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GCA - Online Green Resources (Chronological list)

To view this list, ordered by Subjsct, click here

2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009

2009

Reaching for recovery - May 2009
The report summarises the findings of four cross-industry working groups to investigate several key areas of housing industry reform including: Working through housing market changes, Land for homes, Designing in quality in housing-led mixed use, and Regeneration and sustainable housing solutions in major regeneration and refurbishment schemes.
Each group produced a set of proposals which will be further developed in collaboration with The Housing Forum members and taken to Government.
Reaching for recovery. The Housing Forum, May 2009.

Energy efficiency in buildings - May 2009
Based on extensive research conducted over the past four years, the Energy Efficiency in Buildings (EEB) project has developed recommendations and an actionable roadmap to transform the building sector. The project began with a comprehensive inventory of current and future building stock and modelled the impacts of consumer preferences and behaviours, designs and technologies, and policies on energy consumption.
The project is focused on six markets, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Japan and the US; these represent nearly two-thirds of the world's energy use.
Transforming the market: energy efficiency in buildings. World Business Council, 2009.

Sustainable buildings need integrated teams - May 2009
This report intends to contribute to strengthening the work of the Government, the Strategic Forum and the Specialist Engineering Alliance in bringing about a more integrated and a more sustainable industry.
Its aim is to examine the potential for improving the sustainability of the built environment through an integrated approach to procurement and delivery, in which the role of the specialist engineering sector is recognised for its vital ability to improve building performance.
Sustainable buildings need integrated teams. Specialist Engineering Alliance, 2009.

UK-GBC - Apr 2009
UK companies still see sustainability as a priority despite the credit crunch, according to a survey by the UK Green Building Council. The survey found that 92% of British companies felt that sustainability would either grow as an issue or stay at the same level despite the economic downturn. For further information, and to see the UK-GBC press release for the survey, click here

AECB Water Standard - March 2009
The AECB has launched a Water Standard applicable to new homes, the refurbishment of existing dwellings and also to non-domestic buildings. The Standard sits alongside the AECB’s CarbonLite energy standards. The Water Standard is aimed at architects, designers, house builders and specifiers and has two levels – ‘Good’ and ‘Best’ Practice, with a third ‘Experimental’ category. As an ‘appliance based standard’, the AECB Water Standard avoids many of the pitfalls of the CSH whole house calculation method and encourages the uptake of properly functional user-friendly appliances and fittings that are robust and energy and water efficient.The AECB Water standard has also resolved vital issues relating to plumbing system design and hot water use. The AECB standard is available as a free download from:
Volume 1 – the standards
Volume 2 - technical report supporting the standards

T-Zero - Mar 2009
T-Zero is a free internet tool that provides independent sustainable refurbishment advice to users, with the option of linking directly to suppliers, manufacturers, and installers of any measures chosen.
The tool guides users through a series of simple steps and is designed for those refurbishing their own homes, homes they manage, or the homes of clients.
Still in the Beta testing phase at present, T-Zero aims to release a fully tested v1.0 tool in May 2009.
www.tzero.org.uk

Beyond eco-towns: Applying the lessons from Europe - Feb 2009
This report summarises the aims of the Eco-Towns initiative, sets out the conclusions drawn from similar developments in Europe, addressing concerns about deliverability, economic viability, building new communities and creating a sense of place.
From this the report draws conclusions for the way ahead, building upon the interim report produced in July 2008.
Beyond eco-towns: Applying the lessons from Europe. PRP, URBED and Design for Homes, 2008.

Low carbon existing homes - Feb 2009
This report is a compilation of key messages and feedback from a wide range of expert stakeholders. It is designed to inform the development of Government’s Low Carbon Homes strategy.
Low carbon existing homes. UKGBC, 2008.

2008

Google SketchUp - Nov 2008
Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) has launched a plug-in for Google SketchUp that delivers energy and carbon footprint simulations to inform early-stage design decisions. The free plug-in provides results without any additional software. The plug-in provides functionality from SketchUp that IES previously offered only from Autodesk’s Revit Architecture and Revit MEP, including documentation for the LEED daylighting credit.
For further information, and download details for the plug-in, Click here.

