Joe Giddings
@joegiddings.bsky.social
Built Environment | Climate Change | Architecture. Working to transform the built environment to address climate change. European Networks Lead at Built by Nature. Co-founding member of Architects Climate Action Network. Views expressed here are my own.
The Environmental Audit Committee published its report into environmental sustainability of housing growth. It is full of excellent insight from the industry and recommendations to Government. Here are some of the key takeaways. Thread!
publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5901/cm...
publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5901/cm...
Environmental sustainability and housing growth
Report of the Environmental Audit Committee
publications.parliament.uk
November 21, 2025 at 2:27 PM
The Environmental Audit Committee published its report into environmental sustainability of housing growth. It is full of excellent insight from the industry and recommendations to Government. Here are some of the key takeaways. Thread!
publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5901/cm...
publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5901/cm...
"the carbon level has reached 426.68 parts per million – well over scientists’ so called “safe” limit of 350. (...) news editors have told me not to be too downbeat; let’s have some optimism. I think the facts speak for themselves."
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/no...
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/no...
As I write my last column, the facts on climate crisis speak for themselves
Since 1995, when the first Cop was held, carbon levels have increased from 360.67 parts per million to 426.68 parts now
www.theguardian.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:15 PM
"the carbon level has reached 426.68 parts per million – well over scientists’ so called “safe” limit of 350. (...) news editors have told me not to be too downbeat; let’s have some optimism. I think the facts speak for themselves."
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/no...
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/no...
The timing of this is incredible. Could it be any more obvious?
Among the reasons for the defeat cited by analysts are voter fatigue over hard-line immigration policies.
Among the reasons for the defeat cited by analysts are voter fatigue over hard-line immigration policies.
We must copy Denmark Social Democrats' hardline anti-asylum measures in order to win back voters' trust, says Shabana Mahmood.
Meanwhile in Denmark:
Meanwhile in Denmark:
November 19, 2025 at 11:52 AM
The timing of this is incredible. Could it be any more obvious?
Among the reasons for the defeat cited by analysts are voter fatigue over hard-line immigration policies.
Among the reasons for the defeat cited by analysts are voter fatigue over hard-line immigration policies.
Reposted by Joe Giddings
Six weeks since the PM said Britain faced a choice between decency or division and our bad, obviously, for not understanding that he was in fact Team Division
November 17, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Six weeks since the PM said Britain faced a choice between decency or division and our bad, obviously, for not understanding that he was in fact Team Division
Reposted by Joe Giddings
Maybe it's just me, but I find the positive tone of posts like this infuriating. It isn't "good" news.
To limit warming to 2 (not 1.5) degrees, emissions must fall by ~8% p.a., every year, from NOW.
Fossil fuel use GROWING for ~5 more years would be an unmitigated disaster.
To limit warming to 2 (not 1.5) degrees, emissions must fall by ~8% p.a., every year, from NOW.
Fossil fuel use GROWING for ~5 more years would be an unmitigated disaster.
NEW: Global fossil fuel use will peak before 2030 – unless 'stated policies' are abandoned
Contra some terrible news coverage, IEA World Energy Outlook shows coal near peak, oil peaking by 2030 & gas by 2035 (see chart)
What's going on? 🧵 + cool charts
www.carbonbrief.org/iea-fossil-f...
Contra some terrible news coverage, IEA World Energy Outlook shows coal near peak, oil peaking by 2030 & gas by 2035 (see chart)
What's going on? 🧵 + cool charts
www.carbonbrief.org/iea-fossil-f...
November 12, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Maybe it's just me, but I find the positive tone of posts like this infuriating. It isn't "good" news.
To limit warming to 2 (not 1.5) degrees, emissions must fall by ~8% p.a., every year, from NOW.
Fossil fuel use GROWING for ~5 more years would be an unmitigated disaster.
To limit warming to 2 (not 1.5) degrees, emissions must fall by ~8% p.a., every year, from NOW.
Fossil fuel use GROWING for ~5 more years would be an unmitigated disaster.
If this chart bears out we are all doomed. Growth in renewables means little if we do not also phase out oil, gas and coal.
NEW: Global fossil fuel use will peak before 2030 – unless 'stated policies' are abandoned
Contra some terrible news coverage, IEA World Energy Outlook shows coal near peak, oil peaking by 2030 & gas by 2035 (see chart)
What's going on? 🧵 + cool charts
www.carbonbrief.org/iea-fossil-f...
