Latest news - Building & Design
Building & Design
New LEED guidelines give more weight to efficiency
The US Green Building Council (USGBC) has approved new guidelines for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for commercial, which will be introduced in 2009.
UK’s climate change committee unveils tough emissions targets
In just over a decade, the UK should reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 21% compared with 2005 levels, according to new recommendation from the UK’s Committee on Climate Change.
Green roofs reduce energy consumption
Green roofs – where traditional roofs are replaced with plants and a watering system – optimise the energy consumption of buildings and have other advantages, say Spanish researchers.
Clean tech gets €6 billion boost from European recovery plan
A European Commission recovery plan for the region is calling for a large-scale, long-term investment in clean tech as part of a far-reaching €200 billion package to boost the region’s economy and create jobs.
Royal seal of approval for UK clean tech legislation
This week saw formal Royal Assent being given to new UK legislation on energy, climate change and planning aimed at boosting renewables and clean tech.
UK Government’s Pre-Budget Report good news for energy efficiency
UK Chancellor Alistair Darling outlined plans to increase spending on energy efficiency and extend incentives for renewables as part of his Pre-Budget Report earlier this week.
UK Government think tank urges action on energy usage
An annual MOT test assessing the energy performance of UK households and offices could be on the cards, if the Government takes on board recommendations from its think tank Foresight.
London mayor launches efficiency plan
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has announced a series of measures aimed at making the city more energy efficient, reducing its carbon footprint and creating new ‘green-collar’ jobs.
Water companies must increase efficiency, says Ofwat
Water regulator for England and Wales, Ofwat, is calling for water companies to reduce usage by 40% from 2010 through improved efficiency.
Europe unveils code of conduct for energy efficient data centres
The European Commission has published a voluntary code of conduct for running an energy efficient data centre. The guidelines, recommendations and best practices could reduce energy consumption by up to 20%.