FloodSim - Sept 2008
If you've ever wanted to make important decisions, affecting millions of people, now is your chance. FloodSim puts you in control of all flood policy decisions and spending in the UK for 3 years. You decide how much money to allocate to flood defences, where to build houses, or how best to inform people about the risk of flooding.
FloodSim is a serious game with the aims to raise awareness of the vast number of issues surrounding flood policy and government expenditure and to increase citizen engagement through an accessible simulation.
To play FloodSim click here

Eco-Towns, back to the future? - Aug 2008
A new report by the Local Government Association has warned that Government plans to create eco-towns were significantly flawed and that the developments risk becoming ‘eco-slums’ of the future, without more input from councils. The report argues that the government has failed to learn lessons from the past by falling back on discredited new town powers to impose the initiatives on the public.
To view the LGA report, Eco-towns: back to the future? go to Click here.

Future water efficiency targets - Aug 2008
Water companies are expected to face targets to help customers save more than 23 million litres of water a day, under new proposals published by Ofwat.
The targets, set to run initially for five years from 2010-2015, will involve companies delivering real savings by providing household and business customers with information on how to use water sensibly, and promoting the use of water saving devices.
Ofwat’s proposals are outlined in the paper, Future water efficiency targets: A consultation, which ends on 12th September 2008. The paper is available here.

Waste Consultation - Aug 2008
DEFRA has launched a consultation on how to target criminals who profit from polluting the environment by illegally dumping waste. The proposals will give local authorities and the Environment Agency new powers to stop, search and instantly seize vehicles suspected of being involved in fly-tipping and other waste offences. Offenders who do not come forward risk their vehicles being crushed.
The consultation closes on 8th September 2008. The consultation documents can be found here.

Zero carbon: definition - May 2008
This is the final report from the UK-GBC Zero Carbon Task Group which was established to review the current definition of ‘Zero Carbon’ as laid out in the Code for Sustainable Homes Technical Guidance, and propose amendments where required in order to support effective implementation of Government’s stated targets for zero carbon buildings in the future.
To view theDefinition of zero carbon report Click here.

2007

REN 21 – renewable energy debate - Dec 2007
A policy dialogue platform has joined hands with the Renewable Energy Policy Network (REN21) to explore renewable energy in the 21st century and their impact on society and quality of life. Exploring perspectives from different countries (both developing and the developed nations) this project on renewables will attempt to examine issues such as feasibility, cost/benefit analysis and wider socio-economic impact associated with those choices.

Some of crucial issues this project will look into are:

The REN21 is a global policy network that provides a forum for international leadership on renewable energy. Its goal is to bolster policy development for the expansion of renewable energies in developing and industrialised economies. If you wish to highlight your views and would like to contribute to the debate, visit http://www.ren21.net.

Carbon reductions in new non-domestic buildings - Nov 2007
This report investigates the opportunities for achieving zero carbon in new non domestic buildings. Following on from the targets set out in the Code for Sustainable Homes to achieve radical emissions reductions in new homes; the report aims to add to the understanding of whether similar targets in the commercial sector can be set and achieved and in what timescale.
Carbon reductions in new non-domestic buildings. DCLG, 2008

Climate of the UK and recent trends - Nov 2007
When considering how climate change is going to affect the UK, it’s useful to understand the risks that current climate already poses to individuals, landscapes, organisations and the economy, before moving on to explore future climate risks. This report provides a valuable source of information to support this first step.
This is the first in a series of reports under the umbrella of the UK 21st Century Climate Change Scenarios (UKCIP08).
Climate of the UK and recent trends. UKCIP, 2008

UK greenhouse gas emissions - Nov 2007
DEFRA has published provisional 2007 estimates of UK greenhouse gas emissions, offering the following headline results.
In 2007, UK emissions of the six greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol were provisionally estimated to be 639.4 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent. This was 2% lower than the 2006 figure of 652.3 million tonnes

To see the full DEFRA press release, go to

Ecohomes - Oct 2007
New publication offering guidance on the key industry issues of improving the environmental performance of existing homes has been made available, for free, to all organisations involved in the housing sector. 'EcoHomes XB' outlines how to improve the environmental performance of existing homes through maintenance programmes using the EcoHomes methodology.
EcoHomes XB. Sustainable Homes Ltd, 2007.

