Network - The free AECB newsletter - August 2008
Network - The free AECB newsletter - August 2008 |
|
|
Network is free and distributed to members of the Association for Environment Conscious Building and those who have subscribed to it. If it is passed on or reused, acknowledgment should be given to the information sources directly (newspaper and periodical titles, web site owners, events organisers etc.). Information contained in this mailing does not represent the views or policy of the Association for Environment Conscious Building or the editor, nor does any reference contained herein imply any form of endorsement. |
|
If you have any news, events or courses you would like to publicise in Network then please email details to network@aecb.net, or post to Chris Lord-Smith, y Graig, Llidiart-y-Waen, Llanidloes, SY18 6JT. |
AECB Member Company Wins Top Construction AwardAn innovative UK construction company has won the 2008 Building Exchange (BEX) innovation competition for its commitment to developing new and sustainable construction products. London based company MagmaTech received the award on Wednesday night at the BEX event, a major construction conference being held in Valencia, Spain this week. Organised by UK Trade & Investment, the competition was aimed at uncovering the UK's most innovative construction companies. The competition finalists including Geofusion, Classic Marble and Green Energy Options were given the opportunity to exhibit at the BEX conference which attracts industry leaders from across the globe. A small company, MagmaTech Ltd has developed an innovative range of thermally insulating composite wall ties composed of basalt fibre - TeploTie. The ties replace standard stainless steel wall ties which act as thermal bridges in cavity walls. TeploTie improves the U value of traditional cavity walls by up to 10 per cent which reduces heat loss and energy wastage (U-Value improvements of up to 20-40% have also been calculated for wide 150mm - 300mm insulated cavities). UK Trade & Investment organised the competition in conjunction with Building on Business, Construction Products Association and British Expertise. For more information please visit www.magmatech.co.uk |
AECB Member Named A Semi Finalist In Barclays Commercial Bank Green Leaders In Business AwardsAn innovative company, based in London and known for their eco friendly decorating products has out performed hundreds of green businesses and been named a Semi Finalist in the prestigious 2008 Barclays Commercial Bank Green Leaders in Business Awards. The Awards recognise those companies who are using pioneering processes or new sustainable technology, products or services to help beat climate change and, crucially, boost their own profits. Green Leaders in Business was open to all UK and Irish companies, and has three separate categories - companies with a turnover below £1m; between £1m and £20m; and above £20m. One Eco Home competing in the small business category, is now one of four companies in this group hoping to be selected as a National Green Leader in Business. One Eco Home is run by Helen Mudie, a successful interior designer and active member of the BIDA and with consultation by Kate Millbank, a sustainability consultant with an MSc in Sustainable Architecture. The company promises to help private and commercial customers create sophisticated, stylish interiors that are as eco friendly as possible. One Eco Home is one of 25 companies battling it out to be named as one of 12 National Finalists, who will be invited to present to an expert judging panel, chaired by leading environmentalist Tom Burke, including The Carbon Trust, Bloomberg, and the WWF, who will decide the winners of the three business categories. Winners will be revealed before an audience of 250 guests at a gala luncheon at the East Winter Gardens in London on Tuesday 9th September. The event will also mark the launch of a limited edition book, spotlighting the pioneering accomplishments of all the winners and finalists. Produced entirely from sustainable sources, it will be sent to government heads and influential figures around the world, showing how British business is leading the way in a new industrial revolution - one that promises to protect and preserve our planet. More information about the Awards can be found at www.barclayscommercial.com/greenleaders. |
AECB Member Company In Line For AwardDespite the overall slump in construction across the UK, the green building sector seems to be holding its own. One Suffolk company which is still on the up has been listed in the semi-finals of a national business award. Needham Market-based Earth and Reed, which supplies green building and decorating materials, is among four companies shortlisted in the small business category of the 2008 Barclays Commercial Bank Green Leaders in Business Awards. The firm was founded by Christopher North, a historic building adviser with a Master of Science degree in timber building conservation, and Margery Ward, who has a degree in earth sciences. Both have a strong interest in environmental issues and building sustainability. Their business supplies a range of materials to retail and trade customers, both from their shop and by mail order. They promote British-made products where possible, and are also responsible for the manufacture of environmentally friendly coatings products Suffolk Green Paints. The business is one of 25 companies competing to be named as one of 12 national finalists in the contest. If successful, they will be invited to present to an expert judging panel, chaired by leading environmentalist Tom Burke and including The Carbon Trust, Bloomberg and the WWF. The winners will be announced at a gala lunch at the East Winter Gardens in London. More information about the Awards can be found at www.barclayscommercial.com/greenleaders.
