Entries for April 2008

Isle of Wight Council (IWC) has committed to transforming itself into “the first truly sustainable island”, with a package of measures launched at its first Eco-Island conference providing a major boost for sustainable building and renewables.

The Commons Environmental Audit committee has begun an inquiry into the government’s new homes policies including supply policies, climate change mitigation and adaptation, the 2016 target and the code for sustainable homes.

Current water use is unsustainable and water funding, costs and provision can no longer be taken for granted but must be identified as a political priority.

The Construction Products Association has predicted that the most important driver for house building over the next 10 years will be the focus on environmental issues.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has launched an unprecedented attack on the Government’s plans for 15 eco towns  for ignoring the views of local people and elected Councils, local development frameworks and good planning practice.

North East Liberal Democrat MEP Fiona Hall has started a campaign against light pollution.

Energy minister Malcolm Wicks has conceded that the Government target to meet some 30-40% of Britain’s power from renewables by 2020 is not realistic.

The Lords Sub-Committee’s inquiry is seeking evidence on the renewable energies target and its place within EU energy policies in general, issues related to grid access and the role of state support schemes in encouraging renewable energy generation.

The All Party Urban Development Group has announced an inquiry into what needs to be done, by both public and private sectors – to ‘green’ existing buildings in Britain’s cities.

The Government encourages the use of heating controls and the installation of a minimum set of controls is a requirement of our Building Regulations, says environment minister Joan Ruddock.