Supporting a green and just transition for NHS Scotland

Buildings and Land

The projects in this theme focus on issues surrounding energy and health, collective environmental behaviours for health, designing with waste from single-use plastics for permanent architectural products and improvements in indoor air quality (IAQ).

In 2020 – 2021, NHS Scotland buildings accounted for the equivalent of approximately 430,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

The projects in this theme focus on issues surrounding energy and health, collective environmental behaviours for health, and the use of waste from single-use plastics in permanent architectural products and improvements in indoor air quality (IAQ). We are working to create healthy, inclusive, resilient, and nature rich healthcare environments that nurture good health and wellbeing for patients, staff, and the wider community while minimising the impact on the environment.

Events, News

News  •  20 May 2025
THEMES — Buildings and Land Care Communities Digital Design Exploratory Projects Products and Services Travel

SHIFT Documentation

Looking back at what was captured from our SHIFT symposium, which took place at Civic House, Glasgow on the 22 April 2025 – the people, the papers, the energy and the ideas.

News  •  19 May 2025
THEMES — Buildings and Land Care Communities Digital Design Exploratory Projects Products and Services Travel

Shifting Reflections

In this article, SHIFT symposium co-convenors Dr. Laura MacLean and Dr. Lewis Urquhart reflect on key learnings from the SHIFT symposium, and where it might go next.

Event  •  27 March – 13 June
THEMES — Buildings and Land Care Communities Digital Design Exploratory Projects Products and Services Travel

Work-in-Progress at the University of Strathclyde

Find out more
News  •  5 March 2025
THEMES — Buildings and Land Care Communities Digital Design Exploratory Projects Products and Services Travel

Work-in-Progress Exhibition Welcomes over 50,000 Visitors

Design HOPES showcased 17 projects at V&A Dundee, all happening as part of the Green Transition Ecosystem Hub programme, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, through the Future Observatory.

Event  •  27 February 2025
THEME — Buildings and Land

Energy and Health, and Improving Indoor Air Quality

News  •  20 December 2024
THEMES — Buildings and Land Care Communities Digital Design Exploratory Projects Products and Services Travel

‘Human health is inextricably linked to the health of the planet’

An interview with Prof. Paul Rodgers and Prof. Mel Woods, co-directors of Design HOPES, on Future Observatory

Event  •  5 December – 17 February
THEMES — Buildings and Land Care Communities Digital Design Exploratory Projects Products and Services Travel

V&A Dundee Exhibition

More about the Exhibition

People

Organisations

Community Energy Scotland
NHS 24
NHS Golden Jubilee
Public Health Scotland
Dress for the Weather
Still Life
NHS Scotland Assure

A collaborative project, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, as part of the Future Observatory programme, and led by the University of Strathclyde and University of Dundee (DJCAD), with Heriot-Watt University, Abertay University, and the University of Edinburgh, NHS Scotland, industry partners, and public sector stakeholders.

Project Logos