Network - The free AECB newsletter - December 2010
Network - The free AECB newsletter - December 2010 |
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Network is free and distributed to members of the AECB and those who have subscribed to it. If it is passed on or reused, acknowledgment should be given to the information sources directly (newspaper and periodical titles, web site owners, events organisers etc.). Information contained in this mailing does not represent the views or policy of the AECB or the editor, nor does any reference contained herein imply any form of endorsement. |
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If you have any news, events or courses you would like to publicise in Network then please email details to network@aecb.net. |
See You At Ecobuild!The AECB will be having a stand at Ecobuild again this year, so if you
are visiting the ExCel centre between the 1st and 3rd of March please
pop over to stand N62 and say hello -- we are right opposite a cafe area,
so you could combine your visit with a coffee. Many of these talks and discussions will involve AECB members. If you're a member and giving one of these presentations - post the details on the 'Events' board on the AECB Forum, http://www.aecb.net/forum/index.php/board,4.0.html (or reply to an existing thread), to let everyone know. If you're planning to attend, check the AECB forum to see who's going to be talking when, to help plan your visit! If you are exhibiting yourself, get in touch with (sally@aecb.net) so we can let people know where to find members' stands. We can also supply you with information materials about the AECB to add to your display. Full details and tickets for the exhibition itself can be found on the Ecobuild web site, www.ecobuild.co.uk. |
AECB Conference 2011Next year's AECB conference will be at: University of Nottingham, Jubilee Campus on Friday 16th & Saturday17th September 2011. More information coming soon! |
More From Conference 2010More conference presentations are now available to view on the 2010 conference page at http://www.aecb.net/conference2010.php. Be patient, some of the PDFs are rather large and therefore slow to download. A summary of delegate feedback, including the survey results, can be seen by logged-in members on the members' documents page, http://www.aecb.net/members.php. |
Green Deal Code For Sustainable Homes, And Zero CarbonGreen Deal, Carbon Compliance, talk of the CSH being doomed - there's a lot to keep up with. AECB has been involved with some of these debates, for example Neil Cutland represents us on the Zero Carbon Hub carbon compliance task group, and Mark Elton sits as our rep on the Existing Homes Alliance, which is debating the Green Deal. Some of these issues are very fast-moving, but we try to keep members involved, posting news of our progress on the AECB forum, and inviting members to contribute to the discussions. The Green Deal is DECC's plan to facilitate the financing of at least £6,000 worth of energy-efficiency retrofit to millions of UK households. It's likely to impact the working lives of a lot of AECB members, so we have asked AECB member Russell Smith of Parity Projects to share his take on progress so far, and to highlight what he would like to see put in place to ensure the scheme does what it sets out to do. We will have an article looking at this in some depth, available within the next few weeks. We will put a notice on the forum when it is on line, and you will then be able to download it from the 'new releases' library at http://www.aecb.net/new_releases. You can also keep yourself updated with news from AECB by checking, or following, the AECBnet twitter at http://twitter.com/AECBnet |
Local (Regional) Meetings - Mini Conventions On Your DoorstepLocal Groups throughout England and Scotland - and hopefully soon Wales - are organising events throughout the year that are open to all AECB members. These vary from informal get-togethers - where you can discuss projects and exchange ideas (often at a favourite pub) - to site visits at eco projects, CPD talks, and workshops exploring new materials and systems. For more information, go to the Forum on the website and look under: 'AECB business and discussion' (last but one Forum heading) and click on 'Networking/local groups'. If you cannot find what you are looking for, click on 'new topic' and post a query/message or contact Debbie Mauger on anadapta@theh2ozone.co.uk. Debbie is now assisting Jo Saady (Local Groups Coordinator) and can put you in touch with groups in your region or help you organise a get together with other AECB members in your district. |
Take Advantage Of Your Benefits!Don't forget that all AECB members in 'listed individual' category or larger, can create their own listed profile area on AECB.net. It offers you the chance to 'set out your stall' over up to seven pages (including details and images from up to three projects), so you can introduce yourself to clients, collaborators and colleagues. The member search is the most visited page on the whole website after the home page, and the listed profiles are always at the top of the search results, so make sure you don't get missed! To create a profile, log in to www.aecb.net (if you can't remember your username, try your email), go to members area, my account, and then to 'Create or edit your member profile'. There are step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process. If you have any comments or questions about the listed profile service, please post these on the AECB business area of the forum, at http://www.aecb.net/forum/index.php/board,9.0.html. |
