Latest news - Materials
UK Government unveils plans to meet 2016 zero-carbon homes target
The UK Government has outlined details of how its target of making all new homes zero carbon by 2016 could be possible.
EU funding to boost energy efficiency in low income households
A proposal from the European Commission would allow member states to co-finance the installation of energy efficiency measures in the lowest income households.
Energy efficient cement could radically cut emissions
The cement industry, which currently accounts for 8% of global emissions, could radically reduce its climate impact be implementing energy efficiency measures, according to a report from WWF.
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.
Additional Articles
Recycled plastic has future in construction
UK company i-plas has launched a building material made from recycled plastic that it claims could replace concrete, steel and timber.
India and US to collaborate on energy R&D
Researchers from the Indian government on private sector are to collaborate with the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the University of California, Berkeley on energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
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.
Air of success for insulation supplier
Aspen Aerogels, Inc., supplier of advanced insulation materials, is to receive a $37 million investment package from Arcapita Ventures, Lehman Brothers Venture Partners, Reservoir Capital Group and Rockport Capital Partners.
Renovating the green way doesn’t have to be more expensive
Northern Michigan University in the Midwest of the US has opened the doors to two halls of residence with a difference – the newly renovated buildings meet stringent US Green Building Council LEED* benchmarks for energy efficiency and sustainability.
Curtains open for solar power
Producer of high efficiency thin film solar energy systems HelioVolt and Architectural Glass & Aluminum Co. (AGA) are to develop and produce building-integrated photovoltaic photovoltaics (BIPVs).