Lancaster Cohousing project - part 6: - Lancaster Cohousing Project is a certified Passivhaus/Code for Sustainable Homes, level 6 and Life Time Homes, affordable community housing project, which has evolved through a participatory design process with the individual householders and Eco Arc Architects. Andrew Yeats and David Fotherinham report.
No Fukushima here!: - It is no secret that the UK's energy and climate policy is in a bit of a mess, with concern being raised about rising prices, potential energy shortfalls and lack of clarity on which way we are heading. The blackout threat is a bit odd given that DECC's statistics show that in 2011 electricity consumption went down by 3.3% and gas use fell by almost 20%, while renewable generation expanded, albeit from a low level, by 33%. They could continue to expand, given that the UK has amongst the world's best renewable energy resources. But we have not developed them much yet. Dave Elliott reports ...
AECB Local Groups, A good way to stay inspired: AECB – The AECB – the sustainable building association, has a network of local groups across England and Scotland. These provide a great opportunity to meet with fellow AECB members. For more details of dates and venues visit the AECB website (www.aecb.net) or contact debbie@aecb.net. The following reports from local group events give a flavour of some of the activities you could get involved with. Members are keen to share their knowledge and expertise on different aspects of sustainable building.
Pearcelands, Chilgrove and the Curly House: - Jake White and Joanna Saady of Ecotecture say that you can create great buildings when you have great clients and when you get the ones who care about building 'eco' it definitely makes the projects worthwhile. During the last seven years they have produced a good portfolio of work they are very proud of, especially as they have made a concerted effort to invest time in the business, developing their own library of details. Clients range from small refurbishments or retrofit to new house and commercial offices. Jake and Joanna have chosen three of their recent projects to share with Green Building readers.
From caravan to eco-cabin (cover story): Cheap, cheerful and very cosy, this small eco-cabin was built for less than £10,000 as a replacement for an old static caravan. Truly sustainable living! Olwyn Pritchard reports ...
Energy station showcases as a visitor centre: - The Apedale Energy Station, set in Staffordshire’s Apedale Community Country Park, is a visitor centre designed to showcase renewable energy technology and low carbon building techniques. Kevin Parslow, CEO of Evance Wind Turbines, and Adrian Sutherland of Staffordshire County Council tell the story of the building’s design and construction, and outline how its ongoing energy needs are supported by two small wind turbines
AECB conference - ‘never mind the greenwash’: - This year the AECB’s conference was held in June at the new academic building, Goldsmiths University, London. The programme seemed fuller than ever. Kate de Selincourt gives a flavour of what went on. So much is packed in to an AECB conference, one can hardly call it a single event. There are always several meaty workshops running concurrently; depending on your particular interests. The 2012 conference focussed on air quality and the effectiveness of ventilation; a challenge to the ‘anti-science’ view of the ‘sustainable materials’ agenda; an exploration of relationships between the natural world and the built environment; a demonstration of AECB expertise in the service of disadvantaged communities. As usual it was a great chance to learn real practical tips and techniques.
UK Passivhaus Conference 2012: - This year’s UK Passivhaus Conference was attended by 250 delegates, 60 speakers and 20 exhibitors. All in all it was a thriving success - two days of networking and lectures, followed by an optional tour of Passivhaus projects. Mark Siddall of LEAP: Low Energy Architectural Practice, gives us the low down on what went on ...
US study finds that flame retardants are an unnecessary health risk: - Researchers in the United States are calling for a change to the US building codes, following a study showing that the mandatory flame retardants routinely added to foam insulation are not only harmful to human health and the environment, but also make no difference to the prevention of fire in buildings where a fire-safe thermal barrier already exists. Such a change would bring the USA building codes in line with regulations in Sweden and Norway.
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