Italy is pushing back against EU directive aimed at improving the energy efficiency of buildings

As the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive slowly winds its way through the approval process from EU institutions, Crispian Balmer and Valentina Za write on the Reuters website that the new Italian government is throwing up some obstacles. How serious are they? Italy gets cold feet over EU greener buildings plan … Continue reading Italy is pushing back against EU directive aimed at improving the energy efficiency of buildings →

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 →

Japan beefing up its building codes

Zero Energy Homes (ZEH) and Zero Energy Buildings (ZEB) guidelines will be used to enforce the revised building codes according to a news item on the Rethink Tokyo website. They will come into effect after 2025. Energy conservation architecture to be mandatory for Japan real estate from 2025 On April 22nd, the Cabinet of … Continue reading Japan beefing up its building codes →

Looking at the multiple benefits of green buildings

Md Sazan Rahman, PhD Candidate in Bioresource Engineering at McGill University, in an article on The Conversation website, gives a good account of the range of benefits that come from green buildings. What is your experience? Green buildings can boost productivity, well-being and health of workers Most people now recognize the energy savings benefits of … Continue reading Looking at the multiple benefits of green buildings →

Blog from Jane Marsh: Why We Need More Green Buildings for Combatting Emissions

Since the United Nations established the Paris Agreement, countries have recognized the importance of climate-protection regulations. Many nations independently developed environmental policies that target greenhouse gas emissions. Cities are generally areas of concern for ecologists when it comes to shrinking countries’ carbon footprints. Urban areas produce more atmospheric pollution from transportation, energy production, and buildings. … Continue reading Blog from Jane Marsh: Why We Need More Green Buildings for Combatting Emissions →

The benefits of green buildings

Md Sazan Rahman, PhD Candidate, Bioresource Engineering at McGill University in Canada writes on The Conversation website about the multiple benefits of green buildings. Green buildings can boost productivity, well-being and health of workers Most people now recognize the energy savings benefits of green buildings. These buildings use less water, energy and other natural resources. … Continue reading The benefits of green buildings →