UrbanTree Partners

Chief Economists Outlook | World Economic Forum 🌍 The September 2024 Chief Economists Outlook highlights cautious optimism amidst global economic turbulence. Stabilization signals are emerging, yet vulnerabilities persist. While 54% of economists predict no major change in global conditions, concerns loom with 37% expecting a decline. Inflation continues to ease, but geopolitical and fiscal challenges remain pressing. The US economy is a beacon of resilience, with 90% of respondents anticipating moderate or stronger growth. However, Europe struggles, with weak growth projections persisting into 2024. In South Asia, optimism reigns as India leads regional prospects. Challenges in China, marked by sluggish growth and deflationary pressures, underline its economic complexities. Debt dynamics are a growing concern, with 64% of experts highlighting its threat to stability in developing nations. Over 3.3 billion people live in countries prioritizing debt servicing over essential investments like education and healthcare. The fiscal squeeze hampers responses to demographic shifts, climate transitions, and economic downturn preparedness. Policy priorities must balance economic growth with sustainability and equality. While 67% support integrated approaches, achieving balanced growth faces obstacles. A lack of political consensus and global collaboration are the most cited barriers, with polarization and geopolitical tensions exacerbating divides. 👇 Explore the full report for deeper insights into the pathways toward resilient, inclusive, and innovative growth. #Future #Sustainability #Economy #Growth #Innovation

Decent Work in Nature-Based Solutions 2024 | ILO, UNEP, IUCN Nature-based solutions (NbS) are transforming economies and ecosystems, creating millions of jobs while addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. These initiatives, such as agroforestry and nature-based infrastructure, generate sustainable employment opportunities worldwide, with significant potential in regions like Africa, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. Currently, over 60 million people work in roles linked to NbS, ranging from ecological restoration to sustainable agriculture. By 2030, this figure could increase by up to 32 million, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Key sectors like forestry and agriculture lead this transition, supported by new investments and policy frameworks. The shift to NbS requires innovative workforce strategies. Interdisciplinary skills that merge ecosystem management with traditional professions, such as engineering and urban planning, are increasingly in demand. Training initiatives targeting youth, women, and marginalized groups are essential to ensure inclusive development and equitable access to these opportunities. Investments in NbS also help communities build resilience to climate change, restore ecosystems, and improve local economies. Leveraging community-led models and public-private partnerships will amplify these benefits, fostering sustainable livelihoods and better resource management. 👇 Explore how integrating NbS into economic planning creates lasting ecological and social impacts. #Sustainability #HumanResources #Innovation #ESG #Greentech

2025 Top Strategic Technology Trends | Gartner Technology leaders must anticipate future disruptions to stay ahead. Gartner's 2025 Top Strategic Technology Trends showcase ten game-changing innovations driving business transformation and ethical responsibility: 1. Agentic AI: Autonomous decision-making to increase productivity and innovation. 2. AI Governance Platforms: Ensuring fairness, transparency, and trust in AI systems. 3. Disinformation Security: Combating digital misinformation with advanced detection tools. 4. Post-Quantum Cryptography: Protecting sensitive data against quantum threats. 5. Ambient Invisible Intelligence: Leveraging low-cost sensors for real-time tracking. 6. Energy-Efficient Computing: Minimizing IT’s environmental footprint with sustainable practices. 7. Hybrid Computing: Combining classical and quantum systems for scalable solutions. 8. Spatial Computing: Enhancing physical and digital interactions with immersive AR experiences. 9. Polyfunctional Robots: Flexible machines capable of handling multiple complex tasks. 10. Neurological Enhancement: Augmenting cognitive abilities through brain-machine interfaces. These trends reveal the future of innovation, balancing cutting-edge solutions with ethical considerations to reshape industries and improve human experiences. 👇 Explore the full report to delve into the trends shaping tomorrow. #Innovation #Technology #AI #Future #Tech

As the year comes to an end, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of our journey: our exceptional team, whose commitment, dedication, and excellence drive our success; our valued clients and partners, who trust us to bring their visions to life; and the broader community, whose unwavering support and engagement continually motivate and energize us. May this holiday season bring joy, and may 2025 be a year of growth, prosperity, shared accomplishments, and lasting well-being. Together, we are shaping the future of the built environment—delivering solutions that inspire, connect, and endure. Wishing you and your loved ones peace, happiness, and a bright New Year!

Global Workplace Survey 2024 | Gensler Research Institute The modern workplace has evolved beyond physical spaces to prioritize both effectiveness and experience. According to the survey of over 16,000 office workers across 15 countries, the best workplaces don’t just support work—they inspire people. High-performing environments offer spaces for focus, collaboration, and rejuvenation, blending functionality with emotional resonance. The report reveals a shift toward hybrid and distributed work. On average, global office workers now spend only half of their time in traditional offices, making quality workplace design critical. High-performing workplaces excel by providing diverse spaces for collaboration, innovation, and reflection, with employees reporting greater autonomy and satisfaction. Top-performing organizations also prioritize innovation and team relationships. Strong teams thrive in environments designed for in-person collaboration, while innovative companies support flexible work modes and global teamwork, leveraging hybrid solutions for enhanced productivity. Building quality matters. Employees in higher-quality office spaces experience greater satisfaction, pride, and organizational commitment. These buildings offer more varied amenities, fostering a seamless integration of work and lifestyle needs. 👉 Check the report to explore actionable insights on designing future-ready workplaces. #Innovation #Management #Workplace #Design #HybridWork

