Entries for September 2008

There’s nothing like learning from experience. The value of the latest Superhome refurbishment in Camden (see p12) lies not only in the publicity it generates, but from the practical lessons learnt.

A new study from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) concludes that 7% of the EU’s total annual carbon emissions could be saved through the use of three simple measures.

As fuel poverty soars to the top of the agenda, both the UKGBC and Federation of Master Builders, among others, are already preparing the ground for more coherent Government measures promoting large-scale sustainable refurbishment of existing homes. But time is running out, with a looming collapse in capacity later this year. The contrast with controversial eco-town proposals and for new, centralised energy capacity could not be starker. Dr Paul K Hatchwell explores the key challenges and proposals.

SB examines the dynamic in this low energy Victorian house refurbishment in Camden.

Thousands of old terraces are slated for demolition, but a new report says they could be the sustainable homes of the future says Jon Reeds.

High levels of insulation can minimise the need for central heating in new housing. Ben Kochan reports on York’s Passivhaus approach to reducing energy consumption.

New build supermarkets now include renewable energy sources, rainwater collection and systems to reduce energy consumption and lower emissions, reports Ben Kochan 

Europeans are highly concerned about climate change and they are also willing to take action against it, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey for the European Commission.

Members of the European Parliament’s Industry (ITRE) and Environment (ENVI) Committees are trying to improve the Commission’s proposals for revising the Emissions Trading System in regard to Combined Heat and Power (CHP), including its use in district heating schemes.

A meeting of the Central & Eastern European Developers’ Sustainability Forum in Warsaw last month backed the introduction of the BREEAM assessment system into Europe.