PassiveHouse Symposium 2011 - Call for PapersThe passive house concept is the ideal way to reach zero energy. Passiefhuis-Platform and Plate-Forme Maison Passive will organise the tenth edition of the PassiveHouse Symposium in September 2011 in Brussels, Belgium. Please send in your abstract and become a speaker for the largest symposium on passive and zero energy construction in the Benelux. The PassiveHouse Symposium was founded to facilitate the exchange of ideas, knowledge and progress in the field of energy efficient construction. This symposium offers a platform for speakers all over Europe to share their knowledge on innovating technologies, their research and their experience. In 2010, 450 participants gathered for this symposium to exchange ideas and learn the latest developments. The same month the PassiveHouse Fair is being organised. Participants to the symposium get a free ticket to visit the fair exclusively on the professional day (9.9.2010). About 120 companies will be presenting the latest developments on passive and highly energy efficient products, technologies and services in Europe. On Saturday and Sunday the fair will be open to the general public and offer a forum for information, discussions and presentations. Planning advice will be provided for people with specific building plans. We heartily welcome papers related to the passive house concept. The 2011 themes are:
If you wish to apply, please send a twenty line abstract to symposium@passivehouse.be and mention:
According to the evaluation of the scientific committee, papers will be scheduled as an oral presentation or be refused. A paper application implies the author('s) acceptance to publish the paper in the conference proceedings. More information: www.passivehouse.be |
Apollo Shifts Up A Gear In Its Sustainability DriveThe UK's fastest-growing property services provider, Apollo has signed up as principle sponsor of nationwide sustainability initiative, SHIFT. The only organisation to provide a comprehensive environmental benchmark for affordable housing providers, Sustainable Homes Index For Tomorrow (SHIFT) counts the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), WWF and UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) among its supporters, while its 36 members represent over one million homes in total. Apollo places much emphasis on environmental improvement. While all of the company's projects and offices are already accredited to ISO 14001, Apollo has also set challenging reduction targets, including becoming a Planet Positive business by the end of 2010; achieving zero Waste to Landfill by 2012; and gaining Gold Status in the Mayor of London's Green Procurement Code by 2012. Current sustainably-focused projects for Apollo include a low-carbon retrofit of over 100 homes with SHIFT members Affinity Sutton and a Green House refurbishment scheme with Huntingdonshire District Council SHIFT is the comprehensive environmental benchmark for affordable housing providers. Members are accredited on a scale of Bronze to Platinum. SHIFT was launched in 2008 with 16 members. Results of the current assessment year will be announced in February 2011. For more information about SHIFT please contact Andrew Eagles at andrew@sustainablehomes.co.uk or go to www.sustainablehomesco.uk |
New Guide Shows How Local Energy Generation Can Provide Financial Boost For DevelopersA new guide pulished by the Combined Heat & Power Association (CHPA), Town & Country Planning Association (TCPA) and LDA Design shows how community scale energy generation can aid compliance with planning and building regulations, whilst also providing a valuable alternative income stream for property developers, owners and operators. The guide - Community Energy - planning, development and delivery - focuses on the stages of development - rather than specific technology options - to make sure, whichever opportunity is pursued, it is delivered for optimum benefit. It has also been authored to ensure it is of relevance for a wide ranging audience including sustainability and energy officers, through to planners and community groups, alongside property developers and housing associations. It is designed to assist potential energy project developers to:
