Re-thinking the design of buildings

We are well aware that the built environment is a key area that has to be addressed in our climate change strategies. Matt Mace explains in an article on the Edie website about some important new design innovations that could have an important impact. Lego block' buildings: Adaptability essential for building stock to combat … Continue reading Re-thinking the design of buildings →

A renovation strategy for Europe?

It was in 1970 when the Beatles released The Long and Winding Road. With the onslaught of the first major oil crisis only four years later, it could be the anthem for energy policy ever since. The beginning of the road was a push to start with more insulation in our buildings in order to … Continue reading A renovation strategy for Europe? →

Coping with heatwaves through better design

This has been a particularly hot summer in Australia. This means that people turn to air conditioning to improve comfort and reduce heat-related stress. With the impact of changes in climate, the problem is going to get worse, not only in Australia but in many other regions of the globe. Lydia Hales writes in The … Continue reading Coping with heatwaves through better design →

Blog from Catrin Maby – The ‘stuckness’ of energy policy for buildings – taking a different standpoint

Energy efficiency policy can sometimes seem a bit stuck, and perhaps nowhere more than in the sphere of buildings. There is a natural human need to focus in on ‘technical fixes’ (like ‘smart’ technologies) because they seem like they could be easy solutions. This is sadly an illusion - in reality there is no quick … Continue reading Blog from Catrin Maby – The ‘stuckness’ of energy policy for buildings – taking a different standpoint →

Novel approach to create awareness for renovations in the UK

The National Energy Foundation in the UK has published an important new report that “inspires” consumers to renovate their homes. All these measures have benefit in raising awareness. They do not replace a comprehensive energy advisory service but they certainly help. NEF calls for additional Government support for Show Homes as inspiration for domestic … Continue reading Novel approach to create awareness for renovations in the UK →

Our coffee culture can become more efficient too

Walking down any street, we see more and more coffee shops. That coffee has to be roasted somewhere and it is good to read this article by Matt Mace on the Edie.net website about a new roaster in England that is "one of the most sustainable industrial buildings in the world". You should enjoy as … Continue reading Our coffee culture can become more efficient too →

Understanding the state of Britain’s new homes

Britain has been known for the poor quality of its building stock. They are amongst the worst in Europe. That is one reason why there has been a big emphasis on renovation, with a few policy blips along the way. Julia Kollewe writes a good article in The Guardian about why new houses are being … Continue reading Understanding the state of Britain’s new homes →

Home automation and achieving energy efficiency

With the increased use of automation controls, Sam Edwards writes on the Phys.org website about how home automation can play a role in improving energy efficiency. Smart buildings: energy efficiency at what price? Automating heating and other environmental controls can bring huge savings to commercial buildings. To what extent is it possible to achieve … Continue reading Home automation and achieving energy efficiency →

New report by BPIE assesses readiness of EU countries in their transition to smart buildings

Europe is gripped in the trend towards improving our buildings and infrastructure through “smart” techniques. The Buildings Performance Institute Europe (BPIE) has recently published a report assessing how prepared EU member states are for this transition. European countries are missing smart buildings opportunities Analysis by the on the readiness of EU countries to transition … Continue reading New report by BPIE assesses readiness of EU countries in their transition to smart buildings →

Building Britain’s Houses of Parliament led to speed up of environmental laws

A 19th century fire led to the re-construction of the iconic Palace of Westminster. Timothy Hyde, Associate Professor of Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology writes on The Conversation website about how the quality of the air led to a quick decay of the building materials before it was even complete. This led to … Continue reading Building Britain’s Houses of Parliament led to speed up of environmental laws →