|
Interesting Projects Required For PublicationAs a freelance journalist who specializes in Homes, Interiors and Building magazines, I am always looking for projects to put forward for commission. Are you working on a project at the moment that you would like me to
put forward? In answer to the two questions I am most regularly asked:
I look forward to hearing from you. Tracey William |
New Report - Securing PowerA significant new report 'Securing Power' shows that Britain's key industrial
sites have the potential to provide enough electricity to power two-thirds
of UK households in a move that could also halve gas imports and save
almost 5% of UK carbon emissions. The report, commissioned by Greenpeace from Pöyry Energy Consulting Analysts - one of Europe's leading energy experts, has drawn support from a wide range of organisations including RWEnpower, the Liberal Democrats and the Combined Heat and Power Association. The full report can also be downloaded from www.greenpeace.org.uk/files/pdfs/climate/securing-power.pdf or the report summary from www.greenpeace.org.uk/files/pdfs/climate/industrialCHP_summary.pdf Farming and industry are producing too much of a substance we ought to be concerned about, says Mark Sutton; not carbon, but nitrogen. And he would like to hear your ideas on what society should do about it. |
Green Housing Upgrades Would Create £3.5 Billion Market for Builders, says Oxford UniversityBuilding firms, product manufacturers and suppliers could stand to tap into a new market worth between £3.5 and £6.5 billion per year if the UK developed policies, skills programmes, and financial incentives to upgrade our existing housing stock to make it greener and more energy efficient. In addition a refurbished housing stock would help reduce escalating household energy bills as well as making a real difference to climate change. These are the startling conclusions from a new research report, 'Building A Greener Britain-Transforming Britain's Housing Stock', commissioned by the Federation of Mater Builders (FMB) from the Environmental Change Institute, at Oxford University. The FMB's campaign, 'Building A Greener Britain', which is endorsed by the Prime Minister, David Cameron MP, and Nick Clegg MP, is about how best the building sector can work with other stakeholders including government to bring about a low carbon built environment. The new research carried out by Gavin Killip sets out a series of practical recommendations about what needs to be done to promote the refurbishment of the existing 26 million homes in this country to make them greener and more energy efficient. The report argues that the Government needs to make a commitment now to upgrade our existing homes to make them greener. The Government needs to start a process of innovation, skills development, and capacity building in the construction industry that is consistent with its aim to cut carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050. The report's recommendations include:
The report can be downloaded from www.fmb.org.uk/ea/pdf_ea/fmbbuildingagreenerbritain.pdf |
On Top Of Worries About Climate Change - New Concerns Are Being Raised About Too Much NitrogenOver the last decade, you have surely heard many views as to why you should worry about carbon and climate change. But the chances are you're not worrying about nitrogen. In fact, there is a global nitrogen threat out there, yet the world seems not to notice! It's an issue that has recently been highlighted by two reviews in the journal Science. In many regions of the world, humans are producing too much nitrogen, creating a host of different environmental threats. Most of this nitrogen is made for a reason - we need it to fertilise crops and feed ourselves. Without it, it has been estimated that around half of the world's population would not be alive. Put these parts of the problem together and you get what we might call the "NitroNet" - a complex web of nitrogen interactions that are difficult to explain and even harder for governments to manage. Read the full article at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7496036.stm |
London Tower Block Has Wind TurbineAn 18-storey (55 metre) Finsbury tower block is boasting an energy-generating wind turbine thanks to Islington Council. The project - supported by the borough's housing partner Homes for Islington (HfI) - is the third wind energy scheme backed by Islington Council as part of its aim to be London's greenest borough. The 12-metre high structure generates power for the lifts, lights, water pumps, CCTV and concierge area of Kestrel House, City Road, EC1. Islington Council is the biggest contributor to the scheme - making a sizeable £37,000 contribution - but estate residents were key to getting the scheme off the ground. 64 per cent of those who responded to the consultation approved of its money-saving and green features. Tower blocks are well-suited to wind energy generation as wind speeds increase with height. The Kestrel House wind turbine can generate six kilowatts of power in ideal conditions - enough for 10 per cent of the block's demand. Kestrel House was built in 1968 and is one of the highest tower blocks in the borough. The building uses 130,000 kWh per year of electricity and the turbine is expected to generate 13,000 kWh per annum. The turbine will save 112 tonnes of CO2 over a 20 year life time. Islington Council has set an ambitious target to reduce borough-wide CO2 emissions by 15 per cent by 2010, and is promoting green energy schemes and energy saving as part of its innovative Climate Change Partnership and Climate Change Challenge. Islington Council has erected two other wind energy generators. At Gillespie Park, N5, the turbine provides power for the Ecology Centre while the one on the roof of the Municipal Offices at 222 Upper Street, N1, powers the council's fleet of electric vehicles. As well as funding from Islington Council (£37,851) and HfI (£8,109), the scheme has also won support from the Government through the National Low Carbon Buildings Programme (£11,060) and from construction company Apollo (£15,000). Source www.24dash.com |
