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Despite the prevalence of sustainable and green building in the United Kingdom, there is little agreement on what is required to achieve this status. This research seeks consensus among expert sustainable architects in the United Kingdom on the relative importance of a range of factors in facilitating a sustainable built environment. It identifies key differentiating factors to provide an original typology of sustainable practice. A Delphi technique was used to engage a variety of geographically separated participant in a managed dialogue to achieve consensus. The technique used novel survey techniques and statistical analysis to create a series of parallel sample groups. Thirty practices took part in the study, forming three distinct groups differentiated by contrasting viewpoints. Individual groups were characterised by varying attitudes towards measurability, nature, user focus, and local issues. However, the research found that carbon reduction through fabric first approaches were universally prioritised by all groups to achieve sustainable design. This highlights the limited scope of sustainable design in the United Kingdom, and a tendency to favour global sustainability concerns over more local and regional challenges. This research has significance for professional organisations and policymakers who can shape practice, both in the United Kingdom and internationally. It also has consequences for architectural education as it emphasises the perceived relative importance of these factors in the creation of the built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of sustainability is widely accepted in the design of the built environment; however, in architectural practice, there exist multiple, often competing, interpretations and agendas. This research analyses this variety and develops a unique framework that reveals actual and potential paths for sustainable design. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 24 high‐profile sustainable architecture practices in the United Kingdom. The data reveal a range of sustainable practice, which is grouped into consistent strategies. This forms the basis of an original evaluative framework that classifies alternative approaches providing a means to contextualise different, yet equally valid, design scenarios. The findings reconceptualise sustainable design paradigms and reveal new opportunities for enhancing practice. This has implications for professional organisations, who are able to shape practice through recognised standards, as well as designers themselves. It also has significance for the education of architects who are able to explore new avenues for sustainable design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Highways England A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon Improvement Scheme consists of both online improvements to existing sections of the A14 and a new offline section constructed on a green field site bypassing Huntingdon, UK. The scheme includes the design and construction of 22 integral bridges in varying forms typically found across the wider highway network. This paper outlines the different structural forms used on the A14 including 'bankseat' abutments on discrete columns, half-height abutments on a single row of piles and full-height abutments. The design challenges encountered for each type of structure are discussed, including the methods of modelling adopted for the soil–structure interaction. Primarily, it will highlight areas where the current codes of practice and design guidance (such as 'PD 6694-1:2011: Recommendations for the design of structures subject to traffic loading to BS EN 1997 1:2004') could be developed to reflect the specific requirements of modelling these types of structures, now commonly in use, and how the requirements varied depending on the type of abutment/foundation considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of post-occupancy evaluation (POE) is widely acknowledged in the academic literature, industry press and, increasingly, by professional institutes. Learning from previous projects systematically is central to improving building performance, resulting in a built environment that better fits the needs of clients, end users, wider society and the environment. The key role of architects in pushing forward this agenda has been recognized, however evidence suggests that take up of POE is low across the profession. Whilst research has investigated barriers to POE across the construction industry, very little has considered the unique perspective of architects. In-depth interviews with UK-based architects are presented to explore their experiences in relation to POE and their perspectives on its potential to be a standard part of architectural practice. The findings indicate that a considerable amount of practical work is being undertaken, but uncertainty over what constitutes POE means it is often excluded from the POE label - with significant implications for the development of a rigorous evidence base. An appetite is identified for more holistic evaluation measures that move beyond the current preoccupation with energy efficiency to consider other aspects of building performance, and thereby sustainability, in a wider value framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increased research focus on the benefit of the green roof system (GRs) as a sustainable solution to overcome environmental challenges related to urbanization. Although GRs have been widely implemented in some countries throughout the globe, there needs to be a clear gap in the