Built Environment
The latest environmental news and green issues affecting buildings and the construction industry, from eco towns and solar technology to sustainable building, recycling and construction regulations.
The Government has come under criticism from an influential committee of MPs for not setting clear outcomes for the Green Deal and Energy Companies Obligation (ECO), its flagship policies to insulate millions of homes and businesses across Britain.
Awareness of the Green Deal is rising among the public, but many say they would be unhappy about taking on a Green Deal finance plan when they bought a property, a new survey by Which? reveals.
Tony Howard, head of New Business Development at CITB, explains the importance to construction small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of keeping up to date with developments regarding Building Regulations Part L.
The Government has issued a stiff warning to any Green Deal participants found to be acting fraudulently following reports that cold callers are posing as Green Deal assessors and charging administration fees.
Older and disabled people are put off the Government's flagship energy efficiency programmes because of their complexity and fear of taking on debt, unpublished Government research shows.
Six energy firms – including three of the 'Big Six’ – are to be investigated by the energy watchdog after failing to meet targets on energy efficiency under Government initiatives to cut consumers bills and reduce carbon emissions.
The UK’s largest Green Deal opportunity was unveiled today, as Leeds and 10 surrounding local authorities, including York, Bradford and Harrogate, announced they are to partner on a scheme that will enable more than 12,000 homes in the region become warmer and cheaper to run.
The success of the Green Deal for business is at risk due to a lack of qualified assessors for the scheme, says Tim Hipperson, energy services director at Utilitywise plc.
The first Green Deal Plan is "good to go" and two others are currently being reviewed, the head of the Green Deal Finance Company (GDFC) Mark Bayley said today as he confirmed details of the first year’s financing arrangements for the not-for-profit.
A free week-long programme of events focused around sustainable building will take place next week throughout London.
BRE, the sustainable building research consultancy, is set to begin a £2 million Government-funded research project to find potential areas for energy saving from solid wall insulation.
George Osborne should use this week’s Budget to introduce tax breaks for energy efficient properties in order to increase take up of the Green Deal and boost jobs and growth in the construction sector, green building leaders said today.
More than 1,800 Green Deal assessments have been lodged and £26.9 million worth of Energy Company Obligation (ECO) deals have been confirmed, the Government said today, as it released the first official set of figures on take-up of its flagship energy efficiency scheme.
This week, the Government announced that London would host the Future Cities Catapult Centre, a £150 million innovation hub to help cities work more efficiently while lowering their impact on the environment. But plans to build a resilient economy in Greater Manchester, promising new jobs and energy cuts, are already underway. Emilie Beauchamp reports.
The Green Deal Finance Company (GDFC) is finally in a position to finance Green Deal Plans following a multi-million pound funding agreement with the Green Investment Bank (GIB).
