Sustainable refurbishment – how to better understand, measure and reduce the embodied impacts

Around 10% of UK emissions are associated with the manufacture and transport of construction materials, and the construction process; and refurbishment projects make up a significant percentage of activities in the built environment. The UK is committed to reducing carbon emissions by 80% by 2050; savings linked to refurbishment will have an important part to play in meeting this target. … Continue reading “Sustainable refurbishment – how to better understand, measure and reduce the embodied impacts”

Carbon Reduction Measures in the Higher Education Sector

The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and Salix Finance’s Revolving Green Fund (RGF) provides funding to help Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in England reduce carbon emissions. Between 2008 and 2013, the RGF has made £61 million available to provide recoverable grants to institutions for projects that reduce their emissions. Institutions will repay the … Continue reading “Carbon Reduction Measures in the Higher Education Sector”

Reports: Energy use in homes

A series of reports on domestic energy use in England These reports consider the energy efficiency characteristics of the English housing stock, as described by the English House Condition Survey (EHCS). The set of reports based on the 2001 survey examines the provision of heating facilities, the characteristics of fuel consumption, the energy efficiency characteristics … Continue reading “Reports: Energy use in homes”

Meeting Construction 2025 Targets

Meeting Construction 2025 Targets – the positive impact of BRE Group products and services In July 2013, the Government published:Construction 2025, Industrial Strategy: government and industry in partnership, setting out its long-term vision for how industry and Government will work together to put Britain at the forefront of global construction. The report builds on some … Continue reading “Meeting Construction 2025 Targets”

Smog Vacuums, 3D printing and glass-based paint – 4 of the best technology videos on the web

3D Printed Glass Team at MIT look at the potential for using 3D printing glass. The two chamber system appeared in the September edition of 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing.   Glass paint to keep metal surfaces cool Researchers at John Hopkins University have developed a silica-based paint that reflects sunlight from metal surfaces, keeping … Continue reading “Smog Vacuums, 3D printing and glass-based paint – 4 of the best technology videos on the web”

MaTrID Project

Market Transformation Towards Nearly Zero Energy Buildings Through Widespread Use of Integrated Energy Design This project promotes the Integrated (Energy) Design approach for delivering better buildings. Integrated Design (ID) focuses most attention on the early design stages, and seeks to ensure that the project’s Brief allows for the best possible outcomes for the Client and … Continue reading “MaTrID Project”