literature associated with the lagging implementation in the UK, with only a few buildings in London and Manchester have taken up the challenge of adopting them. Therefore, this paper first presents the construction components and multiple benefits of GRs for the UK climate, showing how GRs assist reduces stormwater, cutting down energy costs, and improving air and ecological performance. The research was conducted by undertaking roof surveys of fifty-four buildings across the north of England to determine if these roofs could be suitable for adopting GRs. In addition, an energy simulation using Design Builder software was used to analyze the monthly heat kw/h for the three diverse types of G.R.s. The results show that only 9% of the 54 roofs surveyed were suitable for GRs adoption due to the buildings' construction conditions and location.Furthermore, the study shows a massive saving in energy consumption when GRs implementation simulation was conducted for the 9% of the buildings surveyed, ranging between 550 and 1900£/year. Finally, it would be evident that green roofs provide better value for money over the longer term. Furthermore, this type of study and desktop analysis could inform policy and lead to significant incentives by the government for green roof adoption As this study was limited to north Englan, this analysis enabled a broader proportion of the country and a more comprehensive range of building ages, yielding even greater results and evidence of the potential benefits of a green roof system, allowing us to calculate the total cost of ownership over the roof's lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (QEOP) opened to the public in 2013/2014. In the preceding ten years the future of this 250-hectare site in east London was subjected to intense debate, planning and envisioning. This paper analyses the evolving vision for the Park during this period. The analysis contributes to the literature on this significant case, but it also helps us to appreciate the challenges associated with event-led urban projects and the design and management of public parks in the twenty-first century. The paper is based on the author's attendance at over thirty seminars, conferences and public events 2004–2014 at which officials and relevant professionals presented their work and ideas about the Park. These presentations were analysed alongside the enormous number of policies, plans and strategies (and accompanying media coverage) published to reveal the sort of place that was envisioned by the professionals hired to shape it. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A focus on sustainability when designing, constructing, refurbishing and operating buildings is becoming the norm in the UK. Impressive green credentials are no longer limited to showcase or 'alternative' structures, but are found in buildings of every type -- as a selection of BREEAM case studies shows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the analysis of impervious surface cover and water balance studies, it is argued that conventional, separately-sewered first-generation and alternative second-generation sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) cannot provide a fully sustainable surface water management approach for urban catchment planning. An extended approach based on the introduction of micro-and meso-vegetative SUDS systems into a wider green infrastructure (GI) framework is advocated to effectively address on-site and catchment urban surface water issues. The approach is based on the integrated planning implementation of street ‘greening’, with optimisation of existing biofiltration SUDS solutions, together with green roofs, downspout disconnection and sub-catchment riparian corridors to achieve a minimum 25–30% canopy cover level. A ‘leaf-out’ inventory procedure using GIS and satellite imagery can be employed to assess potential vegetative SUDS locations and types, and their likely impact upon the urban water cycle and receiving water health. However, there is a need to ensure that GI elements are incorporated into planning approaches and protocols for urban drainage infrastructure provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to report research conducted to explore the insights of UK architects on the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) in relation to low carbon housing design and delivery. Design/methodology/approach – To explore the awareness and knowledge of CSH in low carbon housing design and delivery in the UK, a mixed method approach comprising of interviews with architects in practice and academia were combined with questionnaires to UK sustainable architectural practices. Findings – The results confirmed that, although UK architects are aware of CSH, it is only very few (11.8 per cent), who have the expert knowledge. This is in comparison to 52.9 per cent of those with some knowledge, and 35.3 per cent of those who are very knowledgeable in the use and implementation of CSH to design and deliver low carbon new homes in the UK. Research limitations/implications – The findings of this study are based only on the sustainable architects in the UK, therefore the findings may not represent the view of other constructional professionals in the UK. Practical implications – The research focused on investigating the judging criteria and opinions of architects who are strongly identified with sustainable housing design practices in the UK. It explores the insights of architects on the CSH, because their knowledge, use and implementation of it, along with other information on low carbon housing design, from the onset