Oil Crisis When will the oil run out ?: Since the 1970's we have been subjected to dire warnings about the imminent demise of the world's oil supplies. Jerry Clarke reflects on the current forecasts and the implications for the building industry…

Nature in Vogue (cover story): Sutton Courtney Environmental Education Centre. This field study centre in a nature reserve in the grounds of Didcot power station, will be used by 10,000 school children each year as well as community groups and adult learners. The design brief was to build a centre that would 'inspire and educate generations of youngsters about their impact on the natural environment'. Architects Andy Simmonds and Adelle Mills explain...

Sustainable Housing Solutions: event report The conference, organised by the Building and Social Housing Foundation (BASHF) was held at St George's House, Windsor Castle. The BASHF, a research institute based in Coalville, Leicestershire was started by a group of homeless and penniless ex-serviceman after the second World War. The foundation concerns itself with the practical problems of producing appropriate housing globally, with sustainability and self-help at the core of the organisation's beliefs…

Insulation for a Future: which insulation to use? This in-depth report analyses the pros and cons of a wide range of so-called eco-insulations and draws some expected and some unexpected conclusions.

Focus on Cork: all you might need to know about cork insulation and its uses.

Focus on Water Closets: of the appliances that use water, the WC uses the most; about 30–40% of domestic water use and up to 90% for offices and public conveniences. Therefore, optimising the water used by a toilet can make the greatest savings, but what is current best practice for the environment-conscious designer or builder?

Botanical heaven: event report The first weekend in July saw the AECB's annual gathering of all the good and the great in ecobuilding. This year it was held at the National Botanic Garden of Wales near Carmarthen.…

56 pages