week ending 29 February 2008
Low Carbon Refurbishment
A free tool to tackle the carbon emissions of the UK’s existing housing stock, which includes recycled material solutions, has been launched by BRE. The online tool identifies the best low carbon refurbishment options for specific house types. The tool, called T-Zero, asks the user to define the building and give its measurements. Fuel costs and the house’s carbon footprint can then be best worked out and a package of measures suggested, which include insulation heating and renewable energy options.
Recycling & Waste Management News 29th Feb 2008
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Tesco Turbine
Tesco's plans to build a wind turbine in King's Lynn have sparked concern they could pave the way for the disruption of many more town-centre skylines.
EDP 29th Feb 2008
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Norwich Turbine Plan
A green energy champion is pushing ahead with a £4m project to install two wind turbines near the Norwich southern bypass. Andy Hilton, who runs Windpower Renewables from his home at Catfield, near Yarmouth, has submitted a 'scoping opinion' to South Norfolk Council asking what information it would need to include in an environmental impact assessment.
EDP 29th Feb 2008
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Yorkshire Hydro
A new venture to create "green" electric power using river water is being launched by the Green Settle group. The group is behind a new hydro scheme at the weir next to Settle Middle School. The concept, using the River Ribble's flow to generate electricity, would be the first community hydro power scheme in Yorkshire and is set to be in place by September if planning permission and funding are obtained.
Craven Herald 29th Feb 2008
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Cornish Wind-powered School
A Cornish primary school could soon be almost completely powered by a single wind turbine.
BBC 29th Feb 2008
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Oxford Wind-powered School
An Oxford school has become the first site in the city to have an energy-saving wind turbine.
BBC 29th Feb 2008
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Oxford Herald 29th Feb 2008
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Wales Route Map
Wales is rising to the challenge of the changing world of energy and leading
the way in the UK, First Minister Rhodri Morgan told delegates at his Energy
Summit today (28 February).
The First Minister said that since he last met delegates at the annual summit,
the pace of change in the energy sector has continued to accelerate at European,
UK and Wales levels culminating last week with the publication of the Wales
Renewable Energy Route Map, the first to be published by a UK administration.
eGov Monitor 29th Feb 2008
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Cardenden Eco-town
DETAILED plans for what could be Scotland's first eco-town were unveiled yesterday. Planners hope to regenerate four former mining villages on a 1,200-acre site at Cardenden in Fife – using it as a blueprint for future sustainable communities. The proposed scheme of 5,000 wooden eco-homes, of which 1,000 would be affordable housing, will be built over the next 20 years.
Scotsman 29th Feb 2008
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Dundee Courier 29th Feb 2008
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Fife Today 27th Feb 2008
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Certification Scheme
The European Commission has approved the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). This means specifiers working in microgeneration will now be able to work with a list of approved products. MCS assesses heat pumps, solar heating collections, micro wind turbines, and non roof-integrated solar photovoltaic products.
Building 28th Feb 2008
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Grant Re-vamp
The Governmednt will announce a re-vamp of its grant scheme for renewable energy next month.
Money Observer 28th Feb 2008
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Business Green 28th Feb 2008
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Torbay Plan
Torbay Council's draft Climate Change Strategy suggests either one large 100-metre high turbine or a 'cluster' of smaller 20 metre-high turbines as an alternative fuel source.
South Devon Herald Express 28th Feb 2008
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Ground source heat pumps
Kensa Engineering, which makes ground-source heat pumps at its factory on the former Mount Wellington Mine site, was visited by South West Conservative MEP Giles Chichester. Kensa is developing the next generation of heat pumps to cut down on global warming using natural refrigerants such as ammonia, propane and carbon dioxide. As energy spokesman in the European Parliament, Mr Chichester is keen to see companies like Kensa succeed against products imported from Germany and Sweden.
This is Cornwall 28th Feb 2008
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Rural-Zed
Delegates attending a conference and exhibition on green building this week had the chance to see what manufacturers are calling the UK's first commercially viable, affordable and ready to purchase zero-carbon home.
