The environment is one of six challenges the London Metropolitan University is tackling through its civic and community initiative, London Met Lab: Empowering London. The university’s environment ‘Challenge Champions’ work with local partners on innovative design and research projects to ensure that London becomes carbon neutral, has clean air and is at the forefront of urban greening. Examples include rewilding roads, monitoring air quality in schools, exploring local timber sources for construction and designing healthy hospitals.
What are the key innovative aspects of the project and the story behind it?
The Lab’s mission is to tackle the inequalities facing London, to improve people’s lives and to deliver social justice. Led by Sophie Cloutterbuck, Director of London Engagement, alongside staff, students and partners, it brings our academic expertise to co-design solutions to the social challenges which disproportionately affect the communities the university serves. It is underpinned by the university’s Civic University Statement and strategy. The environment challenge is led by Sian Moxon, Associate Professor of Sustainable Architecture and is helping the capital meet its ambitious targets to meet WHO air quality guidelines by 2030, become carbon neutral by 2050, and become half greenspace with 12% more tree cover by 2050.
CARES launch event at London Metropolitan University. Image credit: London Metropolitan University