Sustainability strategy - Oct 2007
A new publications aimed at aiding in developing a comprehensive sustainability strategy has been be made available, for free, to all organisations involved in the housing sector. A 'Guide to developing a sustainability strategy and action plan', provides advice and examples of how to develop a sustainability strategy that covers an entire organisation’s remit.
A Guide to developing a sustainability strategy and action plan. Sustainable Homes Ltd, 2007.

Eco-towns and the future - Oct 2007
A new survey from the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) reports that high density planning will not combat global warming, and instead advises that developers can help by building to a lower density and ensure that enough trees and green spaces are included in new housing schemes.
The report claims that adding around 10% to the existing green cover in urban areas could cause enough cooling to keep UK temperatures at their present levels until 2080.
Eco-towns and the next 60 years of planning. TCPA, 2007.

Overbury Office Sustainability Survey - Sept 2007
The Survey is conducted to identify and gauge trends in environmental attitudes and policy throughout the construction industry. This year’s results show that more than eight out of ten UK construction professionals believe that the construction industry does not understand the Government’s Part L legislation.
The survey shows that the three most important environmental issues for property and construction professionals are sustainable procurement (30%), climate change and carbon emission (29%), and recycling and waste management (21%). Only 6% say that gaining BREEAM accreditation and other project certification (3%), is an important environmental issue.
Overbury Office Sustainability Survey 2007 - contact Ceri Hayzer, communications manager, Overbury.
Tel: 020 7307 9073 or email: ceri.hayzer@overbury.com.  URL: http://www.overbury.com.

Ecohomes and sustainability strategies - Aug 2007
Two new publications offering guidance on the key industry issues of improving the environmental performance of existing homes and for developing a comprehensive sustainability strategy are to be made available, for free, to all organisations involved in the housing sector. The guides, EcoHomes XB and A Guide to developing a sustainability strategy and action plan, were developed by Sustainable Homes Ltd and commissioned by the Housing Corporation as part of its Innovation and Good Practice Programme.
EcoHomes XB outlines how to improve the environmental performance of existing homes through maintenance programmes using the EcoHomes methodology. 
A Guide to developing a sustainability strategy and action plan provides advice and examples of how to develop a sustainability strategy that covers an entire organisation’s remit. Both guides provide detailed case studies.
EcoHomes XB
A Guide to developing a sustainability strategy and action plan

Environment education pack - Jun 2007
An educational resource box developed by Peterborough City Council to link environment messages to the national curriculum has been included as an informative case study on a government website.
The pack, created by education and promotions officer Kirsty Martin, is one of just a handful of case studies featured on the government’s Cleaner Safer Greener Communities website. For more information about the government’s Cleaner Greener Safer Communities initiative visit www.cleanersafergreener.gov.uk.

Flood performance of new buildings - Jun 2007
A new publication relating to construction in areas in danger of flooding recognises that while planning policy aims to direct inappropriate development away from flood risk areas, some building will be necessary to maintain existing services and communities. Therefore, structures should be designed and constructed to keep people safe, reduce financial losses and speed up recovery.
Improving the flood performance of new buildings: Flood resilient construction. DCLG, 2007.

Fuel+ - Jun 2007
Fuel+ is a magnetic fuel treatment system that improves combustion by applying a finely calibrated magnetic field directly on the fuel. The unit is installed directly into gas or oil fuel lines and can be fitted either horizontally or vertically into the existing pipework. The Fuel+ systems have no moving parts and require no electrical supply. The CE certified systems conform to Atex and Pedex regulations.
Maxsys Ltd patented the Fuel+ system in 2003 and started full commercial roll out soon after. For further information go to http://www.maxsysltd.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11&Itemid=15.

Landlords Energy Statement (LES) - Jun 2007
With funding from the Carbon Trust, the British Property Federation and the Usable Buildings Trust have developed a landlord's energy statement (LES); which helps landlords to draw together, understand and report on the energy used by the common services (such as heating, ventilation and lifts) in their buildings, and the resulting emissions. The landlord's energy statement:

The landlord's energy statement is endorsed and supported by the British Council for Offices and the Chartered Institution for Building Services Engineers.
To download the LES toolkit (which is free), go to http://www.les-ter.org/page/registrationdownloads.

