Agreement will see the lender sponsor the launch of new research on sustainable practices
A newly formed partnership for Puma Property Finance will see the lender sponsor the launch of University College London’s (UCL’s) new research centre focused on developing sustainable practices in the construction industry and the built environment.
The two-year partnership will see the development of research designed to improve the understanding of sustainability practices in the built environment and drive forward solutions.
As part of the agreement, the research will seek to identify the best measurement tools to accurately assess the environmental emissions and the social impact of construction projects and buildings.
It will also develop innovative financing models for construction projects, improve knowledge transfer, and decarbonise building stock.
The centre will sit within the Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, and the 10-person research team will be led by Dr Armando Castro, an associate professor at UCL, who has been researching and writing about ESG related themes since 2014.
“We are incredibly proud to sponsor UCL’s new research centre and play our part in significantly reducing the carbon impact of the construction industry,” said Paul Frost, managing director of Puma Property Finance, and member of the centre’s advisory board.
Frost added that delivering net zero buildings and retrofitting existing ones is a huge challenge, especially as the country tries to meet the demand for more and better quality housing, education facilities and suitable accommodation for the ageing population.
“Progress cannot be achieved through policy and regulation alone; it requires collaboration across industry and academia, innovation, creativity and ambition if we are to drive truly impactful change,” he added.
Castro said the centre has been launched at a critical time and has the purpose of sharing academic insights and knowledge, while connecting and fostering the dialogue between academics and practitioners of the built environment.
“This is greatly needed now since the construction industry and its players need to do more to address current societal concerns regarding their social and environmental impact,” he added.
