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Design
Eight ‘outstanding’ UK developments win BREEAM awards
The 2008 BREEAM awards have gone to eight developments around the UK – more than double the number of award winners in 2007.
Shiny roofs and pavements could counter global warming
Researchers in California believe that making city roofs and pavements more reflective could counter global warming by reducing the amount of solar energy absorbed by the earth – equivalent to massive CO2 emission savings.
Colorado launches largest US zero energy homes programme
Developer Geos has launched plans for a 250-home zero energy community in Colorado, located between Denver and Boulder.
Mayor unveils ‘Low Carbon Zones’ for London
The newly elected Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has announced the development of ten high-technology ‘Low Carbon Zones’ across London by 2012 in support of his manifesto commitment to cut London’s carbon emissions by 60% by 2025.
UK eco-towns receive lukewarm support from public
According to Housing Minister Caroline Flint, the UK Government’s plans to construct eco-towns across the country have received clear support from the general public.
New alliance in green construction
The University of East Anglia and the Building Research Establishment have launched a new partnership to collaborate on sustainable and low carbon building practices.
Barrett unveils green house for the UK
UK housebuilder Barratt has unveiled its prototype zero carbon emission Green House. Designed by architects Gaunt Francis, the Barratt Green House meets the highest level (level six) of the UK government’s code for green and sustainable buildings.
Rebuilding a city the renewable way
A city in the US state of Kansas decimated by a tornado last year is to tap into the force that destroyed it. With assistance from the US Department of Energy (DOE), the city of Greenburg is to construct an advanced wind energy system that will meet all its energy needs.
eBay opens new environmentally friendly building
eBay has opened a new environmentally friendly building at its North Campus in San Jose, California.
Top 10 US green buildings named
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has named its top ten green buildings for 2008. One of the ten – the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center office and meeting space complex – is the first to meet the US Green Building Council’s LEED* criteria for a carbon-neutral building.