Achieving Building Standards - May 2007
This report was commissioned by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), as part of a programme of work to consider the current situation of Building Regulations, how they are managed and maintained and to identify what might be done to improve this.
This report examines the achievement of building standards, identifies the major issues, provides recommendations for further work to address the issues and indicates the way forward for the system in the future.
Achieving building standards. DCLG, 2007.

BioRegional Reclaimed - Apr 2007
Promotes and facilitates the use of reclaimed materials in place of new; construction and demolition waste is an untapped resource.
BioRegional Reclaimed works with demolition projects and with the salvage sector to reclaim unwanted materials and to find end users for those materials and, in doing so, diverting materials from landfill and saving demolition partners money in waste disposal costs.
The use of reclaimed building materials in place of new is one of the most effective measures by which the construction industry can reduce its environmental impact and become more sustainable.
http://www.bioregional-reclaimed.com

Corporate carbon - accounting and reporting - Apr 2007
The Aldersgate Group believe that it is vital that carbon accounting and disclosure are clearly defined and comparable measures, used by all large business operating in the UK. A view shared by the World Economic Forum, which recently announced the creation of the Climate Disclosure Standards Board, so that the seven participating partners are consistent in their requests for information from companies.
The purpose of this report is to present the key issues, evidence and proposal for action so that the UK can be at the forefront and reaffirm its leading sustainability position in the financial markets in the world. To download Carbon costs: corporate carbon accounting and reporting, go to http://www.enviros.com/PDF/Aldersgate Group Carbon Costs Report 2007.pdf.

Life-cycle assessment tool for rating systems - Apr 2007
The Green Building Initiative (GBI) has announced that it has completed work on a software tool that supports environmental design choices based on life cycle assessment (LCA) without requiring designers to know much about LCA.
Modelled on the BRE Green Guide to Specification, GBI's new software contains a library of 400 commercial and residential building assemblies that have been rated using LCA software. Designers can select assemblies from that library and earn points based on the LCA results for those assemblies.
The software has now been submitted to GBI's Technical Committee for review, and to determine exactly how the points will be earned in GBI's Green Globes environmental assessment and rating system. GBI also intends for the new software to be used in a forthcoming online version of the National Association of Home Builders Model green home building guidelines.
For further information on the LCA software tool and the work of the Green building initiative, go to http://www.thegbi.org/gbi/.

Climate change status and opportunities - Mar 2007
A new United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on buildings and climate change says many opportunities exist for governments, industry and consumers to take appropriate actions during the life span of buildings that will help mitigate the impacts of global warming.
Citing the example of Europe, the report says more than one-fifth present energy consumption and up to 45 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year could be saved by 2010 by applying more ambitious standards to new and existing buildings.
Buildings and Climate Change: Status, Challenges and Opportunities. UNEP, 2007.

Wastewater treatment guide - Mar 2007
British Water has made Flows and Loads – 2 (Code of Practice) a free download from its website. The code, originally published in 2004 and amended in 2005, provides a table of loadings which allows the total daily load fed into a sewage treatment system to be calculated. These criteria will be widely disseminated and it is recommended that designers of small wastewater treatment systems should use this table of loadings.
The flow and load figures given represent current best practice within the UK but may change with time. Guidance notes are provided to assist the user to consider the nature of the sewage being received for treatment and to identify the various sources of the sewage.
Flows and Loads – 2: sizing criteria, treatment capacity for small wastewater treatment systems (package plants). British Water, 2005.

Sustainable and secure buildings act: Impact of policy measures - Feb 2007
The purpose of this report is to address the reporting requirements set out in Section 6(2)(a) to (d) of the Sustainable and secure buildings Act 2006. It focuses on the building regulation changes made or proposed during this two-year period, and then to review their effects or likely effects within the scope of the reporting requirements.
Sustainable and secure buildings act: Impact of policy measures. DCLG, 2007.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/376/SustainableandSecureBuildingsActImpactofPolicyMeasures
_id1506376.pdf.

