SOM Foundation’s Post

📢 SEEDS 2025 - CALL FOR ABSTRACTS 📢 We are delighted to announce the return of our International Sustainable Ecological Engineering Design for Society (SEEDS) Conference which will take place at Loughborough University on 03, 04 & 05 September 2025. This year we will focus on 'pursuing sustainability from an auxiliary commitment to a core priority, beyond common-sense, in a changing political and socio-economic landscape.' Across previous years, our understanding of the influence of the socio-economic characteristics on sustainable practices has seen a significant advancement. However, the political characteristics contribute little to our understanding of sustainable behaviour amidst change in national policies, housing, contribution to the natural environment, use of innovations, value for money, and overall impact of power within relative markets. For some, the impact of any change on the political landscape would ultimately mean an impact on the adoption of sustainable solutions, while for others, such a change does not necessarily entail a primary course of action. Amidst a change of political agendas, we now yet again find ourselves overlooking various scenarios that challenge the core tenets of Sustainable Ecological Engineering Design for Society (SEEDS). Without delving into the plausible adverse effects of political decisions, and often also the indecisions, we stand to offer a little more than applied commonsense, as commonsense to promote these tenets may now need to be crafted in a slightly distinctive way. This year we ask... How do we redefine the ways we convey sustainability and ecological engineering, from a rather often seen auxiliary solutions to fit within the core values of any upcoming change? HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT & THEMES: Please submit abstracts by 13 January 2025 via the SEEDS MyPortal platform: https://lnkd.in/e4qtzur9 Follow the link above to also download our flyer and to find out more information about SEEDS 2025. ☝ #sustainability #ecological #engineering #design #conference #academicexcellence #research #sustainabilityconference #researchpaper #abstract #researchers #academicresearch Ali M. Saad, PhD Chris Gorse Saheed Ajayi Colin Booth Professor Darryl Newport Alison Pooley

📢 SEEDS 2025 - CALL FOR ABSTRACTS - DEADLINE EXTENDED - 31 JANUARY 2025 📢 We are delighted that our International Sustainable Ecological Engineering Design for Society (SEEDS) Conference will take place at Loughborough University on 03, 04 & 05 September 2025. This year, we will focus on 'pursuing sustainability from an auxiliary commitment to a core priority, beyond common-sense, in a changing political and socio-economic landscape.' Across previous years, our understanding of the influence of the socio-economic characteristics on sustainable practices has seen a significant advancement. However, the political characteristics contribute little to our understanding of sustainable behaviour amidst change in national policies, housing, contribution to the natural environment, use of innovations, value for money, and overall impact of power within relative markets. For some, the impact of any change on the political landscape would ultimately mean an impact on the adoption of sustainable solutions, while for others, such a change does not necessarily entail a primary course of action. Amidst a change of political agendas, we now yet again find ourselves overlooking various scenarios that challenge the core tenets of Sustainable Ecological Engineering Design for Society (SEEDS). Without delving into the plausible adverse effects of political decisions, and often also the indecisions, we stand to offer a little more than applied common sense, as common sense to promote these tenets may now need to be crafted in a slightly distinctive way. This year we ask... How do we redefine the ways we convey sustainability and ecological engineering, from a rather often seen auxiliary solutions to fit within the core values of any upcoming change? HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT & THEMES: The deadline to submit abstracts has been extended to 31 January 2025. Please submit abstracts via the SEEDS MyPortal platform: https://lnkd.in/e4qtzur9 Follow the link above to also download our flyer and to find out more information about SEEDS 2025. ☝ #sustainability #engineering #research #conference #sustainabilityconference #researchpaper #abstract Ali M. Saad, PhD Chris Gorse Saheed Ajayi Colin Booth Professor Darryl Newport Alison Pooley

We are proud to announce that Katerina Lika, a graduate of Epoka University, has published her master’s thesis research under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Sokol Dervishi, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Engineering, in the journal Energy Conversion and Management (Q1, Impact Factor: 9.9). This is one of the most prestigious international journals in the field of energy, ranked in the top 10 out of 270 SCI-indexed journals in #EnergyEngineering, #NuclearEnergy, and #RenewableEnergy.   The study investigates how high-rise residential buildings incorporating Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) can achieve a balance between #energyefficiency and #foodproduction. Through energy simulations across three climate contexts (Athens, New York, and Singapore), the researchers analyzed optimal building morphologies and key design factors, including shape, transparency, and envelope performance. The integration of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) into building design is emerging as a vital solution to global food security and urbanization challenges. However, the energy demands of these systems pose significant design challenges.   This research aligns closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities, responsible consumption, and climate action. It highlights the importance of early-stage design optimizations in creating sustainable high-rise buildings that integrate urban food production systems.   This remarkable achievement by Katerina Lika, under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Sokol Dervishi, is a proud moment for Epoka University and an inspiring contribution to addressing pressing global challenges. Full article https://lnkd.in/eZdmY5qX

Delighted to break new ground, quite literally, with my dissertation on "An Experimental Investigation on Low Carbon Concrete". Sure, concrete surrounds us, but it needn't be a carbon footprint in itself. I will dive deep into the science to see how we can rethink the use of this material for a better future. This research feels like building foundations for the cities of tomorrow-strong, durable, and kinder to the planet. Excited to share what I find, as innovation with sustainability! #LowCarbonConcrete #SustainableFuture #Civilengineering #carbonconcrere #structuralengineering #sustainabledevelopment

