Latest news - Building & Design

Building & Design

US agencies join forces to improve energy efficiency

US agencies join forces to improve energy efficiency

The US Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy are joining forces to improve the energy efficiency of homes, offices, buildings and industry by 2020.

Massachusetts sets standards to improve energy efficiency

Massachusetts sets standards to improve energy efficiency

The US state of Massachusetts has unveiled new targets to improve energy efficiency that aim to cut electricity use 2.4% and gas use 1.1.5%.

Obama 2011 budget request backs energy efficiency

Obama 2011 budget request backs energy efficiency

US President Barack Obama’s budget request for next year, despite having to deal with a deficit of $1.3 trillion, will boost investment in energy efficiency and nuclear power.

Credit: NREL

Smart grid could cut US emissions by 12%

Smart grid could cut US emissions by 12%

Deploying a smart electricity grid across the board in the US could reduce usage and cut emissions by at least 12% by 2030, according to a new report.

US government to cut its own emissions 28% by 2020

US government to cut its own emissions 28% by 2020

President Barack Obama announced a new executive order on Friday that requires the Federal Government to cut its own emissions 28% by 2020.

(Credit: FreeFoto)

UK Government unveils feed-in tariffs for microgeneration

UK Government unveils feed-in tariffs for microgeneration

The UK Government today announced the details of its Clean Energy Cashback Scheme – or feed-in tariff – for small-scale low-carbon electricity generation and plans to introduce similar incentives for low-carbon heating.

UK schools to go zero-carbon, pledges Government

UK schools to go zero-carbon, pledges Government

The Government is to pilot at least four zero-carbon schools within the next six years and offer all schools in England digital energy display meters to help monitor energy use and cut bills.

London businesses urged to monitor and reduce energy use

London businesses urged to monitor and reduce energy use

London businesses and organisations are being urged to start monitoring their energy use as a first step to reducing consumption.

More incentives for energy efficiency and clean energy, says Obama

More incentives for energy efficiency and clean energy, says Obama

More incentives for energy efficiency and clean energy are what the US needs, President Barack Obama said last night in his State of the Union address.

California adopts state-wide green building code

California adopts state-wide green building code

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger earlier this month announced the adoption of the first US state-wide mandatory green building code.