Leading commercial lawyers Warners have launched a new division to serve the legal needs of the rapidly growing energy sector in Scotland.

The creation of Ennova Renewable Energy Law comes as Warners Commercial has seen demand for its specialist ‘green’ services grow – the division is currently involved in a range of renewables projects for clients that will potentially provide a combined output of in excess of 500 megawatts of power.(*see note at end)

The firm is predicting the success of Ennova will see the renewable energy sector account for a significant part of Warners Commercial business in the next 12 months.

Ennova will offer a Partner-led service, with the division comprising three partners – Bill Gibson, Ross Kennedy and John Cumming – a consultant, two solicitors and support staff, as well as the scope to draw on other expertise in Warners Commercial.

Bill Gibson said: “Ennova aims to provide key support and advice to anyone with an interest in the renewables sector, whether that’s a landowner, investor, funder, utility service provider, developer, local authority or government body.

“While the creation of the Ennova brand is new, the reality is that we have been working in the renewables market for a number of years.

“Many of our clients have been among the first early adopters of renewable energy projects. That’s meant we have been growing our knowledge of the often complex and comprehensive legal aspects of the sector for a considerable time.

“Warners Commercial  also enjoys a well established commercial law practice which allows it to be superbly positioned to progress the technical scope of renewables projects.”

Ennova, which now co-ordinates Warners Commercial’s established experience in wind, water, solar, waste and biomass energy production, offers legal advice on renewable and energy law, particularly land options and leases to secure land options, land development diligence, planning, utility contract negotiations and power agreements, funding, construction and project management.

Ennova is also able to link in with professionals and consultants from other disciplines supporting the energy sector, such as surveying and specialist energy consultancies, banking and private finance planning, to ensure the successful delivery of a project.

Ennova is currently working with a number of parties in investigating and progressing land option agreements for renewable projects at sites across Scotland.

Bill Gibson added: “With both tight local government renewable energy targets and utility providers being encouraged to adopt renewable energy, the sector can only go in one direction.”

Note: *The 140 turbine Whitelee Wind Farm in Renfrewshire, Europe’s biggest, produces 322 megawatts.

Ennova Renewable Energy Law has seen demand for its specialist ‘green’ services grow is a post from: My First Home Blog

Leading building contractor, Linford Group, has won a major national award.

The company lifted the top Innovation award at the prestigious Constructing Excellence National Awards for its ground-breaking ‘Renewable House’, which is located at the Building Research Establishment (BRE) Innovation Park in Watford.

Developed in conjunction with the National Non-Food Crops Centre, The Renewable House is already showing the way Britain’s housing stock may go in the future.

The house has timber frame around which Hemcrete® is cast.  Hemcrete® is  a sustainable building material derived from hemp which was developed by Lime Technologies, a partner in the build. Hemp is commonly used in France as a building material, but is less so over here.

The Renewable House was created to demonstrate that mainstream affordable homes can be constructed from renewable materials – meeting both housing demands and environmental targets. It showcases the zero carbon, thermal insulation, sound insulation and “breathable” properties of hemp and lime construction.

Neil Walters, Group Commercial Director who collected the award on behalf of Linford Group, said:  “Innovation doesn’t need to cost the earth. The Renewable House achieves Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes for the same price as a Level 3 house built in traditional bricks and blocks. We also believe that to gain widespread acceptance, in a culture sceptical of green buildings, that the house benefits from looking ‘normal’ and doesn’t need a host of ‘renewables’ normally associated with green buildings.”

Linford Group was automatically put forward to the Constructing Excellence National Awards after winning the West Midlands Constructing Excellence Awards earlier this year.

Related articles

• England and Wales wealthiest (and poorest) housing markets (myfirsthomeblog.com)
• House prices fell 3.6% in September (myfirsthomeblog.com)
• Step onto the property ladder affordably at The Hamptons in Worcester Park – Thames Valley Housing launches shared ownership at The Hamptons (myfirsthomeblog.com)
• Autumn sales have hit the shops… and new homes at Evolution in Ashford – Fairview New Homes is selling apartments from £109,995 (myfirsthomeblog.com)
• 100 Best Twitter Feeds for Homeowner DIY Ideas (usa.myfirsthomeblog.com)

Linford Group wins National Construction Award for Hemp House is a post from: My First Home Blog

Some DIY because they’re control freaks, others do it because they’re on a budget. Whatever your reason, fixing or building something yourself has a rewarding feeling that doesn’t come with writing a check. That said, there’s a right and wrong way to go about a DIY and these Twitter feeds will lead you to the right blogs, websites and companies to make any DIY job easier for homeowners.