Guardian 28th Feb 2008
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Africa
Nick Sireau, director of the charity SolarAid, an NGO that aims to deliver clean, renewable power to the world's poorest people. Having spotted our coverage of the project in the Guardian and the Observer, Sireau contacted us with news of what his organisation was doing. He asked if there was any way he could work with Amref in Katine to deliver solar power to the region. "The majority of the rural population in Africa has no access to electricity and is forced to rely on expensive and polluting kerosene for lighting and diesel for generators," Sireau says. "Solar power, however, is more reliable, safer and affordable."
Guardian 28th Feb 2008
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Hull Tesco
TESCO's bid to be greener has fallen foul of residents who are complaining that two planned wind turbines at a store in Hull will provide "negligible" energy and be an eyesore. The giant supermarket' proposals have been recommended for approval when they go before Hull Council's planning committee next week.
Yorkshire Post 28th Feb 2008
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Ulster Biomass
WILLOW chip renewable energy is heating Cookstown Leisure Centre in a combined local initiative that is saving up to 50 pc in oil costs. Cookstown District Council is the first council to switch from a traditional oil boiler to a bio-mass boiler for its Fountain Road leisure complex used by over 25,000 people each month.
Mid Ulster Mail 28th Feb 2008
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Bury School Solar
THERE was a "charged" atmosphere when Castlebrook High School pupils officially switched on their new £20,000 solar panels. The 24 photovoltaic panels, installed with funding from the Co-operative Group, should generate around 3,300 kWh of electricity each year.
Bury Times 28th Feb 2008
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Ravenscraig Eco-town
An area of former industrial heartland could become one of the greenest places in the country, it has been claimed. Developers building homes on the site of the former North Lanarkshire steelworks have been told they must comply with strict eco-friendly rules. About 3,500 houses will be built in the area and all must gain a minimum EcoHomes standard of 'Very good'. This could be achieved by providing environmentally friendly facilities such as renewable energy. Jim Fitzsimons, director of Ravenscraig Ltd, said: "Any house builder which cannot commit to delivering on the environmental requirements for Ravenscraig simply will not be part of the project.
BBC 27th Feb 2008
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Contract Journal 27th Feb 2008
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Glyndebourne
Sir David Attenborough endorsed plans to build a wind turbine to power Glyndebourne Opere House - saying beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The acclaimed wildlife broadcaster spoke out against 'green' campaigners who said the controversial development would be a blot on the landscape, calling them short-sighted. He also dismissed claims the facility would be 'hideous', saying: 'When I look at a wind turbine I think, that's beautiful.'
Sussex Express 27th Feb 2008
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Telegraph 27th Feb 2008
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Independent 27th Feb 2008
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Zero carbon reality
Once it was a dream; then it was an experiment; and now, from today, the zero-carbon house is a reality. You can pick up the phone and order one, and in three months you can be living your life without contributing anything from your domestic surroundings to Britain's greenhouse gas emissions, the manufacturers say. They're a consortium of green building companies called ruralZED, and they say the house they unveiled at the EcoBuild Exhibition at Earl's Court in London yesterday is the first truly affordable carbon-neutral home.
Independent 27th Feb 2008
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Green Building 27th Feb 2008
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Code for Sustainable Buildings
The Government's drive towards zero carbon housing took a major step forward today with the announcement that all new homes are to be rated on their green credentials from May 1st. A rating against the Code for Sustainable Homes, which measures nine categories of sustainable design including energy, water and waste, will be required for all new homes. Homes which exceed the sustainable standards in existing Building Regulations will be awarded up to six stars. Those homes that have not been assessed against the Code will score a nil-rating.
Calibre 27th Feb 2008
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Somerset
Somerset County Council today has announced its commitment to reduce its carbon emissions by 30 per cent by 2015, and do its best to help the rest of the County follow suite.
Somerset County Council 27th Feb 2008
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Hydrogen School
THE Centre for Process Innovation has joined forces with a local school to create a mini energy station providing power to a classroom in a UK first. This is the first project of its type in the country as it combines the use of wind and solar energy with the use of a fuel cell to create truly sustainable power.
