Energy & Sustainability

Hayley Steel, a partner at law firm Clarke Willmott LLP, asks if retrofitting homes is the silver bullet for net zero

In the race against time to decarbonise, plans are afoot for district heat networks to bring a solution, but how does this fit with the existing building stock, asks Andrew Pearson

Housebuilders are worried the focus on solar panels could increase development costs. The National Federation of Builders (NFB) has criticised the government’s energy strategy for increasing the use of solar panels rather than wind turbines – one of the cheapest forms of renewable energy – and described the decision as shying away from changing planning laws to facilitate onshore wind turbines.

The Society for the Environment (SocEnv) has launched its brand-new website – socenv.org.uk – alongside a new visual identity. These changes bring an improved user experience, greater accessibility and enhanced engagement for the environmental professional community.

James Cash takes a closer look at a project in northeast London that has become a textbook example for retrofitting cold and leaky older buildings

In the first of a series of case studies looking at world-leading sustainable developments, we speak to Sir Philippe Samyn about his BREEAM Award-winning Maison Administrative de la Province de Namur.

Embedding Sustainability 13-14 October 2022, Celtic Manor Resort, Newport

Improving energy efficiency of the nation’s homes is something of the Cinderella of the decarbonisation toolbox says Denise Chevin, but will it take a fairy godmother to get it to the ball?

The Built Environment Carbon Database (BECD) being developed by a consortium of professional bodies has entered the consultation phase of the project.

The Royal Academy of Engineering has launched an ethics survey to hear the views of UK-based engineers and technicians on behaviours and motivations in the workplace, and CABE is encouraging its members to get involved.

Paul Trace, Director of Stella Rooflights, addresses the new Part L Building Regulations for roof lights and thermal performance

Reconomy explores some of the building materials you can reuse and recycle

The Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) is expanding its Low Carbon Learning programme with a second free-to-att end course focused on the fabric and structure of sustainable buildings. Supported by Skills Development Scotland through more than £175,000 from the National Transition Training Fund, CSIC is off erring valuable training for people in the construction sector looking to upskill and reskill.

The publication of the British Energy Security Strategy outlined a much-anticipated plan to achieve energy independence and net-zero carbon – but it received mixed reactions from the building sector.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has announced the UK will phase out imports of Russian oil by the end of the year to give enough time for supply chain adjustments.

Could you or a colleague be recognised for your outstanding environmental work? Nominations for the 2022 #SocEnvAwards are now open. Each year, CABE’s Society for the Environment (SocEnv) Awards showcase the outstanding work of registered environmental professionals. There are two prestigious awards up for grabs: Environmental Professional of the Year and Registrant Newcomer of the Year.

Stephen Good, CEO of the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre, outlines five areas to focus on in 2022 to build a zero-carbon construction sector

The construction industry is delivering truly exceptional projects from new buildings constructed using sustainable techniques to reduce its environmental impact, to renovations of tired spaces to create vibrant community spaces.

The Climate Change Committee (CCC) has released its independent assessment of the UK government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy.

Climate solutions charity Ashden has called on climate trailblazers to apply for the 2022 Ashden Awards, entries for which are now open. The six awards this year focus on climate action at work, accentuating green jobs and skills.