DIY Blogs and Reviews

Get reviews and follow blogs through these DIY-related Twitter feeds.

1. @ImproveYourHome : Tips on making your home better, on your own, can be found here.
2. @kitchens_com : It’s all things kitchen renovations at this Twitter feed.
3. @Remodelista : You’ll get hooked to the inspirational design tweets from this site of the same name.
4. @Handyguys : Read the tweets and listen to the podcast for helpful handyman-style tips.
5. @Improve_com : Stocked with tips on home improvement, you’ll find tons of inspiration from this Twitter account.
6. @RemodelingRx : Remodeling remedies from a pro.
7. @DIYadvice : Ideas are abundant from the Twitter feed of this site by the same name.
8. @ImproveYourHome : For beginners or DIY vets, this Twitter feed will keep you inspired and motivated to get the job done.
9. @molfamily : DIY tips for those looking to go green with their home.
10. @RenovationJunky : Remodeling tricks for those who love to do it themselves.
11. @homefixated : Get DIY ideas and tips from this feed.
12. @ToolRank : Get the best of tool reviews from this site.
13. @Stiletto_Tools : This company makes tools that are light and functional. Get to know their products at this feed.
14. @AsktheBuilder : You can ask the builder anything and get an honest answer. For free! Imagine that.
15. @HomeOwnersClub_ : This business is based in Seattle, but they offer great DIY and decorating advice for those of us who are far away.
16. @PamDesigns : This designer is available for hire in California, but her tweets are useful for DIY-ers looking for chic inspiration for the kitchen or bath.
17. @instructables : From making an upholstered headboard to your baby’s room, this feed’s got you covered.
18. @hgtv : The network that put DIY on the map gives you useful tips and tells you how to watch your favorite shows online.
19. @hgtvcanada : Tips from the pros North of the border, with custom DIYs for those in cold climates.
20. @ExtremeHow_To : If you’re the type of DIY-er that goes all out, you must read this Twitter feed.
21. @CHdiy : We love this company because they tell you the purpose of their tools before pushing them.
22. @laurenhunter_HW : This mommy blogger knows her DIY and isn’t shy to share tips.
23. @house_doctors : Check out the plentiful DIY retweets from this account.
24. @Handytweets : Simple answers to common DIY issues are at this feed.
25. @OldHouseWeb : If restoration or preservation is your knack, check out this Twitter account.
26. @DIYLife : Whether you’re looking to fix or build, this is the site to follow.
27. @toolskool : Get the answers you need for your DIY projects here.
28. @ExtremelyAvg : You’ll be floored at the woodwork tips you can pick up from this feed.
29. @DesignTherapy : Get inspiration from this informative design site.
30. @toolsnob : Get your tool reviews here.
31. @DIYUK : Check out the plentiful supply of useful DIY retweets from this site.
32. @DIYNetwork : Follow the tweets of the channel that brings DIY to your living room.
33. @deanandderek : These co-hosts from the DIY Network share their travel exploits and DIY pointers.
34. @BMoxieBMore : We love that this blogger who tweets isn’t afraid to break the DIY rules.
35. @HomeOwnerNet : Find the tips you need to make your house a home.
36. @thetoolnut : You’ll want to overhaul your toolbox when you read the latest and greatest products this feed reviews.
37. @coptool : DIY-ers will appreciate these tool reviews to find out what might work for them.
38. @TheNest : This magazine’s Twitter account is as informative for easy DIY as the hard copy.
39. @LEEDBlogger : Get tips on making your digs LEED inspection-ready.
40. @homeremodel101 : The Twitter name says it all.
41. @LittleHouseNYC : Follow this blogger as she revamps her NYC apartment.
42. @ShelterPop : Interior design tips that are functional and stylish for “real” people.
43. @thisoldhouse : Inspiration and help from the popular PBS series.
44. @BobVilla : Get DIY help from the man who made the topic popular.
45. @MyFixitUpLife : Home DIY-ers will love this Twitter account for ideas and fix-it help.
46. @abcddesigns : Home inspiration from ABC Dragoo.
47. @thedesignpages : Get interior design ideas here.
48. @HomeDecorNews : Get inspiration and tons of retweets from helpful DIY sources around the web.

Tools and Tips for Homeowner DIY Ideas

Follow these Twitter feeds for tool reviews and tips for DIY-ing around the house.

