Entries for January 2008

The new format for Display Energy Certificates has been unveiled. Simon Napper explains.

While green buildings are increasingly popular with business, the majority of the UK property industry is failing to take action necessary to prepare for introduction of Energy Performance Certificates required under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive by 6 April, 2008 for buildings over 1,000m².

Ben Kochan looks at the ins and outs of a proposed ecotown.

In the 2007 Energy White Paper, the Government said it wanted to improve the performance of energy-using products. Its latest consultation focuses on domestic heating and hot water systems. Simon Napper looks at the proposals.

A US survey has found that up to three quarters of American architects agree that climate change is a global, human-induced problem, and that a majority are in favour of taking mitigation measures. Dr Paul K Hatchwell reports on the considerable momentum in the US market, in many ways paralleling UK developments. 

A vacuum waste to energy system, linked to CHP is central to the new scheme. Ben Kochan explains.

The launch of what is described as Britian's first major consultancy focussed solely on sustainable construction brings together a number of key names in the field. So why do they feel is missing from conventional offerings? Simon Napper talked to Inbuilt Consulting’s chief executive, Dr David Strong.

The European Commission set out, on 23 January, detailed proposals on how it believes the member states can, together, achieve the carbon reductions agreed at the European Heads of Government Council meeting last March. It relies on what used to be called ‘burden-sharing’ and is now more positively referred to as ‘effort-sharing’.

An initial assessment of the National Energy Efficiency Actions Plans prepared by European Union Member States shows that few have taken the opportunity to promote innovative and imaginative projects to reduce energy consumption.

Zog Brownfield Ventures, a syndicate including Dorset-based eco-developer Cornhill Estates, has concluded a deal to buy from the UK Atomic Energy Authority a site including the science and technology park adjacent to the nuclear site at Winfrith in Dorset, which is in the process of being decommissioned.