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Building & Design

Estimates point to fall in EU’s 2011 greenhouse gas emissions

Estimates point to fall in EU’s 2011 greenhouse gas emissions

Early estimates show a fall in greenhouse gas emissions of 2.5% across Europe in 2011, according to the European Environment Agency.

UK’s Citizens Advice urgers householders to switch to save

UK’s Citizens Advice urgers householders to switch to save

Amid the furore over household energy prices, this week was ‘Big Energy Saving Week’ with organisers Citizens Advice calling on householders to switch suppliers to get the best deal.

M&S to plug into energy-from-waste plant

M&S to plug into energy-from-waste plant

UK high street retailer Marks and Spencer has signed a deal with waste management firm Shanks Group to convert its food waste into electricity.

IT centres wasting energy because of “archaic” attitudes

IT centres wasting energy because of “archaic” attitudes

Data centres are wasting energy because of “archaic” attitudes to equipment tolerances to heat and humidity, says The Green Grid.

IKEA unpacks plans to generate 100% renewable electricity

IKEA unpacks plans to generate 100% renewable electricity

Swedish furniture retailer IKEA announced a new sustainability strategy this week that will see the chain become self-sufficient in renewable energy by 2020.

UK government ‘blitzes’ local energy efficiency initiatives with £40 million

UK government ‘blitzes’ local energy efficiency initiatives with £40 million

The UK government announced a £40 million competition for local councils on Friday to support initiatives aiming to boost energy efficiency, reduce fuel poverty and encourage collective switching.

Householders to get up to £1000 cash back in Green Deal offer

Householders to get up to £1000 cash back in Green Deal offer

Householders in England and Wales could receive up to £1000 cash back for taking energy efficiency measures in a government initiative to kick start its flagship Green Deal scheme.

Ofgem unveils its plans for a fairer energy market

Ofgem unveils its plans for a fairer energy market

UK energy regulator Ofgem joined in the fray today unveiling its own plans to give energy customers a “simpler, clearer and fairer” deal.

Credit: SSE.

UK government cuts red tape for energy infrastructure projects

UK government cuts red tape for energy infrastructure projects

Largely unnoticed amid the furore over energy prices, the UK Energy Secretary Ed Davey yesterday announced changes to legislation covering major energy infrastructure projects.

Toyota starts up fuel cell at California HQ

Toyota starts up fuel cell at California HQ

Japanese carmaker Toyota earlier this week switched on a 1.1 MW fuel cell at its California headquarters in Torrance.