Volkswagen’s new all-electric ID. Buzz is now available as a one-stop EV package with Ohme’s Home Pro smart charger included.

Following last month’s announcement of the partnership between award-winning smart charging company Ohme and Volkswagen, this latest announcement sees customers who finance their ID. Buzz or ID. Buzz Cargo also receive an Ohme Home Pro.

“The ID. Buzz is one of the most exciting new EVs on the market and together with our Home Pro this is a great package for a new car buyer,” said David Watson, CEO at Ohme. “Here at Ohme, we’re delighted to be extending our relationship with Volkswagen with this bundled agreement with the ID. Buzz and our Home Pro smart charger.”

Ohme’s Home Pro smart charger can connect with the national grid in real time and automatically adjust its charging for drivers to take advantage of all the times of low price charging with smart off-peak tariffs.

With the ID. Buzz featuring a 77kWh battery and a WLTP range of more than 250 miles, it means that charging from zero to 100 per cent with an Ohme Home Pro combined with a smart off-peak tariff from Octopus could cost just £7.70 compared to over £26 on the Standard Variable Tariff*.

“We chose Ohme as our charging partner for Volkswagen and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles because of its award-winning Home Pro product and excellent attitude towards customer service,” said Alice Axtell from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “This latest bundled package with the ID. Buzz further underlines that relationship with a great offer for customers buying this highly sought-after electric vehicle.”

Ohme also offers drivers the option to charge their vehicle when renewable energy generation on the National Grid is at its highest, further lowering their CO2 impact.

Ohme is the official charger provider for the Volkswagen and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in the UK as well as for customers on the Motability scheme, the largest UK fleet operator in the UK, and has been named as the Best Electric Charging Point Provider by Business Motoring.

* Octopus Intelligent at 10p/kW, SVT at 34p/kW

Next February’s Dark Skies Festival will showcase not just the beauty of the night sky above both the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Park but also how important it is for light pollution to be curbed.

The Festival has become a popular half-term fixture for thousands of people to enjoy spending time outdoors under a star-studded sky whether it’s going on a nocturnal wildlife walk, a stargazing safari, a kayaking or cycling evening, or learning astro photography skills.

However the Festival also highlights the fragility of the night sky and how both the natural world and the wellbeing of humans depends on it being protected from artificial light pollution.

When both National Parks achieved International Dark Sky Reserve status in December 2020, joining a select band of global places, it only marked the start of work to preserve and enhance their night skies so they are safeguarded from light pollution.

This has included a comprehensive programme of monitoring artificial light levels and working with businesses, local councils and homeowners to improve external lighting.

For instance, it can be simply adjusting the angle of a floodlight on the side of a building to direct the beam more precisely rather than scattering rays of wasted light. Or it could be introducing dimmers or motion sensors on external lights or using less harsh LED lighting on streets.

The benefits of curbing light pollution are numerous – from protecting the body clock of nocturnal animals, the migratory patterns of birds, the work of night pollinating insects right through to our own wellbeing which is adversely affected when circadian rhythms are disrupted by artificial light.

The Festival takes place between 10 and 26 February 2023 at numerous venues across both the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks.

For more information and booking details go to https://www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk/

West Midlands UK, November 8th 2022: Jutexpo have reached the 100 million bottle mark having been recycled and converted into reusable shopping bags. 

With nearly 1 million plastic bottles being sold every minute across the globe, and the average time for them to biodegrade being 450 years, Jutexpo have taken action, by quite literally taking the bottles from our oceans and converting them into the shopping bags we all use on a daily basis. 

Barrie Turner, Chair and owner of Jutexpo has said: “With Halt Alliance and Jutexpo we have halted the process of plastic bottles from filling our oceans and damaging the planet. We are immensely proud to be hitting the 100 million bottles converted into reusable bags, and getting all those bottles out of our oceans and made into something we all benefit from.

“Over the last two decades Jutexpo have supplied some of the biggest supermarkets in the UK with reusable shopping bags, and are looking forward to the next 100 million bottles being transformed into millions of bags for our clients.”

