Steady progress has been made towards being a greener society in 2008 but continuing this into 2009 is crucial, it has been suggested. Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband has described 2009 as crunch year for climate change, adding that more needs to be done to save the planet....

Buying a new home, which would involve seeing its energy performance certificate, could save people in old buildings up to £556 per year on energy bills, reports Millgate Homes.The building company was citing research by the National Energy Services in material for new homes for over 55s.It is offering the...

High levels of insulation and microgeneration technologies contribute to an energy efficient development's high sustainable performance.Solar panels and a biomass boiler feature at the Ecos Homes Stawell Homes development in Somerset.The five home project has attained level five in the Code for Sustainable Homes, the second highest possible.As well as...

Improved insulation and on site microgeneration are among the proposals made by a government consultation on achieving zero-carbon homes.The consultation launched today by housing minister Margaret Beckett maintains the government's commitment to ensuring all new homes built from 2016 are carbon neutral.Ms Beckett said: "Climate change is one of the...

Public pressure for more energy efficient homes will persuade builders to include better insulation and draft proofing more than government legislation will, according to an expert.While government regulations are getting more demanding, including the need for all new homes to come with energy performance certificates, it will be public pressure...

Government guidelines on zero-carbon homes are raising the bar and house builders are having to respond, according to and industry figure.By 2016 all new homes will be expected to be zero-carbon homes, while a quarter are to meet the high standard by 25 per cent.This is "over ambitious, but by...

Water conservation measures, solar thermal water heating and thorough insulation are to be installed on a former eyesore to demonstrate the possibility of upgrading existing housing stock.The building, a former caretaker's house at Richardson Dees Primary School in Wallsend, is to be upgraded and in the process staff at the...

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...