Newcastle Evening Gazette 26th Feb 2008
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Solar Mortgages
A UK first was made yesterday when a bank in Northern Ireland launched substantially discounted mortgage borrowing for those who install solar power. The Solar Mortgage from the Ulster Bank will do its bit for climate change and reducing the carbon footprint of householders. It will offer a discount of 50 per cent off the bank’s variable rate for three years, to both new and existing customers, to cover the cost of purchasing and installing the latest solar photvoltaic [PV] technology. The bank has teamed up with leading solar energy company, Solarcentury and the package includes full management of supply and installation and support of the customer through any building control, planning or grant applications.
Belfast Newsletter 26th Feb 2008
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Kirklees Plan
THE Conservative leader of Kirklees Council has drawn up a "green" budget and promised £20m extra investment in environmentally-friendly schemes. The ruling group has promised to spend £2m on re-using heat power generated in Huddersfield's waste incinerator and more money on household renewable energy schemes. Almost £500,000 will be spent fitting smart meters to reduce and improve energy use in council buildings, while another £500,000 will be spent on developing smaller green schemes.
Yorkshire Post 26th Feb 2008
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Lowestoft School
A high school in Lowestoft is hoping a new wind turbine will signal the beginning of a long term project to educate students on the importance of energy conservation.
Lowsestoft Journal 26th Feb 2008
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Scotland dragging its feet
The Labour Scottish Executive issued national planning policy guidelines requiring most new housing and commercial developments to reduce emissions by 15 per cent over and above building regulation requirements. A year later, research by Friends of the Earth Scotland shows that the majority of local authorities have not translated that into their local plans and have received no support or pressure from the Scottish Government to ensure they do. Scotland is also dragging its heels over planning rules governing the installation of micro-renewables on existing buildings.
Scotsman 25th Feb 2008
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Herald 25th Feb 2008
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Zero-carbon Showcase
The University of Nottingham has become home to the first of six prototype buildings which aim to showcase innovative state-of-the-art energy efficient homes of the future. Built by supplier BASF, in collaboration with the School of Built Environment, the building is constructed on the University Park site and is part of the Creative Energy Homes Project. Construction firms Stoneguard, Roger Bullivant Ltd, EON and Tarmac are also funding similar projects. Four of the homes have already been built.
Building 25th Feb 2008
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Brighton
The first pictures of the proposed £100 million redevelopment of a trading estate have been revealed. Developers said the scheme would be "green and sustainable" and involve low-carbon technology and renewable energy sources.
Brighton Argus 25th Feb 2008
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Zero-carbon, but fit for purpose
The purpose of our new report, A Review of Microgeneration and Renewable
Energy Technologies, is to ensure that builders and developers understand
that not all options that are currently available will be suited for every
development. We cannot risk a situation where one, two, or three generations
of consumers will have to live with the legacy of poor decisions made today.
The NHBC Foundation is committed to ensuring that the industry has the tools
it needs and the research data it requires to be able to make sound, well
thought-out decisions which meet the aspirations of both homeowners and the
government.
BBC 25th Feb 2008
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Ravenscraig doing a Merton?
Housebuilders bidding to play a part in the ambitious redevelopment of the former Ravenscraig steelworks in Lanarkshire will have to adhere to what has been billed as the strictest environmental guidelines ever required by a development in Scotland. All developers will be required to achieve a minimum "ecohomes rating" of "very good" for their houses - maximise energy efficiency techniques, install combined heat and power boilers, preferably fuelled by renewable energy, provide on-site renewable energy generation facilities capable of reducing carbon emissions by at least 10%.
Herald 25th Feb 2008
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Renewable Devices
AN EDINBURGH firm which makes micro wind turbines has been given a £30 million valuation after selling a stake of equity to an Australian insurance group. Renewable Devices, which sells wind turbines that can be mounted on homes or businesses, has sold 2 per cent stake in the company to the Australian owners of Equity Insurance, for £600,000.
Scotsman 25th Feb 2008
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Renewables
Feed-in tariffs: Generators of electricity
from renewable sources are paid generously for extra power they feed to the
grid. Electricity companies have to buy this energy and share the higher
cost among all their customers. It is supposed to kick-start investment in
greener energy, and it works: Germany's adoption of the programme has helped
it develop 200 times the solar power capacity of Britain and 10 times the
wind energy, despite Britain being a much windier place.