Jutexpo are the UK market leader in reusable bags and products made with rPET (from post-consumer plastic bottles), along with Jute, Juco, Cotton, and and their core principle is ‘Beyond the bag’ which focuses on integrity through ethical production, social responsibility, quality and trust. Supplying clients such as Sainsbury’s Waitrose, Merlin, John Lewis, WWF, Tesco and Marks & Spencer. 

Jen and Faye run SustainaBrum, a website directory and Instagram account aimed at raising the profile of Birmingham’s sustainable businesses. It’s a resource for those looking to find sustainable shops, restaurants or services – they aim to take the hard work out of making more sustainable purchasing decisions!

Their website includes a map for finding businesses near you, or you can search by category – they have featured restaurants, bars and bakeries, sustainable homeware brands, hairdressers, soap and beauty product makers, ethical clothing brands, jewellers, a greeting card maker, a party hire company, a borrow shop, sustainable furniture makers and so much more!

They are currently planning their first in-person event – a SustainaBrum Sustainable Christmas Market at Attic Brew Co, a local brewery in Stirchley in Birmingham on the 20th November – come along to pick up sustainable Christmas gifts for your loved ones, whilst enjoying a locally brewed beer!

Jen and Faye are also keen to hear from other Birmingham-based businesses who consider themselves environmentally and / or socially sustainable, to help them grow their green database!

https://www.sustainabrum.com/

Watch vibrant colours and patterns change before your eyes with Build Your Own’s new eco-friendly, STEM-inspired Kaleidoscope!

A planet-friendly take on a traditional kaleidoscope, this multi-functional kit provides hours of entertainment.

Slot in your choice of colourfully printed pattern disc, then twist and turn your kaleidoscope tube to create amazing displays! You’ll be dazzled by a magical mosaic of vivid colours and patterns that change infinitely. Wow!

Or why not add your own finds into the rotating tray to create a completely unique pattern? Bright flower petals, different shaped leaves, colourful beads, or something different – be as imaginative as you like. There’s even a handy storage compartment for your items.

You can also detach your Kaleidoscope tube for on the go exploring! What patterns can you make on your travels? The possibilities are endless!

A vibrant colourful design, this retro-inspired kaleidoscope looks smart on display too.

Easy to assemble using slot together techniques – there’s no glue, no mess, no fuss. Everything you need is provided in the kit – simply follow the instructions: press out the pre-cut parts, build and you’re ready to go!

Children will learn how a kaleidoscope works as they build, plus be encouraged to experiment, and use their creative imagination to have fun.

Our Kaleidoscope is suitable for children 8 years+ and is best enjoyed as a family experience. You’ll have great fun building your Kaleidoscope as a shared activity, then it’s time to experiment with creating captivating colourful patterns!

Made using sustainable cardboard, Build Your Own’s Kaleidoscope is not only fun and engaging to play with, but also eco-friendly.

•                     Mess-free, slot together cardboard construction

•                     60-minute build

•                     Skill level rating: 3 stars out of 5

•                     59 press-out parts (plus 3 x mirrors, 6 x printed pattern discs and 12 x pattern tiles)

•                     Educates children on symmetry and how a kaleidoscope works as they play

•                     Encourages children to explore and experiment making patterns

•                     High-quality sustainable cardboard

•                     Full instructions included

•                     Designed in the UK

•                     Fun, educational and supports STEM

•                     Age 8+ (adult supervision recommended)

www.buildyourownkits.com

Build Your Own Kaleidoscope – £19.99

COP27 is in full swing, with global leaders seeking the ever more urgent need to effectively tackle the challenge of climate change. Running until 18^th November, the event is also serving to focus the minds of businesses around the world on how to operate more sustainably.

In the property sector, leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is demonstrating how sustainability and desirability can go hand-in-hand when it comes to second homes. The firm’s properties include a range of features that are combining to deliver ‘A’ ratings for their energy performance. Features include:

• Insulated walls and roofs
• Double glazed windows with thermal break
• LED lighting
• Solar panels
• Energy-saving appliances
• Light-saving systems in communal areas
• Drip irrigation systems 
• Replanting trees
• Installations for electric vehicles 

At the same time, the properties deliver all the elements that a family could wish for when it comes to purchasing a home in which to make happy holiday memories.

