Entries for March 2008

Major strains on water supply and increased flood risk linked to climate change threaten, particularly in the South East of England, yet only now is the full extent of the potential crisis prompting a fundamental rethink of Government water and housing policy, with sustainable building best-placed to exploit the much stricter regime. Dr Paul K Hatchwell investigates the implications

Incandescent bulbs are to be discontinued as they are not energy efficient. Ben Kochan reports on alternative lighting systems

The Government’s announcement of its intention to build 10 ‘eco-towns’ has not received the universal approval it was no doubt hoping for. Simon Napper looks at the issues involved

One of the challenges and opportunities in urban sustainable retrofit is how to integrate existing higher density developments into sustainable community heating networks in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Dr Paul K Hatchwell looks at a potentially huge market

Housebuilder osborne pulled out all the stops to turn a level 4 demonstration project to live level 5 houses. Ben Kochan explains

From 6 April, large non-domestic buildings will need Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) when they are built, sold or let. But with just days to go before the legislation takes effect, there is still a great deal of confusion around as Simon Napper reports.

The European controls industry is deeply concerned at the proposed implementation of the Energy Using Products (EuP) Directive for boilers. This currently drives boiler manufacturers to supply an energy labelled system ‘bundle’ (to include heating controls, pumps and some renewable) rather than just a boiler, they say. The European Heating Controls Alliance is concerned that it will fundamentally change the marketplace, disadvantaging all but a small number of large manufacturers.

The European Alliance of Companies for Energy Efficiency in Buildings (EuroACE) say that results of their recent survey indicates that the European Commission should introduce mandatory requirements for EU Member States and establish a political timetable to make very low energy homes the default standard.

Environmental factors are outweighing social and economic ones, according to a survey by Atisreal, a subsidiary company of BNP Paribas Real Estate.

The European Parliament has called for an ambitious programme to achieve a significant reduction in energy use from existing buildings. It also proposed that all new buildings should be carbon neutral by 2011. Now trade associations are putting forward specific proposals to help achieve those goals. The latest is the European Association of Mineral Wool Manufacturers (Eurima).

The Government has announced that prosecutions for breaches of climate change related building regulations can now be brought up to two years after the infringement. Previously, the time limit was six months. However, the new regulations still require that the local authority institute proceedings within six months of discovering the breach.

The British Property Federation (BPF) is calling on ministers to mirror tough zero carbon homes targets across other heavily polluting areas of British industry, by offering direct incentives in return for improved environmental performance.

Smart meters are due to be installed in all but the smallest businesses by 2010 and the Government has been consulting on the best way to achieve this. But the Energy Services and Technology Association (ESTA) which represents a number of the companies which supply metering in the UK, is concerned that the programme is being driven by the wishes of the utilities rather than the needs of the consumer.

DCLG has published guidance on energy certificates and air-conditioning inspections for buildings. The manual covers:-

·          energy performance certificates for homes and buildings;

·          display certificates for public buildings;

·          inspections for air conditioning systems.

A new free web-based tool to allow householders to establish homes’ fuel bills, carbon footprints and insulation, heating and renewable energy options will be available shortly.