Contra some terrible news coverage, IEA World Energy Outlook shows coal near peak, oil peaking by 2030 & gas by 2035 (see chart)
What's going on? 🧵 + cool charts
www.carbonbrief.org/iea-fossil-f...
November 12, 2025 at 12:12 PM
If this chart bears out we are all doomed. Growth in renewables means little if we do not also phase out oil, gas and coal.
The @news.architectsjournal.co.uk excellent Climate Champions podcast is back & I had the absolute pleasure of speaking to Hattie Hartman & Joe Jack Williams as the first guest of the new series
"the ‘mind-blowing’ growth of bio-based materials" 😀
www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/aj-clim...
"the ‘mind-blowing’ growth of bio-based materials" 😀
www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/aj-clim...
AJ Climate Champions podcast: Joe Giddings on the ‘mind-blowing’ growth of bio-based materials
Built by Nature’s Joe Giddings, a co-founder of ACAN, talks about building responsibly with timber and sustainable forestry initiatives
www.architectsjournal.co.uk
November 12, 2025 at 10:58 AM
The @news.architectsjournal.co.uk excellent Climate Champions podcast is back & I had the absolute pleasure of speaking to Hattie Hartman & Joe Jack Williams as the first guest of the new series
"the ‘mind-blowing’ growth of bio-based materials" 😀
www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/aj-clim...
"the ‘mind-blowing’ growth of bio-based materials" 😀
www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/aj-clim...
Reposted by Joe Giddings
The leader isn't Labour's problem
Their problem is that people elected them to reverse the damage done by the Tories
Whereas they just carried on doing more damage
They need to tax wealth and invest in public services
And challenge the oligarchs dominating our economy
And focus on fairness
Their problem is that people elected them to reverse the damage done by the Tories
Whereas they just carried on doing more damage
They need to tax wealth and invest in public services
And challenge the oligarchs dominating our economy
And focus on fairness
November 12, 2025 at 8:02 AM
The leader isn't Labour's problem
Their problem is that people elected them to reverse the damage done by the Tories
Whereas they just carried on doing more damage
They need to tax wealth and invest in public services
And challenge the oligarchs dominating our economy
And focus on fairness
Their problem is that people elected them to reverse the damage done by the Tories
Whereas they just carried on doing more damage
They need to tax wealth and invest in public services
And challenge the oligarchs dominating our economy
And focus on fairness
Cross Laminated Timber production capacity in Spain has quadrupled in the last 5 years, with new plants operational across the north from Galicia in the west to Catalonia in the East
Read about one of Europes emerging success stories in Mass Madera's annual report: massmadera.org/informe-mass...
Read about one of Europes emerging success stories in Mass Madera's annual report: massmadera.org/informe-mass...
Informes Mass Madera – MassMadera
massmadera.org
November 11, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Cross Laminated Timber production capacity in Spain has quadrupled in the last 5 years, with new plants operational across the north from Galicia in the west to Catalonia in the East
Read about one of Europes emerging success stories in Mass Madera's annual report: massmadera.org/informe-mass...
Read about one of Europes emerging success stories in Mass Madera's annual report: massmadera.org/informe-mass...
Some good news. China's emissions appear to have peaked:
NEW – Analysis: China’s CO2 emissions have now been flat or falling for 18 months | @laurimyllyvirta.bsky.social
Read here: buff.ly/ONGzk3a
Read here: buff.ly/ONGzk3a
November 11, 2025 at 7:40 AM
Some good news. China's emissions appear to have peaked:
as requested by absolutely nobody, I am going to live blog the launch of the Principles for Responsible Timber Construction at the Buildings and Cooling Pavilion inside the Blue Zone at COP30, Belem, Brazil.
November 10, 2025 at 5:39 PM
as requested by absolutely nobody, I am going to live blog the launch of the Principles for Responsible Timber Construction at the Buildings and Cooling Pavilion inside the Blue Zone at COP30, Belem, Brazil.
Walworth Town Hall in Elephant & Castle, south London.
The Victorian building was gutted by a fire, now beautifully refurbished and extended up with gorgeous timber structural design.
General Projects development, design by Feix & Merlin
The Victorian building was gutted by a fire, now beautifully refurbished and extended up with gorgeous timber structural design.