Bella Beach in Denia, Alicante for example, is home to 62 two- and three-bedroom apartments with delightful sea views. Communal areas include pools for adults and children and gardens that provide beautiful surroundings in which to relax. Penthouse apartments have a private solarium terrace, while all homes have spacious terraces that blend into their living rooms thanks to the large windows. Prices start from €250,000 (plus VAT).

Over in Campos, Mallorca, meanwhile, holiday home buyers with €725,000 (plus VAT) to spend can find A-rated properties at Las Villas de Dalt de Sa Rapita. Each contemporary, minimalist style detached villa provides three double bedrooms and three bathrooms, fitted kitchen and laundry room, a living and dining room, large terraces and a pretty garden with private swimming pool. All the properties face south, allowing light to bathe every corner of the home and affording a marvellous sensation of spaciousness.

Finally, for sustainably minded holiday home owners seeking properties on the Costa del Sol, there is Almazara Hills. Located in the stunning natural landscape of Istán, Marbella, the apartments deliver unrestricted views south-east towards Marbella Bay and Gibraltar. The building’s rustic appearance features natural materials that blend perfectly with the local setting. Apartments with two and three bedrooms and penthouses with a solarium come with large terraces, communal pool and gardens with autochthonous plants. Prices start from €440,000 (plus VAT).

With superb train connections for those who don’t want to fly/drive, the Costa del Sol is an outstanding location for second home buyers looking to holiday more sustainably.

Bella Beach, Denia, Alicante, Costa Blancahttps://taylorwimpeyspain.com/property/bella-beach-denia-alicante/

Bella Beach is a development comprising 62 apartments with 2 or 3 bedrooms with sea views. Every home has been built and finished with top quality materials. Communal areas which include pools (for adults and for children) and gardens create beautiful surroundings where you can relax and enjoy all the comforts available. Penthouse apartments have a private solarium terrace.

The homes at Bella Beach have 2 bathrooms, an open-plan kitchen, and a living/dining room. The spacious terraces blend into the living room thanks to the large windows. An underground parking space is included for each apartment and storeroom.

The newly built residential area is located just metres from Dénia’s Almadraba beach, with direct pedestrian access from the development. A peaceful residential area with every type of service within 5-10 minutes’ drive: supermarkets and market, banks, restaurants and cafés, medical centre, gym, golf course, bus station and tourist information office.

Prices from €250,000 plus VAT.

Las Villas de Dalt Sa Rapita, Campos, Mallorca

https://taylorwimpeyspain.com/property/villas-dalt-sa-rapita-campos/

Las Villas de Dalt de Sa Rapita II, in contemporary, minimalist style, have been carefully designed to offer spacious, bright rooms, maximising space and comfort.

The homes have 3 double bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, fitted kitchen and laundry room, living and dining room, large terraces and garden. The plot also includes a private parking space and a storeroom.

Your new home features a kitchen that is any chef’s dream come true. Not only that, but it also opens onto the living dining room and the terrace, creating a lively space in which to share delicious meals with your guests.

All the properties face south, allowing light to bathe every corner of the home and affording a marvellous sensation of spaciousness.

With all these designer details, Taylor Wimpey España has sought to create a home with character and a cosy, natural atmosphere. That is why one of the walls of the living room extends from the outside with a stone lining that creates a spectacular sense of continuity between the terrace and the interior space.

Every villa includes a private swimming pool and its own private garden.

Prices from €725,000 plus VAT. 

Almazara Hills, Istán, Marbella, Malaga, Costa del Solhttps://taylorwimpeyspain.com/property/almazara-hills-apartments-istan-malaga/

The first phase of Almazar Hills consists of 32 exclusive apartments with the best panoramic views at the highest part of the development.

All the homes have unrestricted views with a south-easterly aspect towards the Marbella Bay and Gibraltar.

