The new Net Waste Tool launched by the Waste & Resources Action Programme is designed to enable construction clients, designers and contractors to identify where their efforts can best be targeted to reduce landfill and costs.

Transforming the way people and businesses use technology could reduce annual man-made carbon emissions by 15% worldwide by 2020 and deliver energy efficiency savings to businesses of over £400bn, according to a new report from the international Climate Group and the Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI). Smart building design and use is a key area for delivering these savings.

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 Government-sponsored Technology Strategy Board is backing R&D into more energy efficient lighting, lasers, high brightness LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes)and displays with a new £10 million investment programme opened up for competition just before Christmas.

Stretched foils provide the key to this new low carbon college building in Glasgow. Ben Kochan reports