determines how soon zero carbon homes in the UK can be achieved; leading towards tackling energy use in the UK and on a wider level, the European commitment reduction of energy consumption. Originality/value – The paper is able to expose the weakness of architects in the use of information that is not represented graphically, pictorially or in the recognised Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) plan of work stages familiar to architects and the general construction industry in the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Many organizations are currently becoming more environmentally friendly. Eco-efficiency maximizes the effectiveness of a business operation while reducing its impact on the environment; with the necessary skills, organizations can create more value while using less input. Prior empirical studies have suggested that firms engaging in eco-efficient activities are better valued than those without such activities. Therefore, this will enhance business efficiency and excellence. This study investigates the link between eco-efficiency, as environmental policy, and firm value in the United Kingdom (UK) for the period 1999 to 2008. We generate new insights into environmental-financial performance by using different definitions of the term 'eco-efficiency'. In the UK context our results support that eco-efficient firms have higher market values than those lacking environmental strategies. Hence, we recommend that firms become involved in environmental polices since the adoption of these polices will have a positive impact on firm value. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When people think of making reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, it is customary to look at power generation, heavy industry and transport especially planes and cars. However, buildings contribute half the carbon dioxide emissions from the UK, and homes make up a significant part of that. It's been a real drive of people to get engaged with thinking about how buildings can contribute towards the UK's carbon targets. One of the most contentious issues has been to agree on the definition of a zero-carbon home. The quest to build zero-carbon homes is plagued by controversy but it is vital to a low-carbon future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green infrastructure (GI) is an approach to green space that is gathering momentum. It is increasingly being adopted by policy makers and practitioners as a way to frame urban green space policy. This article is based on research on how the meaning of GI is developing in the policy-making context within the north-west region of the UK. It is argued that policy making at the regional scale emphasises economic development, and this leads to a particular way of framing urban green space. This article examines the ways of talking about GI that respond to this focus, the way in which they are articulated and the impact this has on ways of seeing urban green space. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The specialist research and design unit in Aedas' London office focuses on three principal areas of research: computational design, advanced modelling and sustainable design. Christian Derix, Judit Kimpian, Abdulmajid Karanouh and Josh Mason of Aedas R&D explain how this cross-pollination of interests has led the practice to develop innovative approaches, exemplified by the design for Al Bahr Towers, the Abu Dhabi Investment Council Headquarters and the Digital Masterplanning (Digma) tool. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paradigm shift for sustainable buildings requires a transformation of the architectural design process. This paper examines how sustainability is embedded into design methodology and mapped onto, or has transformed, the design process. Interviews with a sample of Scottish architectural and multi-disciplinary practices were undertaken to explore the common approaches and barriers to sustainable design. Case study methodology was also employed to consider exemplar buildings and the value of post-occupancy evaluation is discussed. Within the context of the global environmental perspective, UK and Scottish legislation, sustainable principles and blueprints, a process model is developed to provide a framework for discussion and review. The first creative step is given as an alignment of practice ethos with established architectural philosophies and principles, from across the sustainability spectrum, to move towards a typology of sustainable building design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demolition or refurbishment of older housing has been an active policy area since the late 1880s in the UK, when the government first authorised the statutory demolition of unsanitary slums. The debate on demolition and new building has been intensified since 2003, with government proposals for large-scale clearance and new construction. This paper summarises the evidence and debate on whether demolition would reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings. It examines whether a more achievable and socially beneficial route to reducing energy use in the built environment exists, based on the fact that buildings account for half of the UK's carbon emissions. This paper argues that large-scale and accelerated demolition would neither help with meeting energy and climate change targets, nor would it address social needs. Refurbishment offers clear advantages in time, cost, community impact, prevention of building sprawl, reuse of existing infrastructure and protection of existing communities. It can also lead to