General Projects development, design by Feix & Merlin
November 10, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Walworth Town Hall in Elephant & Castle, south London.
The Victorian building was gutted by a fire, now beautifully refurbished and extended up with gorgeous timber structural design.
General Projects development, design by Feix & Merlin
The Victorian building was gutted by a fire, now beautifully refurbished and extended up with gorgeous timber structural design.
General Projects development, design by Feix & Merlin
Reposted by Joe Giddings
Dominic Cummings, in an earlier incarnation, ran a secretly-funded 'think tank' dedicated to attacking the Beeb while Robbie Gibb glided effortlessly from GBNews to the BBC & started lecturing staff on impartiality. Imagine (cos you'll have to) how the 'left-wing' equivalent would be reported.
November 10, 2025 at 9:23 AM
Dominic Cummings, in an earlier incarnation, ran a secretly-funded 'think tank' dedicated to attacking the Beeb while Robbie Gibb glided effortlessly from GBNews to the BBC & started lecturing staff on impartiality. Imagine (cos you'll have to) how the 'left-wing' equivalent would be reported.
Reposted by Joe Giddings
In 'How They Broke Britain', I do a pretty good job of detailing the depth & breadth of Tufton Street/Tory/Murdoch/Mail attempts to scupper the BBC, even as I castigate some presenters for going too easy on precisely the people who seek the Corporation's abolition. But I should have done more. 1/2
November 10, 2025 at 9:23 AM
In 'How They Broke Britain', I do a pretty good job of detailing the depth & breadth of Tufton Street/Tory/Murdoch/Mail attempts to scupper the BBC, even as I castigate some presenters for going too easy on precisely the people who seek the Corporation's abolition. But I should have done more. 1/2
It's wild to me that Tim Davie was pushed out because of supposed bias *against* the right! Most people, myself included, have for years seen the BBC drifting further and further right:
Farewell then Tim Davie. Under his watch the BBC whitewashed genocide, had the BBC News website resembling a “migrant crime” X account, boosted trans hate and the right wing STILL hate him. Quite an achievement
BREAKING: Tim Davie resigns as BBC's director-general - with CEO of BBC News also stepping down
news.sky.com/story/tim-da...
news.sky.com/story/tim-da...
November 9, 2025 at 10:58 PM
It's wild to me that Tim Davie was pushed out because of supposed bias *against* the right! Most people, myself included, have for years seen the BBC drifting further and further right:
Reposted by Joe Giddings
Which one is more English?
November 6, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Which one is more English?
Things are moving really fast in the world of built environment carbon removals
Grown in Britain is now developing a certification called Biogenic Stored Carbon Quotient (BSCQ) - which would certify the carbon locked up in construction, in biogenic materials
www.growninbritain.org/grown-in-bri...
Grown in Britain is now developing a certification called Biogenic Stored Carbon Quotient (BSCQ) - which would certify the carbon locked up in construction, in biogenic materials
www.growninbritain.org/grown-in-bri...
Grown in Britain Leads Response to Timber in Construction Roadmap, Delivering for the Sector Through Strategic Partnership - Grown In Britain
Grown in Britain lead a major industry coalition developing Biogenic Stored Carbon Quotient (BSCQ) certification to address need for verified biogenic carbon claims
www.growninbritain.org
November 6, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Things are moving really fast in the world of built environment carbon removals
Grown in Britain is now developing a certification called Biogenic Stored Carbon Quotient (BSCQ) - which would certify the carbon locked up in construction, in biogenic materials
www.growninbritain.org/grown-in-bri...
Grown in Britain is now developing a certification called Biogenic Stored Carbon Quotient (BSCQ) - which would certify the carbon locked up in construction, in biogenic materials
www.growninbritain.org/grown-in-bri...
Fantasic illustration of how complex & global the supply chain is for concrete (here with steel rebar)
Obviously this snapshot says little about the specific ecological impact of those sites, but if this has less negative impact than timber I'll eat my hat - and yours
Credit: Steve Brown Ramboll
Obviously this snapshot says little about the specific ecological impact of those sites, but if this has less negative impact than timber I'll eat my hat - and yours
Credit: Steve Brown Ramboll
November 6, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Fantasic illustration of how complex & global the supply chain is for concrete (here with steel rebar)
Obviously this snapshot says little about the specific ecological impact of those sites, but if this has less negative impact than timber I'll eat my hat - and yours
Credit: Steve Brown Ramboll
Obviously this snapshot says little about the specific ecological impact of those sites, but if this has less negative impact than timber I'll eat my hat - and yours
Credit: Steve Brown Ramboll
Recently visited workstack in Charlton - a project by the Greenwich Enterprise Board and dRMM Studios.
