Auction room is Europe's largest strawbale building
Posted: 14/05/2008
Even the grandest modern auction houses may have sold bales of straw in humbler early days, but since last week, when Princess Michael of Kent opened a newly-built fine art saleroom in the Essex countryside, a firm founded in the 18th century has been able to claim that it is actually built of the stuff... more
Source: Huon Mallalieu / Times online   

New report attempts to redefine 'zero carbon' housing
Posted: 13/05/2008
A new report by the UK Green Building Council (GBC) attempts to deliver a compromise solution to the ongoing debate as to exactly what "zero carbon" means in practice. The UKGBC's line is that developers should be allowed to use offsite renewable energy, but only where every effort has been made to first install onsite... more
Source: Green Building Press   

First green offices for Isle of Man
Posted: 13/05/2008
Plans for a new eco-friendly Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry headquarters at St John's are well under way following its recent application for planning permission. Lieutenant Governor Sir Paul Haddacks, was shown plans and enjoyed a tour of the proposed site – which is on land next to the Forestry, Amenity and Lands... more
Source: Isle of Man Today.co.im   

Green police station a first for Norfolk
Posted: 12/05/2008
A new flagship eco-police station in Aylsham has delighted the Norfolk force, which says it hopes it will pave the way for similar stations elsewhere in Norfolk. The building, designed by architect Mark Camidge, is almost carbon neutral and boasts an electricity-generating wind turbine... more
Source: Norwich Advertiser   

Passivhaus design expert to speak at UK conference
Posted: 12/05/2008
Sustainable building association, the AECB believes that Passivhaus building design should be central to the UK's approach to 'low carbon' homes. The AECB's annual conference on 13-14th June 2008 will offer the chance to hear one of the world's leading experts on Passivhaus design. Dr Berthold Kaufmann from the Passivhaus Institute... more
Source: Green Building Press   

Landlords need incentives to green buildings
Posted: 09/05/2008
The government could make better use of the Enhanced Capital Allowances scheme, thereby encouraging landlords to green existing buildings says The British Property Federation (BPF). At a recent UK Green Building Council 'Dragon's Den' event the BPF joined organisations including Friends Of The Earth and the Empty Homes... more
Source: Green Building Press