Guardian 25th Feb 2008
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UK Behind (solar)
The UK is even further behind on solar power, with installed capacity of 16MW at peak times, compared with 3,800MW in Germany. James Cameron, chairman of specialist investment bank Climate Change Capital, says the government's blinkered approach to subsidies is a missed opportunity: 'On solar, for example, I've had conversations with government people here saying "Japan and Germany have already done solar, they're better at it than us and it's expensive anyway, so we won't concern ourselves with it". The UK has a lot of catching up to do, but there are some grounds for optimism. The political momentum over tackling climate change is getting stronger and stronger. This year, the government will launch another consultation on how to meet its new EU renewable energy targets.
Observer 24th Feb 2008
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Fuel Poverty
Friends of the Earth has told the government to come up with a plan to tackle fuel poverty by Friday or face a judicial review. It has also emerged that the government has proposed cutting the funding for the UK's only fuel poverty charity by a quarter. Yet it is estimated more than 4.5 million households now fall into this category, the highest since Labour has been in power. The number of households affected keeps rising each time suppliers raise utility bills. The government committed itself to the legally binding target of eradicating fuel poverty among vulnerable households in England by 2010, and across the UK entirely by 2018.Last week, lawyers for Friends of the Earth wrote to the secretaries of state for the departments responsible - John Hutton and Hilary Benn - urging them to come up with a concrete plan to meet the target. If the ministers refuse to reply, or do not come up with a convincing policy by the end of the week, the campaign group will start legal proceedings to secure a judicial review to force the government into action.
Observer 24th Feb 2008
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Energy Efficiency
Every new building put up in Britain will have to be zero carbon, emitting none of the pollution that is the main cause of global warming, the Government will announce this week. Caroline Flint, the new housing minister, will commit herself on Wednesday to setting an "ambitious target" for eliminating carbon dioxide emissions from "non-domestic" buildings, ranging from schools to supermarkets, health centres to hotels, and from libraries to light manufacturing industry. Taken with a year-old government commitment to make all new housing zero carbon by 2016 – the most exacting target anywhere in the world – the move will set Britain on the road to a new energy age, with conservation measures and renewable sources replacing the wasteful burning of fossil fuels. She will announce "a full consultation" on what the target date should be, expected to begin in April, insisting that "tackling climate change will be one of my central priorities as housing minister".
Independent on Sunday 24th Feb 2008
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A growing number of politicians are embracing the eco-home movement, using their houses to bolster their green credentials.
Independent on Sunday 24th Feb 2008
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This week Scottish MSPs will hear plans from Hamilton-based property developer Banks Developments, who want to undertake a major regeneration project where 5000 new eco-homes will be built. The proposed carbon neutral community will include 1250 designated affordable homes, new schools, transport links, public parks and a cemetery.
Sunday Herald 24th Feb 2008
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Renewables
Plans to cut climate pollution by boosting the use of renewable energy in
new building developments are being thwarted because most local authorities
are failing to follow government planning guidelines. A survey has revealed
that 60% of Scottish councils have no policy to encourage solar, wind and
other clean technologies in new homes and offices - despite being asked a
year ago by ministers to introduce one. This could mean that major flagship
developments in the pipeline could be deprived of vital energy-saving measures.
They include the Commonwealth games village in Glasgow, as well as new towns
planned
for Ravenscraig and near Inverness.
Sunday Herald, 24th February 2008
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robedwards.com (with map) 24th Feb 2008
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Hampshire Scheme Dropped
From April this year £1m was to be set aside by the city council to fund loans of up to £10,000 for residents who wanted to turn their house into an environmentally friendly home - leading to energy-producing wind turbines, solar-powered heating, and lower fuel bills with double- glazed windows and wall insulation.
Daily Echo News 24th Feb 2008
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Esco
Supporters of the Meadows Energy Services Company (Esco) say not only would it give residents a reduction in their bills, it would help cut carbon emissions - and could even end up with residents receiving money from their supplier.
Nottingham Evening Post 23rd Feb 2008
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Retrofitting
The issue of retro-fitting period houses to reduce their carbon emissions is a looming nightmare for home-owners, conservationists and energy experts. Paul Ruyssevelt, a prominent energy expert, estimates that it could cost up £30,000 per house, creating a nationwide bill that could run into billions.
Telegraph 23rd Feb 2008
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Zero Carbon Houses
With nine years to go before every new UK home is meant to be zero-carbon, there are still only a few pioneering developments that are getting near.
