Latest news - Building & Design
Building & Design
California adopts comprehensive climate change action plan
California has formally committed itself to a package of measures that will reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 – a 15% reduction on current levels.
Energy savings from buildings not being realised, says UN report
A report from the United Nations Environment Programme says that cost-effective energy savings in the building and construction sector are not being tapped into.
Scotland must do more to improve energy efficiency
Scotland is making progress in energy efficiency, according to a report from Audit Scotland, but public spending on energy has increased because of rising costs.
UK invests £12 million in biomass heating
The UK Government has announced £12 million in funding for industry, businesses and community groups investing in biomass-fuelled heating and combined heat and power systems.
Europe reaches compromise on climate policy
The European Union has agreed a compromise deal that will increase the region’s share of renewable energy to 20% by 2020 but still includes a controversial 10% target for biofuels.
Super-efficient technology to power your home
A super-efficient way of powering, heating and cooling homes using vegetable oil could be on the cards thanks to research at the Newcastle University in the UK.
Efficiency focus for US recovery plan
A multi-billion dollar infrastructure investment in the US, which includes a raft of energy efficiency measures, has been outlined by President-elect Barack Obama in bid to push the US out of recession.
Scotland to help SMEs with energy efficiency
The Scottish Government has extended its loan scheme for small businesses to cover energy efficiency measures and renewable energy installations.
EU funding to boost energy efficiency in low income households
A proposal from the European Commission would allow member states to co-finance the installation of energy efficiency measures in the lowest income households.
Energy efficient cement could radically cut emissions
The cement industry, which currently accounts for 8% of global emissions, could radically reduce its climate impact be implementing energy efficiency measures, according to a report from WWF.