The project includes 4 blocks of 3 floors with homes in contemporary “open plan” style but with a rustic appearance that blends into the natural surroundings. Apartments with 2 and 3 bedrooms and penthouses with a solarium, with large terraces, communal pool and gardens with autochthonous plants.

 The homes are delivered fully equipped, with premium brand finishings, ready to move in. They also have an underground parking space and a storeroom. 

Construction is underway and the homes are expected to be ready October 2023.

Prices from €440,000 plus VAT.

• Series of iconic artworks given a modern makeover to highlight the issues which most concern Gen Zs in the UK in 2022
• Artworks released just as COP27 takes place 
• Paintings redesigned to highlight global warming, water pollution, fly tipping and loneliness
• New artworks mark the launch of Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow Competition which challenges young people ages 16-25 to solve societal problems using technology

John Constable’s ‘The Hay Wain’, John Everett Millais’ ‘Ophelia’ and Lowry’s ‘Coming Home from the Mill’ are amongst a series of classic artworks that have been given a modern makeover to highlight some of the most pressing issues facing the world today.

The re-imagined artworks were created by acclaimed digital artist Quentin Devine to mark the launch of to mark the launch of Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow Competition which encourages young people to help solve societal and global problems using technology.

The pictures were selected following a survey commissioned by Samsung of 2,000 young adults in the UK aged 16-25 to ascertain the top ten issues they are most concerned about in 2022.  The study revealed that the top issue young people are concerned about is global warming (61%), followed by the cost-of-living crisis (55%) and racial in-equality (49%)*.

Digital artist Quentin Devine was commissioned by Samsung to take some of the issues concerning the Gen-Z audience to reimagine historical artworks as if they had been drawn today, representing the modern world.

‘The Hay Wain’ (1821) has been updated as if Constable had painted the picture in the summer of 2022 when Britain and Europe witnessed record temperatures. The once lush riverside scene is rendered barren surrounded by scorched earth in a new version which clearly warns of the dangers of Global warming

Sir John Everett Millais’ ‘Ophelia’ (1851-2) is reworked to reflect the pollution of Britain’s rivers, streams and waterways which dominated the UK news cycle this summer.

Richard Wilson’s ‘The Thames near Marble Hill, Twickenham’ (1762) illustrates the devastating impact that fly tipping can have – as shopping trolleys, mattresses and assorted household junk is added to the scene.

Seurat’s ‘A Sunday on La Grande Jatte’ (1884) meanwhile, illustrates the epidemic of loneliness which has come to light following Covid-19 pandemic, the crowds reduced to a lone person sat head bowed in quiet contemplation.

Finally, Lowry’s acclaimed ‘Coming Home from the Mill’ (1928) is reconfigured to show a single worker reflecting the change in working patterns and again highlighting the issue of isolation.

The research revealed that 85% of 16–25-year-olds believe that as a generation they care more about the planet than any generation before them with 94% believing that they are more open to talk about subjects that were previously considered as taboo.

The Gen Z audience also believe that subjects such as loneliness and social isolation (33%), cost of living (31%) and disability discrimination (29%) are not talked about openly enough in society. 

The artworks are being displayed until the 17^th November at Samsung KX – the brand’s flagship store in Kings Cross.

Sophie Edgerley Harris, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Samsung Electronics UK commented: 

“The artworks that Quentin Devine has created aim to illustrate in a unique way the societal topics that young people in the UK today are most motivated to positively contribute to. By reimagining some of these scenes using digital artistry, we hope more people will be inspired to enter their tech-for-good idea into this year’s Solve for Tomorrow Competition. 

Previous winners Alec and Ramneek devised innovative approaches; with smart lockers supporting people experiencing homelessness and a tech-forward mobility aid to help people who are visually impaired. We can’t wait to see the ideas of our 2023 competition entrants.”

Digital artist Quentin Devine said:

“Reinventing the classics with a modern twist was a huge challenge but something of a labour of love- as many of the issues highlighted are close to my heart. The pictures highlighting Britain’s past and present, but there is a lot we can do about the future and that is why projects like ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ are so important.”

Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow Competition is a global initiative that challenges young people, between the ages of 16 – 25, to use technology in creative ways to help improve social issues.  

