Cement is vital in the construction industry, being the glue that holds concrete together.But cement production accounts for around 8% of global CO₂ emissions.Low-carbon alternatives are available and could help to revolutionize the way we build cities to mitigate against climate change. August 22 is Earth Overshoot Day, which marks the date when humanity's demand for ecological resources in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that ...

Although the coronavirus pandemic has dominated recent headlines, climate change hasn't gone away. Many experts are calling for a "green" economic recovery that directs investments into low-carbon energy sources and technologies. Buildings account for 40% of total energy consumption in the U.S., compared to 32% for industry and 28% for transportation. States and cities with ambitious climate action plans are working to reduce emissions from the b...

As high-rise cities grow upwards and outwards, increasing numbers of birds die by crashing into glass buildings each year. And of course many others break beaks, wings and legs or suffer other physical harm. But we can help eradicate the danger by good design. Most research into building-related bird deaths has been done in the United States and Canada, where cities such as Toronto and New York City are located on bird migration paths. In New Yor...