1. @homeowners : Homeowners who are ready to overhaul their home will love this Twitter account.
2. @DrillSpot : Items for helping your home run can be found here.
3. @Bathonista : Get bath ideas at this feed.
4. @paintedroom : Read and learn at this paint expert’s Twitter feed.
5. @LagunaTools : Innovative tools for making your DIY life easier.
6. @HappyHandyman : Tips on all types of renovations is what you’ll find here.
7. @HandymanSeattle : Tweeting about Seattle area news and DIY projects is the specialty here.
8. @onlinehandyman : Tips for DIY-ing around the house.
9. @DIY_Geek : Tune into this Twitter feed for DIY gone wrong and how to avoid it.
10. @energysavingguy : Get your house prepped to save energy with these tips.
11. @DIY_Electricity : Tips for simple electrical jobs that can be done DIY-style.
12. @davesdiytips : Get advice on everything DIY.
13. @craftsmanclub : DIY advocates, Craftsman, answer reader questions and offer advice here.
14. @RIGIDToday : This tool brand makes social networking look like a breeze as they reach out to customers who love to DIY.
15. @rocklerdave : Plenty of tools for DIY advice at this Twitter feed.
16. @festoolUSA : Tools become portable thanks to Festool.
17. @HomeWorkshop : Tons of DIY basics and an explanation of the tools you need can be found here.
18. @DaddysToolbox : This guy is modest enough to think he’s a wannabe DIY expert, but his skills prove otherwise.
19. @Cry4HelpDesign : The Twitter account from the man who created The Handyman for the Common Man Show.
20. @americahandyman : See how this professional handyman handles his own DIY around the home.
21. @Make_Tips : Learn how to make many things with this Twitter feed which offers useful DIY advice.
22. @ProfessorToilet : It’s all toilet talk at this Twitter account.
23. @handyhubby : Check out this Twitter feed for tips from the Handy Hubby’s website.
24. @SafetyatHome : Make sure your DIY projects are safe by following this Twitter account.
25. @drenergysaver : This Twitter feed will give you tips on making your home more energy efficient.

Retailers for Homeowner DIY Ideas

Check out these retailers that are common favorites for DIY-ers who love working on their home.

1. @Coverings : Find everything you’d want when it comes to tile and stone at this annual expo.
2. @Kohler : For that bold look when it comes to kitchen and bath fixtures.
3. @AceLandscape : Tips for making your yard fabulous, all by yourself!
4. @Benjamin_Moore : At the Twitter feed for this paint giant, you’ll find stellar customer service every time.
5. @NationalLumber : The Twitter feed for the largest independent lumber supplier in New England.
6. @MakersShed : For DIY-ers who want to start small, check out the cool kits at this site.
7. @amazinggoop : It’s all about crafting and home DIY at this feed.
8. @PonderosaPaint : This store stocks Benjamin Moore paint and is always up for offering advice on Twitter.
9. @ToolstopLtd : Those in the UK know this store for their DIY needs.
10. @Lowes : Follow the hardware retailer for great tips on DIY-ing.
11. @BlueToolCrew : Tips and tricks on what you need to DIY straight from the Sears tool team.
12. @BenMoorePro : You’ll get expert advice for Benjamin Moore paints at this feed.
13. @PaulsHardware : This Ace store has a personal touch due to its owners, which have been running the store for three generations.
14. @CabinetsDesigns : Find everything you need to give your kitchen a custom facelift at this site’s Twitter feed.
15. @HomeDepotDeals : Steals and deals from Home Depot is what you’ll find here.
16. @glidden_paint : Get paint tips from this well-known brand on Twitter.
17. @StanleyBlackDeckr : This brand is just getting their feet wet in the world of social media and provide great tools for DIY lovers.
18. @Flooring2Floors : Those from the UK will love this feed with everything you need to k now on flooring.
19. @hardwoodforless : Get your lumber here for cheap!
20. @VailAce : This is the Twitter feed for the Ace Vail location.
21. @MyHelpfulAce : Ace is still the place for DIY-ers who want direct help from sales associates who know what they’re talking about.
22. @KitchenSource : It’s all about the kitchen at this Twitter feed.
23. @northerntool : Follow this feed for serious equipment like generators and thousands of other products at the guaranteed lowest prices.
24. @RenegadeTools : Check out this Twitter feed for innovative tools for helping you around the house.
25. @toolsdotcom : Follow this Twitter feed for great deals on tools from around the web.

Homeowners who are fans of DIY projects can utilize Twitter to keep up with the latest innovations and tools for DIY

Related articles by Zemanta

• Google launches DIY app maker for Android (holykaw.alltop.com)
• DIY Couture (coolhunting.com)
• 5 Handy YouTube Channels for DIY and Home Improvement (mashable.com)

Homeowner DIY Ideas – 100 Best Twitter Feeds is a post from: My First Home Blog

The Ultimate Green House

For most families a garden is something to enjoy and spend time in during the summer months – but for some its maintenance can become a burden on the household.