Successful entrants will take part in a series of workshops and one-to-one mentoring with Samsung experts across a 6-month programme to support the evolution of an idea into a reality. Two winning teams will receive a further three months of support from Samsung UK and Startup Discovery School, to help them realise the scope of their ideas, in addition to a £10,000 cash prize. 

The Solve for Tomorrow 2023 Competition is now open. For more information on how to enter visit https://www.samsung.com/uk/solvefortomorrow/. 

*The top 10 issues young adults in the UK are concerned about:

1. Global Warming / rising temperatures (61%)
2. Cost of living (55%)
3. Racism / racial inequality (49%)
4. Energy Crisis (41%)
5. Water Pollution (38%)
6. Loneliness / Isolation (32%)
7. Mental Health Awareness (28%)
8. Poverty (28%
9. Littering / Fly Tipping (25%)
10. Disability Discrimination (23%)

With COP27 in full swing, recent research has revealed stark disparities between students’ opinions and understanding of key issues regarding sustainability. 

Three quarters (74%) of students researched recognise the importance of Carbon Literacy, and many are changing the way they live their lives to help address the climate crisis. 

The majority (83%) of savvy students understand that fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources and 70% know that that they’re formed from decomposing plants and animals. However, if you dig a little deeper there are some knowledge gaps too – a third (34%) stated that natural gas was a clean energy source.  

Just over half of students in the UK deem tidal (55%) and hydro (56%) – the use of falling or fast running water to produce electricity – as clean energy sources.  

Most (51%) know what a Carbon Footprint is, but fewer than one in two (45%) could say how it’s calculated.  

The research*, was commissioned by Yugo – the first global student housing operator created to enhance students’ experiences throughout and beyond university life – as part of a global research project studying over 6,000 students across the UK, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Australia and the USA. Over 1,000 students were polled across the UK. 

The research also threw up some surprising responses, with 12% saying pencils are one of the biggest contributors to Carbon Footprints globally.  

When asked about their understanding of a carbon sink – a natural environment that absorbs more carbon than it releases – 13% said they thought it was a type of shipwreck. 

The study has shown just how important long term education programmes are for creating further awareness of the sustainability challenges we face and how behaviour change can tackle them – something that Yugo’s pillar – YugoEco has been developed to support. 

Despite some of these knowledge gaps, students are playing their part in helping to combat the world’s environmental challenges. The top five behaviour changes cited due to concerns about the environment were: 

1. Buying fewer disposable products (41%) 
2. Travelling using more environmentally friendly means (34%) 
3. Actively trying to reduce energy use (34%) 
4. Eating more sustainably (30%) 
5. Deliberately purchasing from sustainable companies (24%) 

Just over a third (37%) of those students surveyed in the UK said that climate change is having little to no impact on their life, but three quarters (74%) believe that companies around the world have a duty to address the climate crisis. 

Over a third (34%) claim that none of the 10 biggest companies in the world is doing enough to fight the crisis. 

With COP27 now in action, students also said that dishonest politicians and company profits were the two leading reasons that promises made at COP26 would not be kept.  

Helen Strachan, Sustainability Specialist at Yugo, said: “There is often a misunderstood assumption that students have a homogeneous view on the environment and sustainability, but this research presents a far more complex picture. There are huge differences of opinion and knowledge when it comes to some of the biggest challenges the planet is facing, which is understandable given the vast amount of information out there on what is one of the most multifaceted issues of our time.  This study shows the need for further understanding of these critical issues. 

“It’s uplifting to know that students are changing their behaviour. As a company operating in the field of higher education, we have a duty to support students to live the most sustainable lives they can – this is why sustainability plays a key role in our holistic living program and why YugoEco brings students together to create better living spaces and a better planet.” 