Light industrial spaces stacked on top of each other - CLT boxes, super minimal internal finish / super low embodied carbon
Light industrial spaces stacked on top of each other - CLT boxes, super minimal internal finish / super low embodied carbon
November 5, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Recently visited workstack in Charlton - a project by the Greenwich Enterprise Board and dRMM Studios.
Light industrial spaces stacked on top of each other - CLT boxes, super minimal internal finish / super low embodied carbon
Light industrial spaces stacked on top of each other - CLT boxes, super minimal internal finish / super low embodied carbon
Completely agree. we need to begin to account for "lifestyle" emissions in development planning
# of people housed per m2 or per unit of land use could provide a more equitable, performance-oriented allocation of carbon budgets. 🏠 = fewer people per unit area + more upfront carbon emissions could justifiably face stricter carbon limits, prioritizing denser, more space-efficient housing 💥
November 3, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Completely agree. we need to begin to account for "lifestyle" emissions in development planning
As part of our plans for COP30 at Built by Nature, we've produced a film showcasing 6 exemplar timber buildings from around the world.
Narrated by Kevin McCloud - the film asks; can the way we build our homes help solve the climate crisis? www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WxQ...
Narrated by Kevin McCloud - the film asks; can the way we build our homes help solve the climate crisis? www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WxQ...
Our Future: Built by Nature (2025) | Official Trailer
YouTube video by Built by Nature
www.youtube.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:44 PM
As part of our plans for COP30 at Built by Nature, we've produced a film showcasing 6 exemplar timber buildings from around the world.
Narrated by Kevin McCloud - the film asks; can the way we build our homes help solve the climate crisis? www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WxQ...
Narrated by Kevin McCloud - the film asks; can the way we build our homes help solve the climate crisis? www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WxQ...
Highlights the benefit of other parties stepping aside, and the anti-reform vote coming together around a single candidate
Bromsgrove South (Worcestershire) Council By-Election Result:
🔶 LDM: 51.9% (+20.3)
➡️ RFM: 33.4% (-1.5)
🌳 CON: 11.3% (-5.8)
🌹 LAB: 3.4% (-4.1)
No GRN (-5.5) or Ind (-3.4) as previous.
Liberal Democrat GAIN from Reform.
Changes w/ 2025.
🔶 LDM: 51.9% (+20.3)
➡️ RFM: 33.4% (-1.5)
🌳 CON: 11.3% (-5.8)
🌹 LAB: 3.4% (-4.1)
No GRN (-5.5) or Ind (-3.4) as previous.
Liberal Democrat GAIN from Reform.
Changes w/ 2025.
October 31, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Highlights the benefit of other parties stepping aside, and the anti-reform vote coming together around a single candidate
This fact - 2024 saw the largest one year increase in CO2 levels since records began - should be leading the news agenda round the clock. There should be 24/7 crisis reporting, breaking news style, forcing politicians everywhere to respond. Every other news story should be connected to this.
October 27, 2025 at 11:24 AM
This fact - 2024 saw the largest one year increase in CO2 levels since records began - should be leading the news agenda round the clock. There should be 24/7 crisis reporting, breaking news style, forcing politicians everywhere to respond. Every other news story should be connected to this.
Reposted by Joe Giddings
Clay boards with or without natural fibers as fire protection layer (bye gypsum) 'beclaydung' project #eurocode #earthbuilding #regenerativematerials #bauwende
youtu.be/MrObT7j4wHA?...
youtu.be/MrObT7j4wHA?...
TimCoM 2025 | Dominik Merk | Clay Boards as a fire protection layer – State of the art
YouTube video by Holzbau und Baukonstruktion
youtu.be
October 13, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Clay boards with or without natural fibers as fire protection layer (bye gypsum) 'beclaydung' project #eurocode #earthbuilding #regenerativematerials #bauwende
youtu.be/MrObT7j4wHA?...
youtu.be/MrObT7j4wHA?...