Latest news - Design

US Government backs energy-saving windows

The US Department of Energy announced last week that it is to back a Minnesota-based company making energy-saving windows with a $72 million loan.

Sustainable buildings honoured by BREEAM Awards

Sixteen of the most sustainable buildings were honoured last week at Ecobuild in London as part of the BREEAM Awards 2010.

IBM and Johnson Controls join forces to create smart buildings

IBM and Johnson Controls have announced plans to join forces to make buildings smarter, reducing energy and water use.

Communities should get together on heating, water and waste, says report

Local communities should get together on heating, rainwater harvesting and waste disposal and reuse schemes, recommends the UK Green Building Council and the Zero Carbon Hub.

Additional Articles

US launches multi-agency initiative to boost building efficiency

Seven US federal agencies, including the Department of Energy, are joining forces to fund research into improving building efficiency.

White roofs could cool cities

Cities could be cooled by painting roofs white, according to a theoretical study by US scientists.

UK invests £60 million in green home building programme

UK Housing Minister John Healey has announced a £60 million investment to build 600 green homes in four eco-towns around the country.

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.

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.

Smart windows could save 5% of total US energy budget

Widespread installation of ‘smart’ windows that change colour to moderate internal temperatures and lighting could save around 5% of the total US energy budget, claim researchers.