

https://www.recruit.ox.ac.uk/pls/hrisliverecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.jobspec?p_id=119552

Delivery of energy in a changing climate

Two ARCC network events will consider the latest evidence on the impacts of climate change on energy generation, infrastructure and energy demand and potential adaptation strategies. Findings from a suite of EPSRC-funded research projects looking at climate-associated risks across different energy-related sectors and methods, tools and solutions that could be used to respond to these risks will be presented and their implications for policymakers and practitioners discussed.

Future delivery of energy in a changing climate: risks and solutions

22 October 2015, Edinburgh

An industry-focused workshop being organised with Heriot-Watt University. For more information, contact David Jenkins.

Delivering energy in a changing climate: policy briefing

12 November 2015, London

A briefing for UK policymakers and those working at a strategic level in the energy and infrastructure sectors. For more information, contact Phil Sivell, ARCC network.

Financing action – adapting to climate change

29 October 2015, Glasgow

Projects looking to adapt infrastructure to the impacts of a changing climate need new finance mechanisms. This event will discuss recent findings on improving access to alternative finance mechanisms and how to maximise the contribution of adaptation actions to the local economy.

Building on collaborative work between the University of Leeds, Adaptation Scotland, ClimateXchange and the ARCC network, this event will be of interest to those responsible for strategic planning, financing of community, built environment and infrastructure projects and those developing adaptation and resilience plans. More information and registration.

Other news

83% of London homes overheated this summer

In an interesting survey of Londoners, WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff found that the majority of homes had been uncomfortably hot at some point during the summer of 2015. The impacts included residents feeling unwell or tired due to disturbed sleep, with 8% of respondents saying they had installed air conditioning as result. The findings closely match those of a number of ARCC projects, highlighted in our recent So what? guides on overheating.

Nuisance flooding – set to rise here too?

Nuisance flooding – or the recurring flooding from high tides – is becoming more frequent as sea level rises and storminess increases. In an interesting article, US researchers explain what it is and how they measure it – and what they expect in future. While the location is very specific, the principle applies across the UK too.

UKWRIP promote a more holistic approach to flood & drought management

Droughts and floods: towards a more holistic approach (pdf, 830KB) from The UK Water Partnership and Innovation Group summarises the current approaches to dealing with flooding and drought in the UK, and the research and innovation currently underway. It goes on to explore the benefits of more joined-up thinking across the whole water management sector.

Health & care system ARP report now available

The health and care sector submitted their Adaptation Reporting Power (ARP) report to Government on its progress on adaptation to climate change under the Climate Change Act (2008). A cross-system working group found that while there is good practice, such as the well established plans for heatwaves or cold weather, and best practice guidance to increase climate resilience and protect hospitals from over-heating, their use is not systemic.

Headline climate risks include the impact of heatwaves and the overheating of buildings, increased risks of air pollution and its associated health effects, and the increased likelihood of flooding events, alongside impacts on service disruptions and communities and the changing patterns of disease.

Planning for infrastructure in Scotland research report

This study analysed evidence from existing and emerging practice in the delivery of infrastructure in Scotland. Key principles and case studies will assist planning authorities in developing frameworks for infrastructure delivery and provide recommendations on further action.

Culture, Media & Sport committee inquiry into provision of UK-wide superfast broadband

The Culture, Media and Sport Committee launched an inquiry into the coverage, delivery and performance of superfast broadband in the UK under the Government’s commitment to improving broadband provision. The Committee invites written evidence in response to questions covering investment, how other countries are managing difficult to reach areas and the technical challenges involved. Full details are available from the Parliament website, with a deadline for submissions of 30 September 2015.

ASC looking for new committee members, deadline 12 October 2015

The Committee on Climate Change is looking for two new members for the Adaptation Sub-Committee, to be responsible for developing the work and strategic direction of the ASC. Candidates are sought with specific expertise in either economic analysis or with private sector experience of investment decisions, and will join the Committee as soon as they are appointed – closing date is 12 October.

Funding calls

Using digital technology for living with environmental change

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and Research Councils UK are looking to appoint one or two senior fellows to contribute to the future research agenda on how digital technologies can be used to help the human and natural environment become more resilient and adaptable to climate change.

Up to £4 million is available for grants of up to five years. Register your interest by 28 October 2015. Deadline for outline proposal: 16.00, 11 November 2015.

Urban Living Partnership – Call to be announced shortly

The Research Councils UK and Innovate UK are working together to develop an Urban Living Partnership to help cities realise a vision of healthy, prosperous and sustainable living. The first Call will create a small number of pilot city projects, bringing together researchers, civic authorities and business leaders to stimulate collaborative working and innovation. It is anticipated that £2m will be available for up to 5 pilot projects each focused on a different city/urban areas.

  • 22 September 2015 – Call for pilot city consortia opens
  • 20 October – Town Hall meeting, Birmingham

Green infrastructure innovation projects call – information and brokerage event

The Natural Environment Research Council is inviting proposals that address the issues and opportunities around green infrastructure in the planning and investment decisions that are made by local policymakers, planners and organisations responsible for developing the built environment. An information and brokerage seminar will be held in London on 24 September 2015. The deadline for applications is 16.00, 22 October 2015.

Events

Annual UK review meeting on outdoor and indoor air pollution research

24–25 Sept, Solihull

Further details.

Infrastructure business models, valuation and innovation for local delivery (iBUILD) project

4 November 2015, Birmingham

Next stakeholder day – more information on previous events and registration.

Adaptation Futures 2016

10–13 May 2016, Rotterdam

Call for abstracts and sessions: deadline 4 October 2015.

Tweeted…

Encouraging psychologists to work with architects would result in better buildings | http://bit.ly/1fWu0s9 @ConversationUK

Detailed SuDS case study for sustainable housing development in Stroud| http://bit.ly/1JAVK0i @Sudsulike via @BlueGreenCities

Looking to New York for lessons in resilient design – @LGiU blog | http://bit.ly/1Usydnb

Interesting new design for pop-up emergency shelter | http://bit.ly/1O5iKFC @globalconreview

Imaginative, sustainable & affordable homes – it is possible, even in Britain | http://bit.ly/1DX3omC @guardianculture

Another idea for city transport – underground moving walkways | http://bit.ly/1XOmC4v @globalconreview

Congrats to Arash Beizaee – winner of our So what? #overheating call! | http://bit.ly/1zjZscX @lborouniversity