A new European standard on energy management is being developed by BSI British Standards. It sets out the requirements for a system which will enable all organisations to continually improve their energy efficiency and to be independently certified.

The Construction Products Association has predicted that the most important driver for house building over the next 10 years will be the focus on environmental issues.

The Scottish Building Standards Agency (SBSA) has entered into a protocol with BRE Scotland for the issue of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for existing buildings in Scotland.

The European Commission has given its approval to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme developed by BRE Global, now allowing it to approve products.

Michael Fallon’s private member’s Planning and Energy Bill which sought powers for councils to specify on-site renewables generation and enhanced building standards has secured Government support after amendments.

National property federations are joining forces to work towards common data formats and standards on the environmental impact of buildings.

Take up of the CEEQUAL scheme, which aims to replicate the BREEAM standard for buildings in the civil engineering sector, has now reached 114 assessments on projects collectively worthy £3.5bn.

BRE is likely to add another rating to BREEAM system which will be higher than the current top grade – “excellent”.

Transport and Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson wants Scottish homes to match Scandinavia.

Communities minister Iain Wright has described the energy performance effects of home information packs as extremely encouraging.