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Built environment and planning

REF 2014 Highlights

Stunning improvement in GPA, from 1.85 in 2008 to 2.66 in 2014
100% of outputs internationally recognised or better
100% of impact deemed 'considerable' or better

Research is a significant part of activity at the Birmingham School of the Built Environment (BSBE), and is co-ordinated through the Centre for Environment and Society Research.

Academics who were submitted to the Architecture, Built Environment and Planning panel as part of REF 2014 moved up the league table.

The group increased the number of publications graded as world leading or internationally significant (4* or 3*) from 35% in the last assessment to over 64% in REF 2014.

See our full UoA 16 submission on the REF website

Along with other post-1992 Universities, we have made significant gains by demonstrating the impact that our research has had on the UK’s economy and society. Professor Mark Reed, from BSBE, has led the creation of new markets to enable companies to pay for restoring damaged peat bogs in return for the carbon that is saved. The Government launched a pilot UK Peatland Code last year based on this work in collaboration with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and water companies now regularly restore peat bogs to reduce water treatment costs.

Professor Alister Scott has developed a board game called “Rufopoly” to raise awareness and support decisions in rural areas under pressure from housing development around cities. The training game has now been played by policy-makers, businesses, voluntary bodies and schools across the UK, Sweden and the USA. 

Professors Reed and Scott have led major components of the Government’s National Ecosystem Assessment follow on project, resulting in shortlisting for the 2014 Royal Town Planning Institute awards for planning excellence.

Research Stories

Read about some of our projects and research into environmental sustainability.
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Research People

Meet our researchers and find out more about their work and areas of expertise.
Go to Research People >>

Research Centre

The Centre for Environment and Society Research (CESR) is the focal point of research.
Go to CESR >>