Authors, Michael King, Associate of the CHPA and Chairman of Aberdeen Heat and Power Company, and Robert Shaw, Sustainability & Climate Change Director at LDA Design, hope the guide will convert ambition into action, helping private sector property developers, local authorities and community groups take-up the challenge of local energy generation. Community Energy - planning, development and delivery is a free and fully accessible3 information resource. Although suitable for all low and zero carbon technologies, the guide's emphasis is on district heating and combined heat and power. These schemes can be more complex to bring to fruition yet generally offer substantial benefit and form a key part of the decentralised energy mix. It is just one of series of complimentary tools emerging for the UK- all helping audiences understand and exploit community energy opportunities. They include the Community Energy guide, alongside additional resources from the HCA4, Local Government Improvement and Development (formerly IDeA)5, also authored by Robert Shaw at LDA Design, and the Centre for Sustainable Energy6, amongst others. For a copy go to http://www.chpa.co.uk/media/28c4e605/Comm_Energy_PlanDevDel.pdf |
Government To Roll Out Green Deal To Businesses And LandlordsUnder the Coalition Government's proposed Green Deal, businesses and tenants will now also benefit from energy-saving measures as well millions of homeowners, according to Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne. Speaking during a visit to the London School of Economics, Huhne said that the Government's plans could boost the numbers employed by the insulation industry alone from around 27,000 now to 100,000 by 2015. From 2012 onwards, the proposed Green Deal will provide homeowners with a three-stage approach to help improve the energy efficiency of their homes, cutting costs and emissions. Properties will first undergo an independent energy survey, which will provide advice on the best energy efficiency options, such as loft or cavity wall insulation'. Financing will then be provided to cover upfront costs of any installed measures, which will be repaid through savings on energy bills. Installations will be made by accredited and appropriately-qualified installers, which be overseen by Government. Landlords will not face upfront costs either but if they fail to capitalise on the offer, Huhne warned that the Government would take steps to ensure that any tenant requesting energy efficiency improvements would not be refused. Local authorities will also be given powers to insist that landlords improve the worst performing properties. For further information go to www.decc.gov.uk |
Government Energy Efficiency Challenge Ends, But Who Wins?Today marks the end of the Government's month long challenge to reduce its own energy use with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) in the lead. Launched on 1 October, the Whitehall energy efficiency competition pitted departments against each other. According to the latest figures, the DWP has cut its energy use by 19%, followed by the Department for Business, Industry and Skills (down 7%). Also making cuts where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), the Home Office, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), the Treasury and the Department for Transport. However, over the same period the Department of Housing increased its energy usage by 16%. Other energy guzzlers include the Departments of Culture, Media and Sport (12%) and Communities and Local Government (CLG). Prime Minister David Cameron pledged at the start of his premiership to cut energy use by 10% across all Government departments by next summer, but rather embarrassingly Number 10 has been one of the worst performers over the last month with energy use up 10%. Going forward, DECC and three other departments (BIS, FCO and CLG) are going to trial novel energy-saving technologies, in collaboration with the Technology Strategy Board. The Technology Strategy Board and DECC will be investing £2 million in nine pilot projects to trial technologies such as phase-change ceiling tiles, LED lighting, and a natural cooling system. For further information go to http://data.gov.uk/content/real-time-energy-data-government-headquarters |
Department Of Energy And Climate Change Publishes Business PlanAs part of the UK Coalition Government's drive to be 'accountable' to the electorate, all departments including the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) have published business plans. DECC's business plan sets out a new set of indicators, which the public can scrutinise against progress, including the number of installations of cavity wall and loft insulation, how many households are in fuel poverty, percentage of energy consumption from renewable sources and total emissions from the UK. First on the list to be ticked off, is the monitoring of departmental energy consumption, which is now live online. Going forward, however, all departments including DECC have committed to cutting emissions 10% by next May. Meanwhile, the Department's activities over the next five years start the first Green Deal offers this December, at the same time as the Energy Security and Green Economy Bill is introduced in Parliament. The formal Green Deal is slated to start in October 2012, according to the plan, with the first progress update on uptake of the offers in the following March. The second priority for 2011 will be the Green Investment Bank, proposals for which will be published in May, followed by formal set up in 2012. The first update on funds invested by the Bank will be published in May 2013. Meanwhile, the document also commits to an implementation plan for smart meter rollout next April, which is then slated to actually start in July 2012. Next year will also see the