Low Carbon Plans in UK Cities

Building on his work on the RICS ‘Hotting Up’ report, Tim Dixon has written on the state of low carbon plans in UK cities as part of the Future Cities Special Interest Group. Arguing that the battle against climate change and resource depletion will be won or lost in the world’s cities, he reflects on Carbon Reduction plans in UK cities, characteristics of successful plans and the challenges they face in a changed political and fiscal landscape.

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Infrastructure Transitions Research Consortium Conference – Showcasing and sharing thinking on infrastructure

Judith Britnell gave a presentation of the work of the Retrofit 2050 programme at the Infrastructure Transitions Research Consortium (ITRC) Early Career Researcher (ERC) conference held at Clare College, Cambridge in November 2012. The ITRC programme is developing simulation models and tools to inform the analysis, planning and design of national infrastructure.

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The Value of Visions: Tim Dixon explains why we need utopic visions for change

Tim Dixon, leader of the Urban Foresight work package, explains Why We Need Utopic Urban Visions in his contribution to the UBM Future Cities forum. Reflecting on the relationship between utopic visions and the city, he argues that such high hopes have played a crucial part in the most successful city transformations and will continue to do so in the future. His article can be found here.

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Flexible Energy Delivery Systems: Seminar Series at Cardiff University

The energy supply system is usually considered as individual sub-systems with separate energy vectors (e.g. electricity, heat, gas and hydrogen). In the present Smart Grid vision, the role of electricity is most prominent with limited consideration of other energy networks. However, there is much benefit to be gained by considering the energy system as an integrated whole. For example, Combined Heat and Power (CHP) units and boilers with district heating system and heat pumps act as linkages between electricity and heat networks

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New seminar series to explore issues around Flexible Energy Delivery Systems

The Welsh School of Architecture and Cardiff University School of Engineering will be hosting a seminar series on the subject of “Flexible Energy Delivery Systems”. This forum will bring together students, researchers and practitioners to discuss issues and developments regarding flexible energy delivery systems. Prominent scientists and industry professionals will present their research and share their knowledge.

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