significantly reduced energy use in buildings in both the short and long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the U.K. there is a housing crisis: this paper presents a new research study taking place at the University of Salford dedicated to the systemic seamless delivery of sustainable housing: 'G-Tech'. There has been much research in this area but with very little uptake of outcomes from industry, which is what this study aims to counter. The study considers all the relevant drivers such as government policy, an ageing population, demand, regional growth, sustainability and global warming with the intention to provide a systemic multi-level, multi actor innovation framework providing a full 'service' from the concept of need through to demolition and reuse. One of the studies main objectives is to alter stakeholder mindsets, remove the barriers and encourage greater adoption of the sustainable dwelling. The study will align sustainable homes to meet all the requirements set out by the triple bottom line of sustainability encompassing social, economical and environmental issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Building Research & Information is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Sustainable concerns appear increasingly prevalent to almost all scopes of industry, with society also becoming progressively aware and active towards the importance of sustainability. Housing is often identified as a core contributor to the UK energy concerns, with 27% of the country's C02 emissions produced through the burning fossil fuels with the home (Edwards & Hyett: 2002; DECC:2009). The built environment commonly presents sustainability from a technological construct, whereby research organisations keenly promotes technologies that address sustainable proficiency (Smith: 2003) and governmental guidance has focused designers and engineers to implement sustainable technologies, as a means of technical measurement. Whilst techno-rational constructs within sustainable architecture have thus provided a 'how it works' or 'can do' approach, this limits the social consideration (Roy & Herring:2007). However sociological perspectives see social factors as central to sustainability and in losing sight of this, many technical oriented built environments have been significantly less efficient than predicted (Chappells & Shove:2000). Drawing from various multi-disciplinary perspectives, this paper examines the literature which has begun to address this issue. Discussions will further highlight how this social context can impact on our perception of efficiency, through two specific case-studies. These findings will review users' actual experiences of living in existing sustainable housing; in terms of acceptance and adoption of sustainable practice. By providing a specific focus on domestic housing, this paper looks to highlight the importance of the social beyond being technically efficient, and calls for a more widespread consideration of social elements; user interactions, comfort, acceptance and adoption of technology. Whilst the focus may appear specific, there is strong correlation to the wider understanding of technologies that are considered in and for society, opening up the sustainability debate to a more rounded perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UK sustainable housing policy defines sustainability in technical environmental terms, but a social dimension is present in some policy measures. The various measures (exhortatory, regulatory, and economic) are outlined. Particular focus is placed on the “100% zero carbon by 2016” objective for new housing and the measures designed to achieve it. The development of the policy is explained in terms of international commitments, party politics, lobbying by the building materials and energy industries, and by “pioneer” local governments. The policy has not been the object of a mass environmental movement, and has low political saliency. The tension between Building Regulations, supported by the house-building industry, and local government planning policy as policy tools is discussed. It is argued that the reluctance of the house-building industry to include sustainability features in new houses undermines its influence vis-a-vis that of other industries and of local government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Heat pumps require four times less electricity per unit of heat than green hydrogen. • The heat cost of a green hydrogen-based system is double that of heat pumps. • Increasing renewables by 33% or interconnections by 200% can halve UK energy storage. Providing heat without emissions is a critical challenge to reach the 2050 UK net-zero target. Here, we simulate high renewable zero-emission energy system architectures with heat supply based on the major options of district heating, heat pumps, and electrolytic hydrogen boilers. We adopt a novel whole system modelling approach that combines meteorology-driven hourly simulations of demand and supply with storage, flexible technologies, and interconnections on the European scale. Our results show that systems with heat supply based on consumer or district heat pumps require about four times less electricity per unit of heat, with a heat cost about half of that from electrolytic hydrogen boilers. Furthermore, we compare trade-offs between investment in different infrastructure components. For example, we find that, compared to the reference scenario, increasing renewable capacity by 33%, or interconnections by 200%, can lower system storage capacity by up to 50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Building