At Søren Jensen we have on behalf of far-sighted clients and ourselves been engaging ourselves in understanding the current trajectory of the built environment. We have come to believe that with time we’ll slowly (too slowly) but surely transition from a degenerative paradigm to initially a sustainable one, and then towards a regenerative paradigm. The work has been inspired by many many well known thinkers and we are greatful for the possibility to contribute our bit. Hanne Tine Ring Hansen, Frank Jensen, Kasper Lynge Jensen, and Ida Fur has publiched our work in the IOP Publishing Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. The article can be found here: https://lnkd.in/diH-fecg Abstract This paper presents a regenerative design philosophy and a design paradigm for the built environment including 12 indicators of regenerative building design developed by Søren Jensen. The regenerative design paradigm was developed to address the challenge of designing liveable and healthy built environments whilst reestablishing planetary health. The design paradigm is based on a literature study of different discourses and methodologies relating to regenerative thinking, presentations from and interviews with researchers and specialists as well as case-studies of reference projects. The design paradigm aims to give back more than it takes of planetary resources whilst providing a living environment that promotes a healthy and happy life within and between buildings. Inspired by the #FutureFit methodology the design paradigm identifies break-even and positive pursuit goals for planetary and people health in the built environment.

Biomimicry, the practice of drawing inspiration from nature to solve complex human challenges, is driving a new wave of innovation. From energy-efficient buildings designed like termite mounds to sustainable materials, nature is teaching us powerful lessons in design, efficiency, and sustainability. For those curious about how Nature’s Blueprint is reshaping science and technology, check out our latest article to see how these nature-inspired ideas are making industries like architecture and engineering more sustainable. Read the full article to discover how biomimicry is shaping the future of innovation ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dyQsYr6G P.S. Imagine what our world could look like if we designed it as sustainably as nature itself! #Biomimicry #Innovation #Sustainability #STEM #WEmpowerPakistan

🌱 Ecological Engineering: Shaping the Future of Sustainability 🌍 As we face unprecedented environmental challenges, it's clear that traditional engineering solutions are no longer enough. That’s why I believe ecological engineering is the way forward. It’s an approach that integrates natural processes with technology, creating sustainable solutions that work with nature, not against it. 🌳💧 From restoring wetlands to designing green infrastructure, ecological engineering helps preserve biodiversity, improve water quality, and even combat climate change. It's about innovating with nature in mind and ensuring that ecosystems can thrive while meeting human needs. As an ecological engineering student, I’m proud to be part of a field that prioritizes environmental stewardship and inspires solutions that are as elegant as they are effective. The future of sustainability depends on our ability to merge engineering with ecology, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us. 💚 #EcologicalEngineering #Sustainability #GreenTechnology #EngineeringForTheFuture #ClimateAction #ManoubaSchoolOfEngineering

Anne Arundel Community College Health & Life Science Building is more than a building—it's a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and preparing future leaders in health and life sciences. 🌍 🔹 Size & Impact: At 175,000 sq. ft. and three stories tall, it's the largest building on AACC's Arnold campus. 🔹 Labs Galore: Home to 18 biology labs, 20 health science labs, a greenhouse, and aquaculture labs for real-world learning. 🔹 Advanced Simulation: Features life-like manikins and clinical simulation labs for health sciences students to practice emergency responses. 🔹 Environmental Leadership: Houses an environmental center focused on research and regional sustainability. 🔹 LEED Gold Certified: Awarded in 2022 for sustainable design—think EV charging stations, native landscaping, and eco-friendly materials! 🌱 #annearundelcommunitycollege #facadesofbuildings #cladding #terracottatuesdays #shildan Check out the entire project here > https://lnkd.in/dgp6u5Qt Architect: SmithGroup DC Owner: Anne Arundel Community College Contractor: The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company Installer: Alliance Exterior Construction Photographer: Sinziana Velicescu

How do we build for the future? 🏠🔨🌳 The construction industry is a major climate polluter, responsible for 37% of the total CO2 emissions. Therefore, we need to look for new ways. Biobased building materials can significantly reduce the industry's CO2 impact. But how do we improve the durability and performance of these materials? What are the architectural trends? What are the restrictions and regulations within the field? And how do we implement them? This Cross-disciplinary Biosolutions seminar on "Novel biobased building materials" will explore these topics, offering insights into the latest research and industry perspectives on biogenic materials in construction. Look forward to: 🏛️ Architectural trends and fermented new materials with Serafim Bakalis (Professor, Department of Food Science) and Phil Ayres (Professor, Royal Danish Academy – Architecture, Design, Conservation)  🏗️ Modified wood and biobased composites with Emil Engelund Thybring (Associate Professor, Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management) 🌳 The use of biogenic materials in construction with Stig Hessellund (Project Manager, Realdania) 📜 Barriers and opportunities for the biobased and recycled building materials in the Building Regulations 2018 (BR18) with Mikael Hallstrøm Eriksen (Chief Consultant, NIRAS) Read more and register here 👉 https://lnkd.in/d_W-S8kX 📅 Date: September 26th from 11:00 - 13:00 📍 Location: Lokale i61, Dyrlægevej 10, Frederiksberg Bibliotek på Frederiksberg Campus Svend Christensen | Sune Tjalfe Thomsen | Linda Nielsen | Henrik Siegumfeldt | Asger Mose Wingender | Sandøe Peter Food & Bio Cluster Denmark | Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen | Københavns Universitet - University of Copenhagen | Royal Danish Academy - Institute for Architecture and Technology | Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen | Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen | Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen | NIRAS | Realdania By & Byg

Collaborative scholarship and research will draw on conservation, design, and technology. | Click below to read the full article on Sunalei