Sustainable buildings code for Edinburgh - Feb 2007
All major new developments in Edinburgh will be forced to cut carbon dioxide emissions and provide renewable energy sources on-site to comply with the Standards for sustainable buildings code. Every application for a development of more than 1000 m2 will have to include a pledge to provide10% of its power through renewable energy sources on site. Developers will need to ensure that CO2 emissions from the construction of each scheme are at least 5% lower than the total predicted emissions from the lighting, heating and ventilation in the new development.
They will also have to fill out a new assessment form pledging to build environmentally-friendly developments that minimise pollution, and strive to use recycled building materials. To apply to all Major Planning Applications submitted on or after 1st. May 2007.
To view a copy of a finalised online version of the code see Edinburgh standards for sustainable building. 2007.

Directgov green guide - Jan 2007
The government has launched a new online guide to greener living on it’s main public website, Directgov. The guide is designed to help people find out what they can do in their everyday lives to tackle climate change and other environmental issues. It includes actions involving the home, shopping, travel, food and drink, waste and recycling, energy and water saving, gardening, and also ideas on how to be greener in the workplace, school or community.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/EnvironmentAndGreenerLiving/fs/en

LSPs and spatial planning - Jan 2007
A guide offering practical advice to local authorities on how to work most effectively with strategic partners in the shaping of sustainable, mixed communities has been launched by Angela Smith, Minister at Communities and Local Government.
Planning together, LSPs and spatial planning, seeks to help improve collaboration between local planning authorities and those involved with Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs) to help in the creation of good places and the provision of better local services. To view, Planning together, LSPs and spatial planning: a practical guide, go to http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1505906.

2006

Code for sustainable homes - Dec 2006
The Code is a new national standard for sustainable design and construction of new homes.  By integrating elements of the voluntary Code into new homes and obtaining assessments against the Code, developers will be able to obtain a ‘star rating’ for any new home which will demonstrate its environmental performance. It will provide valuable information to home buyers, and offer builders a tool with which to differentiate themselves in sustainability terms. Full Technical Guidance on how to comply with the Code will be published in April 2007.
Code for sustainable homes. DCLG, 2006.

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/code_for_sust_homes.pdf

Towards a zero carbon future - Dec 2006
The aim of the package is to put tackling climate change at the heart of the planning system and the way we build new homes. Currently, the energy used to heat, light and run our homes accounts for 27% of all of the UK’s carbon emissions. To help tackle this, the Government is proposing that all new homes be zero carbon by 2016. The overall strategy, as set out in the consultation document ‘Building a Greener Future: Towards Zero Carbon Development’, issued today, provides a real opportunity to deliver more sustainable homes.
Building a Greener Future: Towards Zero Carbon Development (consultation). DCLG, 2006.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1505157

Renewables map - Oct 2006
Would you like to monitor the government’s progress towards its aim for 20% of electricity to come from sustainable sources? If so, log on to the latest online resourcefrom the DTI. The interctive map shows the location of on- and off-shore wind farms, solar power schemes, hydro electric and biofuel projects across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
In addition, the website gives descriptions of the project, status and installed capacity. Quarterly reports are also available, providing statistical updates on renewable energy delivery.
http://maps.restats.org.uk.

SBEM update released - Oct 2006
An updated version of the energy calculation software SBEM has been released. The software enables designers to demonstrate compliance with Part L2A of the Building Regulations for non-domestic buildings, which came into effect in April 2006. This new version responds to feedback from users and incorporates a number of improvements to the way calculations are made and data is entered. The development team welcome comments and questions via the NCM website and the telephone helpline: - 0870 460 8141.
Download the new version of SBEM for free, from http://www.ncm.bre.co.uk/.

Tackling the heat island - Oct 2006
More trees, green roofs and cool pavements are all on the agenda for the capital as a new report draws attention to the higher temperatures in London compared to the surrounding counties.
Plans to tackle the urban heat island phenomenon are explored in a new study launched by the Mayor of London; the city can be up to nine degrees Celsius hotter than the green belt around it, particularly at night. Climate change means that temperatures are now reaching levels that could have serious health impacts and this summer was one of the warmest on record.
The Urban Heat Island Effect describes the phenomenon that buildings and man-made surfaces absorb more energy from the sun than green spaces. As the sun's energy fades at dusk and air temperatures begin to drop, these surfaces release their stored energy, preventing the city from cooling.
London’s heat island: a summary for decision makers. The Mayor of London, 2006.
http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/environment/climate-change/docs/UHI_summary_report.pdf.