As part of its commitment to sustainability, Yugo has partnered with The Carbon Literacy Project and is officially a Bronze Level Carbon Literate Organization.   The next objective is to reach Silver Level Carbon Literate Organization status to ensure more employees have the knowledge needed to reduce their own and Yugo’s carbon emissions  

Emma Richards, Head of Project Development, The Carbon Literacy Project said:  “Carbon Literacy is an essential skill, vital to every workplace, community, and place of study. This research only demonstrates this further. Carbon Literacy is the foundational knowledge – it gives everyone the base level of understanding on climate change needed to drive positive action. However, Carbon Literacy is only the first step. The actions taken and pledged by learners as part of their Carbon Literacy have an immediate impact within their organisation, however it is the maintenance of these and further actions, supported by Carbon Literate organisational culture, that reaps the greatest rewards for both participants and their organisations.  By becoming a Bronze accredited Carbon Literate Organisation, Yugo has demonstrated its commitment to driving genuine low carbon action in their own organisation and among the students they serve.”  

Yugo’s unique approach 

Yugo also empowers its students to grow personally through collaborative events and projects under the Live Your Best Life program – a holistic living experience developed from the Yugo research of thousands of students worldwide. This program supports students through three pillars based on sustainability – YugoEco, education – YuPro, personal and professional development – YuGrow, to deliver on their needs and expectations. 

• YugoEco sees Yugo coming together with students to create better living spaces and a better planet through several initiatives. These include low energy usage programs on the importance of living more sustainable lives for students, and global partnerships with like-minded businesses for events, education and student experiences.  
• YuPro is all about empowering young people beyond higher education and to help prepare them for their careers and their professional development. Yugo is also offering training sessions in areas such as career advice, real life experience, coaching and empowerment.  
• YuGrow encourages Yugo students to shine by supporting their personal journey through events and activities in Yugo spaces, including student podcasts, diversity events and global student networking opportunities. Yugo has pledged to provide students with the most sustainably sourced chair and mattress – these were key findings from Yugo research as critical to their life to support both their physical environment and their emotional needs. 

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Nominated by teachers, social workers, police officers, parents, guardians and friends from across the UK, those chosen to participate in the adventure have been busy in their local communities over

the last few months, working on ‘pay it forward’ environmental projects to ensure that not only they benefit from taking part in the expedition. From beach cleans to recycling schemes, re-wilding
projects and taking a school to Green Flag status, the young explorers will get to see how the initiatives they will work on at home are integral to protecting Antarctica and beyond.

The explorers embarking on the adventure of a lifetime are (www.teamwetwo.com/the-team):
• Oli Bradshaw, North Devon
• Reo Christopher, Birmingham
• Aoibh Bradley, Belfast, Northern Ireland
• Ellese Brooklyn Owen, Nottingham
• Allison Ciszynska, Llanelli, Wales
• Raff Mathews, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
• Owen Jones, Merseyside
• Melos Krasniqi, Ladbroke Grove, London
• Malaki Morgan-Richards, Wood Green London
• Daniel Ward, Carstairs, Scotland

The entire expedition is carbon neutral – with the team meeting on November 4 th at Scouts HQ, Gilwell Park, to plant a forest of over 100 native trees to offset carbon produced through flying to the start. All the kit they will wear, made especially by Craghoppers, is made from recycled plastic bottles and dyed using sustainable chemical-free practices. They will travel to Antarctica with Hurtigruten Expeditions on their hybrid ship – named the world’s most sustainable expedition vessel (by Scope ESG) and once onboard be taking part in real-time climate science, collecting samples and undertaking wildlife surveys as well as trying snowshoeing, kayaking, camping on ice and swimming in the Southern Ocean. The idea is that they will become ambassadors in their communities – some of the most deprived areas in Britain – for responsible adventuring and prove that anyone can be an explorer and make a difference. When they return, they will be mentored to ensure their new skills help bolster their CVs so that they have the best chance of getting employment and/or applying for further education.

The trip has captured the attention and support from stars including actress Golda Rosheuvel, actor David Harewood, comedian Jason Manford, sports and tv presenter Chris Kamara, Michelin award
winning Chef Jean Christophe Novelli and more.