implementation of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) in June, but the first major review of feed-in tariffs (FITs) will now stick to the original schedule of April 2013. Final National Policy Statements, along with a white paper on the electricity market and a review of energy regulator Ofgem are also due next year in May. A contract for the first carbon capture and demonstration project will have to wait until December, with a shortlist of the next round of demonstration projects not forthcoming until May 2012. Towards the end of that year will also see the publication of offshore grid development proposals. In addition to DECC's activities, the Department for Transport plans to publish the route for the proposed new high speed rail links next year, with legislation planned for 2013 before the final routes between Manchester and Leeds are finalised the following year. For further information go to www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/About%20us/decc-business-plan-2011-2015.pdf |
Scottish Report Warns Of Compliance Gap In Building RegulationsA consultation report published by the Scottish Government indicates that there is a serious disjoint between approved designs and actual building construction. In a survey carried out for the report, 96% of respondents replied that they believe there is a compliance gap for certain building standards, particularly in energy, noise, fire and structural stability. There is a need for greater certainty on compliance during construction, with respondents suggesting more inspections, air tightness testing and certification of construction schemes. "This report shows what those in the building industry have long known: that buildings are frequently not built as designed, and that energy efficiency is usually the first building element to suffer," says Chas Booth from the Association for the Conservation of Energy. Booth warns that the findings of the report could indicate a "massive black hole" in the Scottish Government's plans to reduce emissions 42% by 2020. "This report is a massive wake-up call," says Booth. "[Emissions reductions] simply won't happen if builders continue to flout regulations." The Scottish Government says that it plans to improve compliance in the region by establishing a customer charter with building standards verifiers setting out what services and responsibilities should be expected. Working with the Building Standards Division (BSD), the Scottish Government also plans to produce guides for those involved in building standards clarifying roles and responsibilities. But Booth wants to see compulsory random compliance testing for all new buildings and the use of thermal imaging alongside airtightness tests to improve compliance on energy regulations. For further information go to www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/217736/0105034.pdf |
Scotland Calls On UK And EU To Toughen Up Emissions TargetsScotland is on course to achieve a 42% cut in emissions by 2020, based on 1990 levels, and is calling on the UK and EU to toughen up their emissions targets. The Report on Proposals and Policies (RPP) out yesterday demonstrates how the region is implementing its climate change strategies and outlines additional measures to drive emissions even down further. Without the additional measures, such as tightening up regulations for commercial and public sector buildings and increase renewable heat generation from energy-from-waste, the report warns that Scotland might miss its target. The call adds to the growing pressure on the EU to raise its emissions reduction target from 20% to 30% by 2020. The RPP will be considered by the Scottish Parliament for 60 days before a final report is published in next year. For further information go to www.scotland.gov.uk |
Energy Risks Increasing For Business, Warns White PaperFinancial, legislative and reputational risks associated with energy use are increasing for businesses, warns a new white paper commissioned by npower from the London School of Economics (LSE). According to the latest statistics from npower's Business Energy Index, businesses now rank energy as posing a greater risk than credit and security or health and safety. To manage these risks, businesses need to ensure that energy is considered at board level and that effective risk management strategies are pursued that bring together energy consumption and procurement. For further information go to www.npower.com/whitepaper |
Poor Energy Efficiency Costing UK Businesses £6 Billion A YearPoor energy efficiency is costing UK businesses over £6 billion a year, according to the Environment Agency's annual Greener Business Report. The report adds that failure to implement water efficiency measures is costing businesses a further £3.5 billion annually. Despite this, the Environment Agency says that overall the country's industrial sector is improving its environmental performance. Over half of industrial sites covered by the Agency achieve its highest 'A' rating for environmental performance and management and nearly nine out of ten are in the top two bands. The energy sector remains the largest single source of emissions, totalling 75% of greenhouse gases, 82% of nitrogen oxides and 75% of sulphur oxides, but each has been substantially reduced over the last decade. Some sectors need to do better, says the Agency, particularly the waste sector, which saw the most serious pollution incidents, and is prone to illegal dumping activities. The Agency, which uses the report to guide its activities over the next five years, says it will be working with the worst performing sectors to provide advice and guidance, as well as more regular inspections. For further information go to http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/pdf/GEHO1110BTGE-e-e.pdf |
