We all know that our policies and programmes need more data of actual energy performance. Om an article on the Architecture Today website, Matthew Prowse, Specification and Housing Director for Knauf Insulation, discusses how homes being designed today can prepare for the imminent shift to measured ‘in-use’ energy performance. Measured energy efficiency is coming, … Continue reading By placing sensors within a home, energy efficiency can be measured in the same way as energy generation
Category: buildings
“But what do we know about how people impact energy use in buildings they don’t occupy?”
Recent analysis shows that empty buildings consume more than previously estimated. Buildings consume more energy when empty or partially occupied for extended periods because they are designed to depend on human interactions. Since the pandemic, many buildings are only partially used. There are ways to help reduce consumption. Farzam Kharvari, PhD Candidate, Building Engineering at … Continue reading “But what do we know about how people impact energy use in buildings they don’t occupy?”
Up to 24,000 offices in England have yet to meet the new energy performance standards coming into effect next year
Tough energy performance rules mean landlords must rebuild their sites or leave them empty. From next year, offices will need to hold a minimum “E” rated energy performance certificate (EPC). In 2027, the bar rises to “C” — and it goes up to “B” in 2030, when more than 63,000 offices that have more than … Continue reading Up to 24,000 offices in England have yet to meet the new energy performance standards coming into effect next year
Too many technical difficulties to overcome to make hydrogen a viable low-carbon heating fuel
Fiona Harvey writes on The Guardian website about a new study that questions the suitability of hydrogen for home heating. What are your views? Hydrogen is unsuitable for home heating, review concludes Hydrogen is unsuitable for use in home heating, and likely to remain so, despite the hopes of the UK government and plumbing … Continue reading Too many technical difficulties to overcome to make hydrogen a viable low-carbon heating fuel
Project to power 300 Scottish homes with ‘green hydrogen’ hit by delays, leaving some to question whether it is still worthwhile
Alex Lawson writes on The Guardian website about a Scottish project that openly question swhether it is a worthwhile undertaking and whether hydrogen will play a significant part in fuelling the homes of the future. What are your views? ‘World-first’ hydrogen project raises questions about its role in fuelling future homes On the northern … Continue reading Project to power 300 Scottish homes with ‘green hydrogen’ hit by delays, leaving some to question whether it is still worthwhile
The city of Copenhagen, often celebrated as one of the world’s greenest for its cycling culture and other initiatives, recently defaulted on its pledge to become carbon-neutral by 2025
Since 2012, when Copenhagen launched its plan to become the first carbon-neutral city in the world by 2025, the city has enjoyed international recognition and a significant branding boost. The early failure in the global race to net zero emissions (a balance between CO₂ emitted and absorbed) may foreshadow backtracking by other target-setters. In an … Continue reading The city of Copenhagen, often celebrated as one of the world’s greenest for its cycling culture and other initiatives, recently defaulted on its pledge to become carbon-neutral by 2025
New study shows benefits of construction using timber rather than concrete and steel
No doubt globally we need new construction. A new study from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research shows the benefits of timber construction. Environmentalists, however, say replacing natural forests with wood plantations to realise shift in construction practices is ‘bonkers’ In an article on The Guardian website, Arthur Neslen discusses the study and the … Continue reading New study shows benefits of construction using timber rather than concrete and steel
European mayors pledge sustainable rebuilding of Ukrainian cities
Mayors from European cities travelled to Kyiv on Friday 19 August to sign a political agreement to support the sustainable rebuilding of Ukrainian cities. The accord outlines plans to match rebuilding needs in Ukraine with capabilities of other European cities. The pact is backed by the city network, Eurocities, and signed by Ukraine’s Congress of … Continue reading European mayors pledge sustainable rebuilding of Ukrainian cities
New bioclimatic and self-sufficient cabins have been installed to house the shepherds working in some of the high valleys of the Pyrenees
A new transportable solar-powered module provided by the Catalan government for shepherds is described in a news article on the mayor.eu website. What do you think? Catalan shepherds get energy efficient with new cabin The Catalan Department of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda announced that it has installed a new bioclimatic and self-sufficient … Continue reading New bioclimatic and self-sufficient cabins have been installed to house the shepherds working in some of the high valleys of the Pyrenees
Blog from Jane Marsh: What Home HVAC Systems Are Compatible with Renewable Energy?
The green revolution is influencing a sustainable residential market. Many more people are using advanced technologies to create net-zero properties. Creating sustainable homes can help countries everywhere shrink their carbon footprints. They may also help energy professionals and homeowners stay ahead of environmental regulations. Many regions are establishing emission reduction goals to conserve local ecosystems. … Continue reading Blog from Jane Marsh: What Home HVAC Systems Are Compatible with Renewable Energy?