Ethical Corporation 23rd Feb 2008
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Another Tesco Turbine
King's Lynn looks set to get its first wind turbine, on of the main routes into the town. Tesco wants to build the 30m high turbine in the car park of its Hardwick Road store.
East Anglian Daily Press 23rd Feb 2008
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Lynn News 26th Feb 2008
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Hospital Turbine
A GIANT wind turbine planned for Lynn's Queen Elizabeth Hospital will actually generate 18 per cent of its electricity and save around £20,000 a year, it has been revealed.
Lynn News 22nd Feb 2008
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Oxford Wind
TWO more sites have emerged as possible locations for Oxford's first giant wind turbines. Land close to Hinksey Heights Golf Club, near South Hinksey, and Cutteslowe Park have been revealed as places where 125m (410ft) tall energy generators could be built.
Abingdon Herald 22nd Feb 2008
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Solar China
Experts project that by 2010 the number of solar water heaters installed
in China will equal the thermal equivalent of the electrical capacity of
40 large nuclear power plants. Globally, solar water heaters have the capacity
to produce as much energy as more than 140 nukes.
Environmental Graffiti 22nd Feb 2008
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NHS giving up carbon
MEDICAL centres throughout West Lothian are aiming to cut their carbon footprint.
NHS Lothian has signed a partnership with the Carbon Trust making a commitment
to reducing carbon emissions.
West Lothian Courier 22nd Feb 2008
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Sustainable Planning
A flagship building at that cuts down pollution has become the first winner of a Sustainable Planning Award. The Orchard Building at Stramillis College in Belfast, designed by Scott Wilson and Knox & Clayton Architects, maximises natural light, is heated by a biomass boiler and features a sustainable urban drainage scheme.
Belfast Telegraph 22nd Feb 2008
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Durham School
ENERGY-SAVING youngsters are celebrating after their school won a wind turbine
in a national competition. Wolsingham School and Community College is one
of 100 schools across the UK to win a an energy-efficient PC and a turbine
big enough to power it.
Northern Echo 22nd Feb 2008
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As easy as TV
INSTALLING green energy devices should be as easy as putting in a flat screen television, a renewables expert said today. Jason Ormiston, the chief executive of Scottish Renewables, said half of the energy used in Scotland went towards heating people's homes. And he said if the Scottish Government was to hit targets for increasing renewable energy and cutting climate change it had to make installing green devices such as solar panels easier.
Edinburgh Evening News 22nd Feb 2008
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East Dulwich
A primary school in East Dulwich has become one of the first to install solar panels on its roof to cut electricity bills.
London Evening Standard 22nd Feb 2008
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City of London
The solar panels on the roof of London's City Hall were officially unveiled today. City Hall now has a unique photovoltaic system designed to complement the rounded shape of one of London's most iconic buildings.
CIOB 22nd Feb 2008
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Freiburg
The citizens of Freiburg were protesting a nuclear plant in their neighbourhood with “widespread civil disobedience, and in 1975 the plans were defeated.” Instead, Frieburg decided to go another direction, and the results have been nothing short of remarkable. Freiburg passed energy efficiency standards that result in new houses costing 3% more to build - and that use 30% less energy and CO2. There are solar photovoltaic panels everywhere, solar hot water heaters, and a solar module factory that produces zero net emissions. And the latest generation of houses uses only 15% of the energy used by the houses that were already 30% under the conventional building standards.
Environmental Graffiti 21st Feb 2008
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Sustainable Contractors
A new website dedicated to helping mechanical and electrical contractors
take advantage of the business opportunities created by the rising demand
for sustainable buildings is now live.
Provided by M&E Sustainability, the site at more >> features
detailed design guides, updates on relevant legislation, technology guidance,
case studies and news items. M&E Sustainability is a joint venture between
the sector's leading trade bodies: The Electrical Contractors' Association
(ECA) and the Heating and Ventilating Contractors' Association (HVCA). It
is spearheading the industry's campaign to develop rigorous professional
standards for installation of renewable energy systems; create a skilled
and competent workforce to deliver sustainable designs; and support specialist
training providers.
Electrical Times 5th Feb 2008
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