Target zero - Oct 2006
In it’s report Target: Zero, Wates Construction challenges the industry to tackle the issue of construction waste by viewing it as an opportunity, rather than a cost; of the 106 million tonnes of waste construction creates every year, 36 million tonnes go to landfill.
The report shows that the knowledge and tools required to eliminate non-hazardous construction landfill waste already exist and calls on the industry to demonstrate its commitment to reducing its environmental impact by setting meaningful targets. The report goes on to recommend the following measures:

Target zero. Wates Construction, 2006.
http://www.wates.co.uk/uploads/pdfs/Corporate%20Responsibililty/Target%20Zero%20Landfil%20Report.pdf.

TargetNeutral - Sept 2006
Drivers can now pay to mitigate their car’s carbon emissions, as part of a new BP initiative. TargetNeutral aims to help mitigate the effects of carbon emissions from road transport, which accounts for around 22% of UK carbon dioxide emissions; the scheme enables drivers to cut their individual impact on climate change by funding carbon emission reducing environmental projects. The website driven scheme allows a driver to calculate the cost of the annual reduction required to make their vehicle carbon neutral. This amount can then be paid directly to BP to be used on supported projects.
One would have thought it would have been easier to simply donate from the cost of fuel sold from its pumps; this would ensure that BP could continue to fund many environmental projects, and that all drivers, not only those with a green conscience, would be contributing.
See http://www.targetneutral.com/TONIC/index.jsp.

Transport energy best practice guide - Transport and environmental management systems - Sept 2006
This Guide seeks to promote the integration of transport initiatives and environmental management systems (EMS) and to help businesses and other organisations identify and manage the environmental impacts of their transport operations in a way that is consistent with managing the other environmental aspects of their operations.
The Guide addresses the following issues: Integration process, Managing transport, EMS checklist, Transport and the environment, and Where to find out more.
Transport and environmental management systems. Department for Transport (DfT), 2006.
http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_susttravel/documents/page/dft_susttravel_612599.pdf.

Climate change and sustainable energy act - July 2006
The principal purpose of this Act is to enhance the United Kingdom's contribution to combating climate change. The act will come into force in sections; 1, 3 to 5, 7 to 11, 13, 14, 18 to 21 and 23 to 25 come into force at the end of August 2006 (2 months after the act was passed); Sections 2, 6, 12 and 22 come into force on 1st January 2007. The remaining sections will come into force as instructed in commencement orders issued by the secretary of state.
Climate change and sustainable energy act 2006 (Ch. 19). HMSO, 2006.

State of the Countryside 2006 - July 2006
As well as links to the report, the data area links to excel spreadsheets containing the tables and charts that appear in State of the Countryside 2006. Wherever possible, these will include up to date regional data, which will be uploaded and updated as regularly as possible.

NetRegs guidance - Jun 2006
Regs provides free environmental guidance for small businesses in the UK. The website will help you to understand what you need to do to comply with environmental legislation and to help protect the environment. The service even points to areas of business where you may be able to save money by using your resources more efficiently.
http://www.netregs.gov.uk/

Green Roofs in the Domestic Environment - Jun 2006
Living Roofs and English nature have produced a leaflet on green roofs. The plants suitable for living roofs are not necessarily those found in a traditional English garden, but they can help create habitats that will attract some very interesting and unusual wildlife.
The leaflet provides some guidance on how you can make a living roof; however, it is only an outline and cannot take the place of expert advice from relevant professionals such as structural engineers, roofing contractors and suppliers.
'Living roofs: Working towards Natural England for people, places and nature', is available as a free download from the Living roofs website

