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Feature
31 May 2011
The Government has accepted the recommendations of the Committee on Climate Change – despite internal misgivings – and committed itself to cutting emissions by 50% by 2025. But how are these cuts to be achieved? Simon Napper looks at the role of the building sector.
13 May 2011
Recent revisions to the BREEAM scheme will have implications across the entire construction team. But these changes are necessary to avoid complacency, says BREEAM assessor Mel Starrs, of PRP Environmental.
13 May 2011
The unique AIMC4 Consortium continues to push the boundaries of innovation by employing a robust method of procurement that ensures its members are working in true collaboration with the very best suppliers from a range of sectors.
13 May 2011
Will the 2011 Budget stimulate growth in our urban economy? Certainly the intention this year is that the Budget will achieve this objective and generate economic growth. But the difficulty the Government faces is that with no cash to spend, most of its proposals are likely to be small scale and largely local in their effect, says Jeremy Edge, Edge Planning and Development LLP.
13 May 2011
The changes to the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, as stated by the Government, represent a “tax on inefficiency,” where owners and occupiers will effectively be taxed up to an additional 10% of what their energy bills amount to. Nick Katz, senior sustainability advisor at Colliers International assesses what the changes mean for the private sector, landlords and tenants.
29 March 2011
George Osborne’s Budget saw the UK become the first country in the world to introduce a carbon floor tax. Simon Napper looks at what this means for the renewable energy sector.
28 March 2011
In a MIPIM round table debate, four commercial property professionals debate issues ranging from green premiums to the price of carbon. Ian Grant reports.
25 February 2011
Despite claims to be the greenest government ever, the coalition’s green credentials are under close scrutiny as it imposes cuts of 40% and 50% respectively on the Carbon Trust and the Energy Saving Trust. Simon Napper looks at the implications.
25 February 2011
Energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne has faced a barrage of criticism since announcing he was bringing forward a review of Feed-in-Tariffs for small scale renewables. Simon Napper looks at the problem.
02 February 2011
Ian Kemp, business development director at Caledonian Building Systems explains why off-site construction is an increasingly popular choice for environmentally conscious clients.
02 February 2011
The construction of a new renewable energy hub which plans to educate and demonstrate the latest green technology will start in February. Laura Day found out more.
02 February 2011
Sustainable development needs to be driven from the centre of Government by a minister and department with Whitehall-wide influence, and they must be capable of holding all departments to account for their sustainable development performance, as well as being able to encourage real commitment, warns Parliament’s sustainability watchdog, the Environmental Audit Committee. Dr David Lowry assesses the findings and recommendations.
02 February 2011
The pressure for development – and in particular new housing – shows no sign of letting up, at least over the medium to longer term. At the same time, we are becoming increasingly aware of the impact human activities can have on biodiversity. Simon Napper looks at one approach that is attracting more attention.
04 January 2011
A low carbon economy will rely heavily on renewable electricity. However, as Simon Napper found out, projects often meet substantial resistance from local communities.
04 January 2011
The coalition has moved closer to fulfilling its early political promise in May of a Green Deal on energy in the Coalition Programme for Government, with the publication of the Energy Bill 2010-11 on 8 December. SB policy specialist Dr David Lowry investigates further.