Entries for December 2007

Ben Kochan looks at the recent research and concludes neglecting the current poor relation is dangerous.

Dr Paul K Hatchwell asks why ambient and domestic noise issues are not more explicitly included in sustainable building criteria.

A new office building in Thorpe Park, Leeds, has achieved the highest BREEAM ratings in seven catagories, reports Ben Kochan.

The third meeting of the EU’s Eco-Design Consultation Forum – a body of experts and stakeholders from across the EU – began discussions on introducing new efficiency requirements for fluorescent lamps and ballasts at its third meeting on 18 December.

English Partnerships has appointed Barratt Developments under its Carbon Challenge scheme to build its first Code for Sustainable Homes Level 6 development on the former Hanham Hall Hospital site near Bristol.

The extensive application of solar control glass across the EU could cut CO₂ emissions in Europe by anywhere between 15-80 million tonnes a year, according to a new report commissioned by industry association Glass for Europe.

Two new reports on micro-generation have suggested the technology’s potential to deliver buildings substantial advantages in renewable energy is distinctly limited or even negative.

Most people believe the Government should force private house builders to improve the energy efficiency of their new homes at the same rapid pace it is demanding from the social housing sector, according to a National Housing Federation survey.

The Construction Products Association has told the Government that its Sustainable Construction Strategy needs to bring coherence and consistency to policy and should use whole life-cycle appraisal and engage manufacturers at an early stage.

The water industry is calling for changes to the planning process so that water companies are involved at an early stage in urban development proposals. In a policy paper, the industry association Water UK said that “early consultation and consideration of the impact of development on water services within the planning system is vital”.

The EU Council of Ministers adopted a new Regulation on the Energy Star office equipment programme on 17 December. This requires EU institutions and central government estate of all member states to use energy efficiency criteria no less demanding than those defined in the Energy Star programme when purchasing office equipment.

A cross-border initiative in Ireland aimed at demonstrating two kinds of solar-powered ventilation technologies and combining them with energy efficiency measures has shown improved air quality, lower consumption and improved household health.

One in two industrial tenants is willing to pay a 10 per cent premium on top of operating costs to be housed in a sustainable building, according to a recent Australian survey.

Single ply roofing specialist Protan has launched two new sustainable roofing systems for the UK market.

The European Commission is taking legal action against 12 EU member states over their failure to submit national Energy Efficiency Action Plans as required by the 2006 Energy End-Use Efficiency and Energy Services Directive. They were supposed to have been with the Commission by the end of June.