Government action to combat climate change must be accelerated, according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).The organisation's director general told the CBI Climate Change Conference that while carbon emissions goals were ambitious, the government had to do more to ensure they were met.He said that the financial downturn should...

Low-carbon technologies domestic energy assessors might recommend to customers will get cheaper the sooner they are put into use, according to an expert.Paul Elkins, professor of energy and environment policy at King's College London, told delegates at a Royal Society meeting that while cynics might criticise the high initial cost...

An eco-home development in Manchester has had its wind turbines installed.The Seddon Homes Heywood Gardens ten-home development was designed to meet the 'Very Good' standard of the EcoHomes Standard by the companies' regeneration arm, Inspired Developments.Although the microgenerationwind turbines have caused some controversy they are central to reducing the development's...

Energy efficient improvements such as better insulation, draught proofing and replacing old boilers are set to contribute to a reduction of direct emissions in homes of 30 per cent by 2020, according to a new report.The Committee for Climate Change's (CCC) Building a Low Carbon Economy report published today (December...

Photovoltaic solar panels and a green sedum roof are to feature at a multi-use centre to be run by a social enterprise.The Cleobury Country Centre will house a community library as well as facilities for businesses such as a training room and space for conferences, reports the Ludlow Advertiser.Funded in...

Renovated farm buildings heated with a ground source heat pump have received a conservation award from the South Norfolk Council.Pump Hall, now a three bedroom single storey bedroom, had been dilapidated farm outhouses until Hugh and Vic Redington brought it back into practical life.With the help of designer Heather Longman...

An earth-sheltered home which in 12 years cost its owners just £10 in space heating has been sold amid high levels of interest, despite the housing market slowdown.The home in the Hockerton Housing Project, near Nottingham, is one of five single-storey homes buried six-metres deep in a hill, from where...

A housing scheme in Surrey has become the first to attain a level five certification under the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH).Raven Housing Trust's Mid Street development received the certification from the Building Research Establishment (BRE).Built by construction and civil engineering company Osborne for Raven, the two two-bed flats feature...

Affordable homes that feature water conservation measures and meet level three of the Code for Sustainable Homes have been built in Uffington.The organisation's first affordable housing scheme to be built to the demanding standards has been unveiled by the Oxfordshire Rural Housing Partnership (ORHP).Working with the Vale Housing Association, ORHP...

A timber-frame building that is insulated with straw has won a sustainability award in Wales.Environment minister Jane Davidson awarded the Consortium of Local Authorities in Wales (CLAW) Sustainability Award for the Eco-building in Cwbran woend by the Torfaen council.The highly insulated structure imagined by White Design is not only a...

A council home which was insulated and draught proof to high standards has won a prize for the best upgraded home of the year and may be interesting to visit for domestic energy assessors.Inside Housing's Lowe Energy Upgraded Social Housing Project of the Year was awarded to Camden Council's EcoHome,...