London Assembly To Investigate Why Offices Leave The Lights OnThe London Assembly's Environment Committee is launching an investigation into why the capital's workplaces leave the lights on overnight and what can be done to encourage energy saving practices. Lighting in workplaces account for an estimated 8% of London's emissions but only using lights when and where needed could cut bills by 15%, according to the Carbon Trust. The Committee wants to find out why so many workplaces leave the lights on overnight and what the Greater London Authority and the Mayor could do to encourage the switching off of lights when not needed. Information and opinions are being solicited from businesses, organizations and the public ahead of a public meeting in December. A report with the investigation's findings will be published early next year. For further information go to www.london.gov.uk/who-runs-london/the-london-assembly/investigations/lights-out |
UK On Course To Meet 2020 Renewables Target, Says National GridThe UK is on course to meet its 2020 renewables target, according to a new report from National Grid. According to the Transmission Networks Quarterly Connections Update, 31,950 MW of existing and proposed renewable energy generation capacity has connection agreements over the next decade. Currently 4950 MW of renewable generation capacity is connected to the transmission network, with proposed projects as of the end of October this year totalling a further 27,000 MW. Together this will be sufficient to power over 20 million homes and would surpass the 29,000 MW estimated by the National Grid to be needed to meet the 2020 target of 15% of the country's total energy demand from renewables. The total has been boosted by new projects and earlier connection dates, following a reform of the connection regime, says National Grid. However, the report cautions that the figures are only a step in the right direction and a complete reform of the market is the only way to ensure the right conditions for investment in future projects. Avoiding planning delays will also be crucial, says National Grid, as only 20% of the proposed new projects that already have connection agreements actually have planning permission. Living up to National Grid positive prognosis will require that all planned projects go ahead. With inevitable wastage, it will be essential for new projects to come through if the UK is to achieve its target. For further information go to www.nationalgrid.com |
Government Urges Communities To Embrace MicrogenerationClimate Change Minister Greg Barker today once again urged communities to embrace microgeneration and install low-carbon technologies like combined heat and power plants, wind and water turbines or district heating networks. Speaking to the Combined Heat and Power Association annual conference, Barker said that communities will be able to find out more about how to generate their own energy through a new website, Community Energy Online. The website has been developed by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, along with the Local Government Group and industry organisations including the Combined Heat and Power Association. The 'one stop shop' for communities provides information from difference sources on generating low-carbon heat and power and links to other partner websites. The Government is encouraging local councils and community groups to take advantage of current feed-in tariffs for energy generation and the forthcoming renewable heat incentive. Local councils have also been freed up to sell any excess electricity back to the national grid. But recent research indicates that more effort is needed to encourage community-based renewables projects, which are often put off by potential planning delays or fear of outright rejection. For further information go to http://ceo.decc.gov.uk/ |
US Votes To Improve National Building Energy Code By 30%US state and local officials have voted to improve the national building model energy code to deliver a 30% boost in savings. The new 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) covers the constructions of both new homes and commercial buildings across the US, as well as additions and renovations. The changes to the code ensures that homes are better sealed to reduce heating and cooling losses, improves the efficiency of windows and lighting, increases insulation in ceilings and walls, and improves hot water systems to reduce waste energy. Commercial buildings will have to match homes with similar features, but will also include daylighting controls, continuous air barriers and use of economisers for climate controls. Efficiency will be further increased through use of renewable energy systems, more efficient HVAC equipment or lighting. The measures also require that new buildings will be commissioned to ensure that the actual energy performance meets the design brief. It now remains for states and local regions to adopt the 2012 IECC. It won't happen overnight, but states have committed to be 90% compliant with the IECC by 2017. For more go to www.iccsafe.org/ or http://aceee.org/ |
