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Peter Henley
Political editor, South of England
Southampton Council believes in appliance of science
Council leader Richard Williams with scientific adviser Professor AbuBakr Bahaj
The government has had one for a long time. But no council has ever appointed a chief scientific adviser before.
Professor AbuBakr Bahaj of Southampton University is intending to blaze a trail for science and engineering in his link up with the local authority.
He believes that it is a crucial time for science to play a role in local life.
"Our aim will be focused on tackling future challenges encountered within cities, such as how a city could operate under a changing climate and resource depletion and the environmental, social and economic impacts of these changes."
Council leader Dr Richard Williams said: "Excellence in science and engineering is critical to Southampton's prosperity and well-being.
"His role will be crucial in the future development of the city."
Greener buildingsOne of the first areas where Professor Bahaj will contribute to the council's policies is in green building development.
He is head of the Energy and Climate Change Research Division at the university and will provide the council with expertise on the energy efficiency of new buildings.
Improving the thermal efficiency of buildings will be one area under scrutiny
Decisions have to be made on whether to retain and 'greenwall' existing housing stock to improve thermal efficiency.
The idea has also been welcomed by the national chief scientific adviser, Professor Sir John Beddington.
He said: "The role of science and engineering in society and the economy is more important than ever.
"And Professor Bahaj will have a key role ensuring that policy makers in the local authority take decisions that make best use of scientific and engineering advances and evidence."
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Comment number 2.
Bobble9th August 2012 - 13:37
Well seeing as the government seem to be putting a priority on vanity projects at the moment (Sport..) I for one am glad to see someone talking to scientists
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Comment number 1.
beancounter8th August 2012 - 14:19
How is this appointment going to work?
The council is a landlord, but not a building (re-)designer. It has a planning department, but cannot contribute to the design of building without becoming liable for any defaults. The scientist himself might be freelance, but how does he benefit from being associated with the council?
My instincts tell me that taxpayers should be very wary of this news!
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