EcoHomes XB: for landlords - Jun 2006
BRE in collaboration with the Housing Corporation has launched EcoHomes XB, a sophisticated yet simple tool designed to assist landlords, such as housing associations and local authorities, in planning and measuring the benefit of improvement works to their housing stock; aiding the overall environmental performance.
BRE has worked very closely with the Housing Corporation to ensure that EcoHomes XB is as user-friendly as possible, being organised around a list of practical, adoptable measures. EcoHomes XB adapts the BREEAM/EcoHomes methodologies and criteria to the constraints of the existing stock.  Topics covered relate to: management policies, energy, transport, pollution, water, health and waste.  To access the Ecohomes XB site, you will need to register - free, go to http://www.breeam.org/extranet/loginexb.jsp

Simplified Building Energy Method - Mar 2006
BRE and the ODPM have produced the 'User guide to iSBEM (Simplified Building Energy Method) (iSBEM version 1.0.b)', which gives an introduction to the use of iSBEM, an interface for SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) - an approach for the National Calculation Methodology (NCM) for assessing the energy performance of buildings.
To view the document and see the software (you will need to register at the website), go to downloads at; http://www.ncm.bre.co.uk/.

'by Design' guides - Mar 2006
The Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) has been involved in the Communities Plan from the start and has been keen to stress to Government the importance of ensuring that development is genuinely sustainable. The aim of the series of 'by Design' guides is to maximise the opportunities for sustainable development in the planning and design of sustainable communities. The guides take the user through the design processes, presenting examples of best practice that can be tailored according to the scale of development opportunity. The principal target audiences are local authorities, developers, architects and landscape architects, and investors and managers in the public and private sectors. The first two guides, 'Biodiversity by design' and 'Sustainable energy by design', are available free from the TCPA website.

Chaux-lime - Jan 2006
The website looked at ways of using natural hydraulic lime in the preservation and restoration of buildings. Olivier Labesse is a working mason, son of a mason master craftsman, who confronted by the problems in restoring a stone-built house, decided to write about methods usable in projects of this nature.
The website is no longer in operation, however the book is still available. 'Accurate use of the natural hydraulic lime (NHL)', aims to give a clearer understanding on the uses of Natural Hydraulic Lime.
Labesse, O. Accurate use of the natural hydraulic lime. Olivier Labesse (self published), 2005.

Environmental Performance Index - Jan 2006
By identifying specific targets for environmental performance and measuring how close each country comes to these established goals, the 2006 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) provides benchmarks for current national pollution control and natural resource management. The rankings facilitate cross-country comparisons both globally and within relevant peer groups. The EPI thus provides a powerful tool for improving policymaking and shifting environmental decision making onto firmer foundations.

Light pollution - Jan 2006
Something which may have escaped the attention of many, but was passed in the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 (Ch.16), is that light pollution is now a statutory offence. This, it is hoped, will enable people to take on neighbours whose lights stop them from sleeping. However, many premises, including some of the worst offenders such as airports and bus stations, are exempt; street lighting, however, is not.

2005

Hockerton Housing Project - Sept 2005
HHP newsletter for August to September 2005 covers; New sustainable housing development proposal near HHP, Low carbon design training for building professionals, HHP technical factsheets/ Sewage treatment, HHP advising projects on sustainability, Hockerton Housing Project master classes - practical case studies of sustainability, and Photovoltaic trials at HHP. For more details, and directions on how to subscribe, see: http://www.hockertonhousingproject.org.uk/.

Green Office audit - Apr 2005
Friends of the Earth green office audit includes basic information on identifying environmental impacts and finding solutions, with the majority of the questions applying to all offices. The audit will enable you to gather some basic information about your office, take action and track your progress. The audit should take no more than 10 minutes to complete and produces a report card enabling you to assess your current green office practice. The additional fact sheets provide practical information on the main topics. There are also directories of web-based links to sources of further information, green office suppliers and other relevant links.

Web guide for HVAC - Mar 2005
Centraline.com is a recently launched animated web guide to heating, ventilation and air conditioning system automation in small and medium sized buildings. The site includes sample buildings and applications using proven technologies that can be tailored to individual, commercial or public premises.

http://www.centraline.com/EN/index.php.

Sustainable and Secure Buildings Act - Sept 2004
Amends the Building act, and others, with regard to sustainable construction practices and conservation of historic buildings. Also states the general nature of security provisions which should be in place at the construction stage and beyond.

Sustainable and Secure Buildings Act 2004, Ch 22. HMSO, 2004. ISBN - 0105422045