Much Stronger Action On Energy Needed, Says IEAMuch stronger action, including the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies, is needed to transform the global energy system, says the International Energy Agency (IEA). Launching its annual World Energy Outlook (WEO) report, the IEA warns that the Copenhagen Accord and policies adopted by governments around the globe are not enough to limit temperature increases through climate change by 2°C. According to the IEA's analysis, primary energy demand will increase by 36% between 2008 and 2035 at a rate of 1.2% a year. That figure is down on the 2% average for the previous 27 years, but is only likely to stabilise greenhouse gas concentration at over 650 parts per million - resulting in a temperature rise of 3.5°C. The report indicates that non-OECD countries will account for 93% of the projected increase in primary energy demand, with fossil fuels remaining dominant. Support for renewables is projected to increase from $57 billion in 2009 to $205 billion in 2035, but renewables will still only account for around 14% of total primary energy demand. For further information go to www.worldenergyoutlook.org/ |
Energy Efficiency Must Be Key Part Of Europe's Energy StrategyEnergy efficiency should be a key part of Europe's energy strategy between now and 2020, according to the EU's Energy Committee. In a report, MEPs are urging the European Commission to exploit energy efficiency as much as possible to reduce usage, combat climate change and manage rising energy costs. The report by Polish representative Lena Barbara Kolarska-Bobinska also wants to see Europe moving ahead with a single energy market, to improve security of supply and support the move towards low carbon resources. In particular, MEPs are calling for the Commission and member states to move ahead with projects like the southern gas corridor and Nabucco Asia to Europe gas pipeline, solar energy in the Mediterranean and the DESERTEC project, as well as plans to link up region renewable developments though the Mediterranean ring and the Baltic interconnection projects. The report, which has been approved by the Energy Committee will go to the European Parliament for a vote in late November. However, the EU's long-awaited Energy Efficiency Action Plan is not likely to be out until next February at the earliest, according to reports. The plan could make the EU target of a 20% improvement in energy efficiency by 2020 mandatory, as well as introducing other measures. For further information go to www.europarl.europa.eu/ |
Events At Ty Mawr - December
For further information see www.lime.org.uk or contact Mike Scruby 01874 658005 or mike.scruby@lime.org.uk |
Sustainable Development 2011 - Harnessing The Energy Of Communities, 23rd February 2011The Barbican, London This event is CPD certified The carbon emissions targets of 2020 are fast approaching; it is vital that growth continues to be sustainable, communities are engaged and waste is reduced. Public services can take a bold and creative approach to meeting environmental challenges. At our sixth annual Sustainable Development conference, we will aim to promote the efficient use of resources and explore how sustainable initiatives can not only improve our quality of life but also deliver cost savings. With the Coalition Government's promise to be the 'greenest government ever', and the introduction of many initiatives to support this promise, the questions remain: how can these new policies be implemented? And, how will they affect you? For more information go to http://www.publicserviceevents.co.uk/event/overview2.asp?ID=169 |
Sustainable Materials Course - 13/12/2010In a world where sustainability is increasingly recognised as a necessity for buildings, knowing the impacts of construction materials is crucial. More and more authorities require sustainable materials for the building contracts they influence. This course will show delegates the way the sustainability of materials is assessed and also give examples of sustainable materials. Go to www.sustainablehomes.co.uk/sustainable_materials_course.aspx?dm_i=8T3,AO3F,WDZRT,TDDA,1 for more information. |
CarbonLite New Year datesYour clients will be wanting every cold bridge and icy trickle eliminated after this weather: equip yourself now! February dates for CarbonLite courses in London and Bristol have been announced, as follows:
7th February 2011 - Westbourne Grove, London
8th February 2011 - 9th February 2011 - Westbourne Grove, London
10th February 2011 - Westbourne Grove, London Full course information, prices and booking at http://www.carbonlite.org.uk/carbonlite/events.php. Remember, if you join AECB first, you save £50 per course per day. |
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