The built environment has spent the past two decades accelerating its understanding of sustainable practice, from energy efficiency and carbon reduction to circularity, wellbeing and more recently regenerative design
Yet somewhere along the way, our language has started to work against us. New buzz words appear with a single target or ambition, and phrases like “the next sustainability priority” imply that progress is a sequence of trends to be replaced, rather than a cumulative body of knowledge to be strengthened.
If we want to shape a future that combats the environmental issues presented by the past, we need to stop resetting the conversation. Our approach must be a continuous, evolving practice that builds on what we already know, instead of passing the baton from buzzword to buzzword and shifting the definitions of these important concepts to fit the latest trends for just commercial viability.
The industry’s habit of framing each emerging concerns as a new priority risks erasing the value of past progress. It discourages looking at the wider picture, as if energy, water, materials, community impact, ecosystems, climate resilience and financial viability are separate agendas which operate individually. The reality is: they’re all linked, and progress depends on considering each dimension together during decision making processes. Where our role in industry can be quite one dimensional, the shift has to be for all individuals working across the fields in the built environment to consider aspects holistically.
One of the most encouraging trends is the role of younger professionals. Especially those who carry ideas and principles which are rooted in their identity, such as myself, as a Muslim female emerging in this field. Many of us are entering the industry with a stronger expectation that the wide net of considerations mentioned above are non‑negotiable, and are the bare minimum for our people and the planet. I find that we are more willing to challenge outdated practices, question decisions, and push for solutions that are both practical and future‑focused. This is how i aim to shape my contribution to industry. I am committed to developing my knowledge and contributing to these processes, even with the challenges that come with being different to those around me.
There is massive value in bringing all partners of the built environment, at all levels, together to seek bridging the gaps in our approaches. Being involved in the UKGBC Regenerative Places working group has opened that door for me, where I have learnt so much about these different avenues that I previously had not had exposure to, and resulting in a development of my own ideas on regenerative approaches as a concept o truly believe in, and the next step required for the built environment. This highlighted to me an element that i could challenge and implement in my own workplace, which could help develop the tools and frameworks for clients and local councils alike develop to ensure planning and development is focused on a long-term net-gain across social, environmental and financial aspects.
As we look ahead, the next phase of “sustainability” will be defined by our ability to think holistically and work collaboratively. That means designing buildings and infrastructure which reduce environmental impact, strengthen communities and support long‑term economic resilience. The built environment has a strong foundation, and I believe that our responsibility now is to elevate it, rather than replacing it.
I have had open debates in the middle of my workplace on how idealistic vs realistic this shift could be. I don’t dismiss that change rarely comes easily. Embedding holistic or regenerative principles into everyday practice requires effort, persistence and a willingness to challenge the norms that shape our day‑to‑day work, especially as an environmental consultant in my case. Yet if we all operate from the same set of principles, with shared understanding and intent, then every project no matter its scale, budget or constraints, has the potential to deliver a positive impact. The collective alignment is where real transformation will begin.
By Lina Alsaffer, Environmental Consultant, chapmanbdsp
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