Research & Information is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Building Research & Information is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Interest in ecological design issues has increased enormously over the past few decades and ecological problems are perceived to be on the increase. This paper seeks to investigate the relative importance of the design eco-drivers contributing to ecological building design (EBD) success in the UK. A large number of eco-drivers have been extracted from literature and current design practices. To compare views from architects, data were collected from a statistically significant number of practising architects in the area of sustainable design. The data collected represent the views and ambitions of surveyed architects and not necessarily their current design practices. Ranking techniques are utilised to identify the connotation of eco-design indicators. Based on this analysis, the most important eco-design drivers are extracted. From the results of the overall ranking 'energy, efficiency, energy consumption, energy-eco-efficiency and environmentally adapted technology', eco-drivers are ranked as the most important factors amongst others. This indicates that the surveyed architects strongly perceive ecological design as being driven by energy aspects of building assets. This suggests that these findings are more sensitive to respondents' perception rather than to actual design practices. The selected eco-indicators could be used to assist designers in carrying out ecological design contextual synthesis as well as developing ecological design strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - Designers and planners in the UK are being asked by government to address sustainability. This paper seeks to explore how such issues can be addressed with the urban design process. From the literature, it is unclear when specific sustainability issues should be addressed, who actually makes decisions and what influences them, or how different stakeholders are engaged. Design/methodology/approach - A case study is presented, focusing on the early stages of an urban design and redevelopment process taking place in a deprived region of the UK. Interviews with key decision-makers and observations were conducted and subsequently analysed using content analysis. Findings - The findings show that the process adopted by clients and consultants was relatively similar to that identified by the literature. The importance of creating a sustainable community, and of addressing deprivation and poor services was recognised from the outset. Sustainability was referred to in the briefing to select a team of consultants to develop a vision and regeneration framework. However, specific problems related to sustainability, such as crime and poor health, were not communicated through the briefing documents, for fear of deterring private investment. Indeed, the need to attract private investment was a key aspect of early stage of the urban design process. Originality/value - This paper highlights potential difficulties of addressing sustainability at the early stage of the design process, when private sector backing is such a crucial component of the regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UK has a fairly mature building stock with between 1 and 5% of new buildings being introduced each year. The development of new façade solutions that can respond to the needs of the occupants of both new and refurbished buildings is, therefore, a key area for development. The built environment is a major consumer of energy across the domestic, industrial and service sectors. The construction and operation of buildings are responsible for about one-third of the energy use and one-half of the electricity use in most industrialised countries. A large share of the energy use is associated with protection from the external climate and operation of systems necessary to give the occupants a comfortable indoor environment. Natural light is seen as a key driver to people's well-being both in the workplace and at home. To realise high daylight factors in offices on overcast days, however, in particular requires highly glazed façades. Single-glazed windows result in high winter-month heat loads, whereas modern double- or triple-glazed units could result in summer overheating without additional solar protection or ventilation. This paper discusses the issue of façade refurbishment or replacement in the UK for multi-occupancy buildings in both the commercial and domestic sectors. Sustainability is considered from people, process and product perspectives for traditionally glazed façades in comparison with double-skin façades and climatic envelopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article profiles architect Adam Zombory-Moldovan in Great Britain. He uses a method that permits their practice to pursue on a very specific resolution to individual projects and to work with amazing diversity. He produces his own specific preoccupations using the material presence and atmosphere of the building. He is interested in creating parallels with art rather than architecture.

The article highlights the Academy International Forum on "Architecture in Arcadia," held at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, England on March 21, 1992. Discussions centered on public attitudes to development in the region, which are exercised increasingly in the minds of environmental politicians. pressure groups and the general public. Key developments include planning reform, sustainable architecture and housing development.