“From over 700 nominations, we had the unenviable task of whittling them down to the final 10. It was not easy, but we are confident that the young people we have chosen will help us plant the seedsof change in their communities – and beyond. The ideas that they have implemented for improving their local communities in their ‘pay it forward’ pledges shows that this generation truly cares about making a positive change in their environment, and we can’t wait for them to see firsthand how important their work in their communities is for driving real change on the other side of the world.”
said Phoebe Smith and Dwayne Fields, co-founders of the #WeTwo Foundation.

Anthony Daniels, General Manager UK and EMEA at Hurtigruten Expeditions, said, “It’s incredible to see the dedication of every entrant towards sustainability. You can truly see their passion to positively impact their local environment. We can’t wait for all these young explorers to join us onboard the MS Fridtjof Nansen, and with the help of our onboard Scientists and Expedition Team, realise how the actions in their local community will help to protect the world for the next
generation.”

The #WeTwo Foundation was set up by adventurers Phoebe Smith and Dwayne Fields who have both been working for the past 10+ years to change the face of adventure and encourage the next generation, from all walks of life, to fall in love with the outdoors and look after our planet.

The young explorers will set off on their adventure on 6 November 2022 and return on 21 November
2022.

For more information about the #WeTwo Foundation visit https://www.teamwetwo.com/

UK architects Studio Anyo has been commissioned to design and project manage a new multi-million-pound eco resort on a Caribbean island of Puerto Rico.

The circa £10 million project will see the creation of a family of 12 seven luxury eco-lodges featuring four 1-bedroomed units, including a disability access unit, two 2-bedroomed units, two VIP units and four 1-bedroomed tree house units constructed offsite in the UK using the latest build techniques and MMC materials. Tree house units in the activity section as individual rental units are also planned along with a luxury customised tree house retreat experience.

These will then be shipped directly to Puerto Rico for erection on a seven-hectare site close to the El Hippie Waterfall on the edge of the El Yungue National Forest in the east of the country.

Once built for developer Namu Investment Group, they will become the eye-catching centrepiece of an ambitious and ground breaking sustainable eco-leisure destination that will also feature a fitness retreat, wild bathing, BBQs, tree top walkways and swings, cable cars, restaurants, a spa, and a coffee bean planting and tasting experience.

While still in the development stage, the eco-resort, which is scheduled to open for visitors in 2024, has been designed to incorporate a range of sustainable materials to create components assembled on-site to heighten enhanced levels of building fabric performance. Adopting the latest offsite techniques will reduce material delivery times and cut the construction site footprint while materials reclaimed from the demolition of existing buildings will be used in the construction process, delivering long term efficiencies.

Studio Anyo’s ‘carbon and energy positive, zero waste framework’ system will be utilised to create net biodiversity gains in the construction of its ‘Samlingen’ leisure accommodation, which has been designed to provide long term energy saving and sustainability benefits. Local skilled labour will also be employed to support the supply chain and deliver a higher quality product, with minimum impact on and disruption to the local community.

The ‘Samlingen’ incorporates leading edge design to deliver contemporary leading edge leisure accommodation. The interior features a large open kitchen diner, ample storage provision, a master suite with ensuite private balcony, child-friendly bedrooms and exterior seating. Furthermore, the light is used to define the space in the ‘Samlingen’ style as the controlled views will relate to the passage through the unit opening out into stunning landscapes and vistas.

Renowned for its draw-dropping landscapes and stunning natural phenomena, Puerto Rico with its focus on conservation and ecology, is being seen as one of the fastest growing destinations for eco-travellers.

The travel lodge industry alone has generated $1 billion during the first half of 2022, according to the island’s official destination marketing organisation, Discover Puerto Rico.

Studio Anyo was recommended for the project by Scotland-based glamping site designer and developer, Glampitect. CEO of Studio Anyo, James Walsh, who is overseeing the project design and development phases, said: “This is another ground breaking, exciting project for Studio Anyo. We have incorporated design principles to deliver modular sustainability and a bespoke experience with tree-level living spaces within the sanctity of the local forest and wider natural environment.

“As architects, we have drawn on our extensive knowledge and expertise of bespoke solutions and contemporary design to create a stunning project that will undoubtedly make a huge contribution to Puerto Rico’s burgeoning, dynamic eco-travel market.”