“The ODA has also explored ways to further reduce the carbon impact of its transport activities, including the use of low-carbon concrete in the construction of transport infrastructure,” Olympic Delivery Authority, 13 May.

“Sustainable building has started to move beyond the building itself and into entire neighbourhoods. There are eco-districts in Portland, Oregon, where the buildings, streets, landscape, and infrastructure work together to cut greenhouse gases, reduce waste, and improve energy and water efficiency – much like HVAC, framing, insulation, windows, and appliances combine to achieve energy efficiency at the house level,” Jennifer Hicks, Triplepundit.com, 20 May.

“We hope the data we’re collecting on the [Modcell] Balehaus will help strengthen the case for the mainstream building industry switching to using more sustainable building materials such as straw,” Professor Pete Walker, director, Bath Uiversity’s BRE Centre for Innovative Construction Materials, 21 May.

“Prior to inventing UPM ProFi, there was no use for the byproducts of the label material production… They used to be incinerated or disposed of in a landfill.” Markku Koivisto, director, ProFi, 30 April.

“This is a further step towards more eco-friendly building materials… The use of this cement permits a less intensive use of artificial light inside the building because it lets the outside light filter in,” Enrico Borgarello, director of innovation, Italcementi, 30 April.