Inspiring the Next Generation: Built Environment Innovators
Did you know that advances in traditional materials—like self-healing concrete and ultra-efficient insulation—are transforming the way we build? Or that by 2050, a significant percentage of UK homes will be over 100 years old, making retrofitting and sustainable renovation a major challenge?
The built environment plays a crucial but often overlooked role in shaping a sustainable future. While decarbonising transport, such as our buses, cars and lorries, regularly makes headlines, improvements in energy-efficient buildings, smart technology, and urban design remain largely invisible. Yet, the built environment is responsible for around 25% of the UK’s carbon emissions—a challenge that must be addressed if we are to reach net-zero by 2050.
The Challenge: A hidden industry and a shrinking talent pipeline
Despite its significance, careers in the built environment rarely capture the imagination of young people. A lack of visibility means fewer young minds are inspired to explore opportunities in design, architecture, biodiversity, engineering, urban planning, and construction. If we don’t act now, we risk a skills shortage in one of the most critical sectors for a greener future.
A New Approach: Hands-on learning with Cambridge Science Centre
To address this, Cambridge Science Centre (CSC) is teaming up with leading built environment partners to create a ground breaking informal education programme. In late 2024 and early 2025, key organisations—including Barnes Construction, Brockton Everlast, Cambridge Building Society, CEMEX, COEL, The Crown Estate, Trinity College University of Cambridge, and Cambridge Science Park—came together to explore how to inspire the next generation. This incredible team has hundreds of years of built environment sector vision, experience and inspiration which, together, has helped us develop a brand new programme focusing on building a sustainable environment.
We are designing an engaging and measurable sustainability-focused STEM education initiative that will:
✅ Spark young people’s interest in urban design and construction
✅ Develop hands-on STEM skills through real-world challenges
✅ Connect students with industry professionals to explore career pathways
✅ Encourage community engagement in shaping sustainable environments
Discover the Built Environment
Piloting the future of sustainable construction in 2025.
Throughout the first half of 2025, CSC will pilot a range of interactive experiences:
- Hands-on workshops introducing cutting-edge building technologies
- “Meet the Industry” events where young people engage with professionals
- STEM clubs tackling real-world urban design challenges
These locally based pilots will measure how effectively different approaches ignite interest in the built environment, laying the foundation for a full-scale, and potentially national, rollout in 2026.
“Barnes Construction is proud to support this initiative. The future of sustainable building depends on the talent we nurture today. Hands-on education is key to inspiring the next generation of construction professionals who will shape our cities and communities.” Daniel Sheldrake MCIOB BSc (Hons), Associate Divisional Director, Barnes Construction.
Join Us: Help shape the future of the Built Environment
CSC is deeply grateful to Barnes Construction, Brockton Everlast, and Trinity College Cambridge for their leadership in getting this programme off the ground. As we enter the next phase, we’re seeking additional partners from across the built environment sector—including architecture, planning, biodiversity, construction, real estate, and sustainability.
“At Brockton Everlast, we believe that the best way to create lasting impact is through collaboration. By investing in STEM education today, we are building the foundation for the innovators and changemakers of tomorrow.”
— Dan Brown, Senior Managing Director, Head of Portfolio at Brockton Everlast
Get Involved
Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing insights and updates through blogs, images and videos. If your organisation is passionate about inspiring young minds and shaping a sustainable built environment, we’d love to hear from you.
Join our mission to inspire future innovators
Contact Cambridge Science Centre CEO, Rebecca Porter for more information to explore partnership opportunities in STEM education and sustainable construction.
“Thank you to our founding partners, and to those of you considering joining us. Together, we can create a transformational programme that empowers young people to see their world—and their future—in a whole new way.” Rebecca Porter
About Cambridge Science Centre
Cambridge Science Centre empowers young minds through captivating STEM workshops, interactive exhibits, and innovative learning experiences.
Our commitment to equity in education is creating opportunities for all children to explore the wonders of science and discover diverse opportunities to develop STEM skills and experiences that can change their lives for the better.
Businesses play a crucial role in partnering with Cambridge Science Centre, bridging the gaps in STEM education, and nurturing the next generation of employees and innovators.
Having reached half a million young people in our first 10 years, Cambridge Science Centre remains the only space in East Anglia to offer STEM-focused family experiences from our new location within the world-renowned Cambridge Science Park: The Trinity Centre, Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0FN.