The concept of sustainable buildings is beginning to gather pace, at least in part, and moves in the UK such as the new Building Regulations Part L2 have heightened energy consciousness. However, warns Kevin Jones of Schneider Electric Services and Projects, there remains the need for architects, building services engineers and those commissioning buildings to have a better understanding of the roles different equipment can play. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The EU-28's food service sector generates excessive amounts of food waste. This notwithstanding, no comparative, cross-national research has ever been undertaken to understand how food waste is managed in restaurants across the EU-28. This study contributes to knowledge by presenting a first attempt to conduct a comparative analysis of restaurant food waste management practices in the UK and the Netherlands. It finds that although restaurateurs in both countries use demand forecasting as a prime approach to prevent food waste, forecasting does not always work. When this happens, food waste management programmes such as repurposing excess foodstuffs, redistribution of surplus food and consumer choice architecture are mostly considered commercially unviable. To improve the effectiveness of food waste management in the food service sectors of the UK and the Netherlands it is necessary to ensure that food waste mitigation becomes a corporate target for restaurateurs and the progress towards its achievement is regularly monitored by top management. This corporate commitment should be facilitated by national policy-makers, but also by EU regulators, by raising consumer awareness of food waste, incentivising surplus food redistribution and enabling food waste recycling. • Examines approaches to managing food waste in full service restaurants. Compares the food consumption markets of the UK and the Netherlands. • Demand forecasting, staff meal preparation and passive disposal dominate in both markets. • Good practices in managing food waste are available but not widely used. • These are the re-purpose of surplus ingredients, on-site food waste recycling, portion control and food-to-go boxes. • Determinants of (broader) cross-national application of these good practices are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green residential architecture is reviewed considering the green movement that has taken place since the 1950's to 2010's describing and evaluating the most relevant housing projects that integrate an energy systems approach to reduced demand, renewable energy supply and energy storage. This review shows that green residential architecture has evolved significantly, has been named differently depending on the interests or concerns at the time, and has advanced at varying speeds depending on the technological, economic, environmental and political barriers and drivers at the time. Eighty-two green residential case studies are evaluated, focusing on the UK (30% of the case studies), but also Europe, the USA and worldwide. It is found that the most popular strategies for reduced energy demand are fabric first approach (89% of the case studies) and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (64%) for renewable energy supply are solar thermal collectors (79%) and photovoltaic panels (58%), and for energy storage are hot water tanks (57%). In conclusion, 67% of the case studies have a whole energy systems-based approach with an average of 5.2 technologies per house. • Review of eighty-two international case studies of green residential architecture that integrate an energy systems approach to reduced demand, renewable energy supply and energy storage. • Green architecture focuses on climate, comfort, shelter, energy, materials, technology and emissions. • Strategies to reduce energy demand: insulated fabric, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), low energy appliances and LED lights. • Technologies for renewable heating supply: solar collectors, air source heat pumps (ASHP), ground source heat pumps (GSHP), stoves, biomass and combined heat and power (CHP). Technologies for renewable electricity supply: photovoltaic panels (PV) and wind turbines. • Technologies for energy storage: domestic hot water tanks, phase change materials, heat sinks and electrical batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Casella Stanger, Forum for the Future and Carillion plc recently completed a Partners in Innovation project called Sustainability Accounting in the Construction Industry. It is a highly innovative project, and is one of the first practical examples of sustainability accounting being applied in the UK. The project focused on developing methodologies for sustainability accounting and piloting them at the Great Western Hospital to develop the business case for sustainable construction. Methodologies are included within the full-colour report (freely available to download from www.casellastanger.com). A number of high-profile DTI/ICE and ClEF seminars are planned for March and April 2003 to promote this topic to a wider construction audience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides an overview of the development of green architecture in Great Britain. It also examines schemes partly backed by the Millennium Commission (MC). The most prestigious ecological schemes receive some of the biggest grants from MC. For instance, the Earth Centre in Yorkshire, England has a grant of £50 million and the Eden Project in Cornwall, England has a grant of £37 million. The Commission has reserved its biggest awards to the areas of art and ecology.