The Technology Strategy Board is to invest £4m in highly innovative collaborative research projects leading to the development of new components and materials for low impact buildings.

Do Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM) methods offer a better approach to designing buildings with good energy performance than conventional options, asks Simon Napper?

One of five key new powers of the Energy Bill, currently under scrutiny in the Lords, is to underpin the roll-out of smart meters to medium-sized business in the first instance, but potentially to the 44 million domestic consumers BERR minister Lord Jones of Birmingham told Conservative environment spokesman Lord Taylor of Holbeach in responding to the debate on the 2nd reading of the bill on 21 May.

The European Commission announced on 13 May that it would promote the use of ICT (Information and Communications Technologies) to improve energy efficiency throughout the economy, starting with buildings, lighting and electricity networks. These technologies include those commonly associated in the UK with energy management. The Commission says that ICT can enable greener behaviour across the economy and this could massively cut Europe’s carbon footprint.

New solar panels fitted to a primary school in Gateshead lasted just one month before they were stolen, reports the Newcastle Evening Chronicle. The £20,000 panels were fitted at Swalwell Primary School after receiving grants from the government and the co-op. “These panels are virtually worthless unless used as solar panels,” said neighbourhood officer Sgt Tim McIntyre. “Even traded in for scrap, their value would be nominal.” The school’s head teacher said her pupils were very upset.

The Government seems to be gradually diluting its commitment to the widespread introduction of smart metering. It published its response to the smart metering public consultation of last year in a document issued on 29 April.

The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) – launched last year - has up to £30m available to support its new collaborative research, development and demonstration (rd&d) technology programme on distributed energy (DE), including microgeneration and CHP, unveiled on 16.

Despite the proven cost-effectiveness of energy efficient technologies, a significant proportion of potential improvements remain untapped due to numerous market barriers according to an Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development report.

Daikin UK and Wolseley have entered into a new three year contract to supply local authorities and housing associations with the latest renewable heating technologies.

Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs reiterated the importance of nuclear energy for the reduction of CO2 emissions in a speech on 15 April.