Community Energy Transition Seminar 16th-18th August 2008The Centre for Alternative Technology and Energy 21 invite you to join us for a practically focused two-day seminar offering information and inspiration on community-scale energy projects. Venue: Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth, Powys, Wales, SY20 9AZ. Dates: 16 - 18 August 2008. Arrive 1pm Saturday; depart 2pm Monday. Price: Seminar with two nights' food and accommodation at CAT - £100 per person. Topics and discussions include:
Plus, case studies, site visits and assessing the potential in your region. For full details and to book your place, visit www.cat.org.uk/energy21, or phone 01654 705981 |
Ludlow Green Festival - Thursday 21st - Monday 25th August 2008Green Fair in the town square, Guided tours round the town, Workshops for children, Lots to see and do, much of it for free, The 'throw away house' made from recycled materials, See Ludlow's innovative BioDigester in action, Talks with Nick Tilt, Michael Loveday and a film of Edward Burtynsky's pictures Phone 01584 875501, email davidcurrant@phonecoop.coop, or visit www.greenfestival.co.uk/programme.html for more information. The programme includes walks, talks, workshops and tours, and incorporates the Green Fair. For youngsters, the Festival offers fun family activities and a craft workshop. |
Sustainable and Affordable Housing: Realising the Potential - 5th SeptemberA one day seminar for housing professionals, planners, policy-makers, green building practitioners, and those involved with environmental groups and the voluntary/community sector. Topics include: What are the challenges and opportunities presented by current market conditions? How can planners play a positive role in supporting and facilitating change? Can renovation and conversion of existing buildings offer an alternative to 'new-build'? How can innovative examples of 'best practise' be more widely replicated? What role can community ownership of land and housing play in delivering affordable and sustainable homes? 10.30am - 4.30pm, Friday 5th September. The Greenhouse, (Norwich's Environment Centre), 42-46 Bethel Street, Norwich. £25/£10 (Conc.s) Includes Lunch, Please book your place by 26th August. For information and bookings, please contact Richard Bickle on 07768 184882 or info@greenhousetrust.co.uk or visit www.greenhousetrust.co.uk. |
Technical Performance Of Traditional Construction Materials: Innovation In The Use Of Building Materials 16th SeptemberThe BRE Centre for Innovative Construction Materials at the University of Bath will be hosting the one-day seminar. The seminar aims to provide a forum for presentation and discussion of modern use of traditional low impact (carbon) construction materials, including timber stone, lime, earth and renewable materials (straw, hemp). Details of the programme and registration are available at: www.bath.ac.uk/ace/traditional-construction-materials/ |
Green Strategy 2008 - Thursday 27th November 2008, The Royal Institute, LondonThis is the conference for businesses formulating strategic responses to climate change - the latest drivers, innovations, news and analysis, plus connection with the community. How the oil, food and other crises will affect the climate change agenda. Over the last six months corporate responses to climate change can be set against a backdrop of global uncertainty. The chief developments have been the economic slowdown, the food crisis , the oil crisis, and further resource scarcities. The scientific realities continue to make grim reading with alarming news on the arctic ice circle's continued depletion. And both these considerations should be set against a growing sense of disillusionment among many publics, who continue to question the scale of the climate change problem. Green Strategy 2008 has been specifically designed to meet the needs of businesses formulating their response to climate change and related environmental crises. The conference will combine world-class speakers, inspirational stories, best practice, and networking with like-minded professionals in a collaborative learning environment. The agenda will be made up of a series of compelling interactive sessions that will dissect and debate the latest thinking on the business drivers and help you understand market trends, update your products and operational strategies, improve communications, and strengthen ties with your customers. The structure will help you consider the implications in all areas of your business and help you construct a coherent response. We do work on one central premise - action is needed and a strong corporate response is likely to be part of the solution. It will also be a significant element in deciding your future competitive advantage. Full details are at www.greenbizevents.co.uk/events/greenstrategy2008/ |
Construct Canada - Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 3 - 5 December 2008British Consulate General will again be hosting a stand at Construct Canada and are pleased to issue an invitation for UK companies to participate in Canada's largest annual building and construction trade show. The attached flyer outlines this excellent opportunity for British companies to gain exposure for their products, services and technologies in Canada. Space is available on a first-come first-served basis and can be confirmed by completing the attached participation form. Exhibitors are welcome to be present on the booth but this is not mandatory as staff from the British Consulate-General in Toronto will be available to handle enquiries and gather trade leads. If you want to find out more contact Isabell French, Trade Associate, The British Consulate-General, 777 Bay Street, Suite 2800, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2G2. Tel: 416 593 1290 x 2258 or email isabell.french@fcogov.uk or visit www.uktradeinvestcanada.org |
