Is new material really green cement ?
Posted: 05/01/2009
A magnesium based material which absorbs CO2 during manufacture is attracting interest from major construction firms... British engineers have created a new kind of cement which can absorb greenhouse gases, the Guardian has reported. Cement manufacture accounts for 5% of the world's CO2 emissions, which is higher than aviation. Two billion tonnes are produced... more
Source: Deborah Duke / Building.co.uk   

Its freezing! But green Devon homes stay cosy
Posted: 02/01/2009
A development of 35 environmentally friendly homes in South Molton, Devon, has won awards as a model of good green building practice. The eco estate will hopefully become a template for rural social housing. The Devon and Cornwall Housing Association's development has won several national awards for its innovative design, and is part of the association’s long term plans to develop more of the green and affordable homes that are light and airy... more
Source: Green Building Press   

Affordable GreenGauge Homes win their first award
Posted: 29/12/2008
A new development of green affordable homes in Lingwood, Norfolk, has been honoured at the CPRE Norfolk Awards. The GreenGauge scheme of 15 environmentally friendly affordable homes incorporates the latest construction and energy technologies to provide housing at just 5% above the price of Housing Corporation standard homes. They also offer significant savings in running costs for tenants. The homes are being monitored by the... more
Source: Green Building Press   

First UK Passivhaus estate planned
Posted: 29/12/2008
A Sunderland based developer has unveiled plans for the first major PassivHaus scheme in the UK. Gentoo wants to build the 28 unit bungalow scheme, intended for use by elderly residents, in Houghton-le-Spring near Sunderland. PassivHaus is the German sustainable housebuilding model which reduces energy by up to 80% using passive solar gain and extremely high standards of insulation. Buildings use an advanced mechanical ... more
Source: Building.co.uk   

Housing Association gives away light bulbs
Posted: 28/12/2008
A Manchester based Housing Association has teamed up with energy saving organisations to reduce carbon emissions from its homes by delivering low energy light bulbs to its tenants. The social landlord, Bowlee Park Housing, also hopes to save tenants money, as the lightbulbs produce the same amount of light, but use less electricity. It’s part of a national campaign led by eaga... more
Source: Green Building Press