Guest Experience Trends in Luxury Resorts | BRTN Brand Strategy 🌟 The 2024 luxury resort landscape is being redefined by key trends that place guests at the heart of the experience. From wellness to hyper-personalisation, the focus is on blending opulence with meaningful, tailored encounters. Luxury travellers are embracing integrated wellness, demanding not just physical rejuvenation but also mental and emotional enrichment. Biophilic designs, sleep-enhancing amenities, and in-room spa options are setting new standards. Privacy and authenticity are equally prized. Resorts are prioritising secluded spaces, discreet services, and immersive local experiences. Guests crave cultural connections—whether through hyper-local design, culinary storytelling, or hands-on traditions. Sustainability takes center stage, with eco-friendly building materials, local sourcing, and community-driven tourism becoming must-haves. Guests are willing to invest more to support responsible travel, showing a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. 👇 Check the full report for a comprehensive look at these transformative trends! #LuxuryTravel #Hospitality #GuestExperience #Innovation #Sustainability

State of Finance for Nature in Cities 2024: From Grey to Green | UNEP 🌱Nature-based solutions (NbS) are essential for making cities resilient, sustainable, and climate-ready. Yet, funding and integrating these solutions into city budgets remain a challenge. UNEP’s new report highlights the need for a financial shift to support nature in urban spaces, projecting that NbS investments must rise from $200 billion to $542 billion by 2030 to meet global targets. To address this, UNEP’s proposed Urban NbS Framework offers cities tools for tracking and categorizing NbS spending. This framework empowers cities to incorporate nature within budget planning, showcasing NbS benefits like reduced pollution and enhanced community well-being. Data and framework guidelines allow cities to bridge gaps in finance and capacity, facilitating more equitable and strategic investments. For example, initiatives such as green corridors in Dakar and Toronto’s Ravine Strategy exemplify effective urban NbS, integrating conservation with public access. Cities must also adopt clear investment metrics for NbS to attract national and international funding, linking local efforts to global standards like the Sustainable Development Goals and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. 👇 Discover the full report for insights on NbS and financial strategies for greener cities.

Global Climate Action Survey 2024 | Gensler Research Institute 🌍Extreme weather is now a global norm, with 78% of survey respondents reporting impacts from severe heat and other climate stressors. The survey revealed that infrastructure worldwide is unprepared for these challenges, and disruptions such as power outages and loss of access to clean water are widespread. The survey, covering over 17,000 participants across 15 countries, found that while individuals recognize the urgency of climate change, significant barriers—like cost and lack of alternatives—prevent them from taking sustainable actions. Notably, individuals in nations severely impacted by extreme weather are more likely to act. Nearly two-thirds of respondents demand immediate climate action, emphasizing the need for global resilience and adaptation strategies. Communities need stronger frameworks to prepare for and mitigate future climate shocks. Despite these challenges, there is hope. Advances in technology and design offer solutions to enhance climate resilience. Holistic strategies, like integrating green spaces and adapting buildings for future conditions, can reduce emissions and safeguard communities. 👇 Check the full report to understand the urgency and solutions proposed to combat the climate crisis. #Sustainability #Technology #ClimateChange #Resilience #GreenInnovation

Finance as an Enabler to Address the Building Decarbonisation Challenge | Bankers without Boundaries Buildings represent a major opportunity in the quest for decarbonization. Responsible for 40% of Europe's energy use and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions, they are central to the EU’s emissions reduction strategy. With most existing European structures built before modern efficiency standards, a robust retrofit plan is crucial to meeting 2050 climate goals. The decarbonization goal demands a 3% renovation rate per year with a 75% improvement in energy efficiency. Yet, Europe’s current renovation rate lags at about 1% annually. Key challenges in scaling retrofits stem from financial and social obstacles, including difficulties in consumer engagement and financing limitations for property owners. Financing innovation plays a pivotal role. Programs like the Latvian Building Energy Efficiency Facility (LABEEF) leverage private funding to reduce individual financial burdens, while models such as EuroPACE offer structured loan options to promote wider uptake. However, scaling remains a hurdle as long-term investment structures require market transformation and supportive regulatory environments. Place-based programs like the CityFIED pilot in Spain exemplify holistic solutions, integrating green spaces and community-focused initiatives alongside retrofits. Such models show promise by maximizing local energy benefits and community engagement. 👉 Discover the full report to explore innovative financing and collaborative models for decarbonization. #Sustainability #Innovation #NetZero #GreenFinance #EnergyEfficiency

What Gensler’s Education Engagement Index Reveals About the Future of Hybrid Learning | Gensler 📚 The transition from traditional learning to hybrid models is more than a trend; it’s reshaping education's future. Gensler’s 2023 Education Engagement Index surveyed nearly 3,000 students, educators, and staff members, uncovering a strong preference for hybrid learning even as on-campus attendance increases. Students in sciences, health professions, and arts favor on-campus learning due to the need for labs and studios. In contrast, those in computer science, public health, and business show a higher inclination toward hybrid modalities. This trend suggests that educational preferences are heavily influenced by the practical needs of each discipline. The study identifies "activity-based hybrid" classes as the most preferred format. These classes allow for a flexible mix of in-person and virtual activities, enabling a more engaging and interactive learning environment. This aligns with both students’ and educators’ desires to blend different class types effectively. Students are also keen on participating virtually from various on-campus and off-campus locations, emphasizing the need for flexible learning spaces. This adaptability could redefine how educational institutions design and utilize their spaces, fostering environments that support both quiet study and social engagement. 👇 Click here to see the full article: #Innovation #Technology #EdTech #HybridLearning #DigitalEducation