AECB CarbonLite Training Course - Using PHPP in a Building Certification Process - 25-26 September 2008The Building Centre, London Gain a competitive edge in carbon-literate building design and learn how to use the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) to design genuinely low carbon buildings to AECB standards. This practical hands-on course will provide energy consultants, technical building designers and architects with the skills necessary to design low energy and CO2 buildings to AECB standards using the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP). A practical assessment exercise of a complex dwelling using pre-collated data at the end of Day 2 allows delegates to take a first step towards becoming an assessor for the CarbonLite standards. Cost for the two-day course for AECB Members: £399 + VAT @ 17.5% including all refreshments. (Non AECB members £499 + VAT @ 17.5%) For further information and to book contact sally@aecb.net or visit www.carbonlite.org.uk/carbonlite/training.php |
Biomimicry: New Directions In Sustainable Design, 20 - 24 October 2008If future generations are to enjoy a reasonable quality of life then we urgently need to redesign our buildings, our products and our systems to be completely closed loop and running off solar income. Biomimicry offers completely new ways of approaching design such that radical increases in resource-efficiency can be achieved. The time has come when energy and resource efficient structures and products should be the globally accepted standard, and biomimicry offers up some fascinating revelations as to how the natural world functions from a sustainable design perspective. Participants on this course will explore architectural and engineering applications that are yielding radical increases in resource efficiency, whilst also achieving often huge financial savings. Biomimicry affords the solutions for the scale of change needed in order to address the sustainability problem many design professionals feel unease about. Biomimicry offers radical, workable solutions that have already transformed architectural approaches to certain types of building (for example, horticultural architecture). The course will also touch on the broader applications of biomimicry that extends to include management, industry and society - these are disciplines that are increasingly looking to biomimicry for inspiration. Full details are at www.schumachercollege.org.uk/news/design-in-context-systems-business-and-society, or for more information phone 01803 860054 or email admin@schumachercollege.org.uk. Full details of all the courses offered by the Schumacher College are at www.schumachercollege.org.uk/courses/overview. |
Low Carbon Refurbishment of Buildings - Management guide CTV038Non-domestic buildings are responsible for nearly a fifth of all UK carbon emissions. Significant cuts in emissions from non-domestic buildings are therefore likely to be essential as part of the UK's commitment to reduce carbon emissions by at least 60% by 2050. It is estimated that 60% of the buildings that will be standing in 2050 have already been built. Although there has been much recent focus on measures to reduce the emissions from new buildings, the existing building stock remains largely untouched and many refurbishment projects miss opportunities to reduce emissions and deliver low carbon buildings. Refurbishment covers a wide range of activities, from relatively minor works to very significant changes to the fabric or internal layout of a building. In order to understand the challenges and opportunities presented by refurbishment projects, the Carbon Trust has engaged with 10 typical commercial and public sector building refurbishments, working with each from initial concept through to successful completion and ongoing operations. Encouragingly, our experience has shown that delivering a low carbon refurbishment doesn't require significant increases in complexity, or adoption of high risk or unproven technical solutions. On the contrary, nearly all refurbishments offer opportunities to reduce carbon emissions beyond the standards set by building regulations. However, conventional refurbishment projects often miss the opportunities available, leading to unintentional and unnecessary increases in energy use and associated emissions. This guide is aimed at those who wish to ensure that a planned refurbishment delivers carbon savings, in addition to meeting its other objectives. It provides clear, practical guidance based on real world experience. The guide is structured around a roadmap for the refurbishment process, identifying the key intervention points during the preparation, design, construction and use phases of the project. A key common factor in successful low carbon refurbishments is a corporate commitment to cutting carbon emissions, coupled with effective project management to ensure that this is translated into targets and approaches which ensure the low carbon objectives are met. This guide includes advice on translating the vision into the design brief, setting targets, appointing contractors, monitoring progress and making sure the refurbished building is commissioned and operated as intended. This guide is intended to help you deliver building refurbishments that reduce operating costs, improve comfort levels, increase occupant satisfaction and enhance reputation, as well as delivering significant reductions in carbon emissions. For a copy call the Carbon Trust on 0800 085 2005 or visit www.carbontrust.co.uk |
|
You will need a PDF reader, which you can download (free) by clicking on the link below. |
Click
here