But an Edinburgh property in the heart of the city centre has the perfect solution for both types of botanical fans – the ultimate trouble free garden.

The three-bedroomed ground floor flat in the West End has all the luxuries of a secluded garden with the added benefit of no upkeep duties to maintain its stunning look.

This is down to the flat’s current owners, David and Karen Lang, who spent thousands of pounds installing a high quality artificial lawn which allowed them to spend less time weeding and more time revelling.

David said: “When we bought the house the garden was just paving slabs but now it’s transformed into a bright, spacious area that we just loved spending time in without the worry of having to maintain it.

“I commute a lot with my work and I wanted to come home and see a spectacular garden and not something that would be a burden on my day-to-day life as well as time with my new born son, Daniel.

“We wanted to make it ultra low maintenance and spent between eight and nine thousand pounds on its renovation. It has made such an enormous difference to the whole feel and enjoyment of the house.”

David, 39, and his wife Karen, 31, have decided to relocate closer to their work at a medical devices company in Stirling.

Their work on the house didn’t stop at the beautifully planned garden as the property, located on Coates Gardens, has been skilfully remodelled within the course of the last few months to maximise the floor space.

The high quality upgrade includes decoration with style, flair and considerable attention to detail and has resulted in bright, spacious accommodation thanks to clever and imaginative design.

And both owners believe the garden’s renovation was the missing piece to complete the house.

David added:  “It was a beautiful home when we moved in so we wanted to bring it up to the same level as the rest of the place. The garden really let it down.

“Our garden really stands out and is different from the rest of the gardens in the street – it looks like it’s been done by a professional and it really hasn’t aged in the time that we had it laid.

“We did it so it looks great all the time and the only thing we’ve ever had to do during the autumn and winter months is clear up some leaves. It’s really about being able to enjoy it and not having to worry about it.”

Avril Hislop, Warners Property Sales Manager, said: “I absolutely loved the particularly secluded back garden which totally had me fooled with its beautiful lush green lawn.

“I was staggered to discover that the lawn was artificial – this house is perfect for families who don’t want to spend their weekends weeding or maintaining the garden and it doesn’t even deteriorate in condition over the winter months.

“It’s such a great space and it’s been designed to optimise every aspect of the garden – from bedding to flowers and even the BBQ pit and entrance to the garden through the French doors.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if even the greenest fingered person didn’t find this garden attractive as it really ticks every box for appearance and quality.”

Warners, which has four property shops in Edinburgh, has been the Capital’s leading property solicitor in terms of property sales and listings for the past 11 years.

The Ultimate Green House in Edinburgh’s West End is a post from: My First Home Blog

The people have long learned that changes in the economic status require them to change too. In this case, there has been a significant change on people’s lifestyle, all in favor of the falling figures in the market. In this view point, people think that the fallout will devastate their lives not unless they will learn to fight back against its eating dominance. Along with the government, the people continuously discover the goodness of fighting for against the pulling off current of poverty.

When people decides to put their property on the market, they see to think that purring it on their own is cheaper than getting an agent to help him. Although at some point there is reality in this notion, it still significantly true that having one is a lot beneficial. Why is this so? Well, it is for the fact that they have more knowledge in real estate than you. But, if you can’t really pay for a broker, the following are helpful for you.

Well, the first thing you should do is to know your property well. Nota any features you can set up to your property which can help make the price go higher. One thing to consider when putting some add-on on your property is to approximately calculate the effect it would add up on the actual market price of your property. If the money it cost you install an add-on is a lot higher than the amount it will put in, then you are not making a very wise decision. Weigh things carefully. It is much better that you find things that can help increase the market price while not costing too much.

The second important thing you should do is to look with the buyer’s eyes. This doesn’t mean that you need to put out all private things in the home. Rather, this means that you should be open minded. You see, because you are the owner of the house, everything about it is well set for you; that all is perfectly in normal shape and you are already used of seeing them that way. The point here is that you should keep the house clean, in order and welcoming to any prospective buyer. Fixed all that needs to be fixed as well as throw away those that are not useful anymore.

Moreover, make your house stunningly beautiful both in the inside and the outside. This would help you promote your property and be more appealing to prospective buyers. Explore your resources and flaunt it aesthetically. Have your house repainted and make every broken parts repaired. Clean the garden and do away weeds and tall grasses that keep the aura of your house creepy. You see, aesthetic here is essential to keep all eyes on your property.

The third step for you to do is to put your house on the list. But before doing so, you must learn how to successfully list your property. Have a visit to all possible websites where you are convenient to advertise your property without fees of for an agreeable value. Also, inquire publishing houses of periodicals about their advertisement prices. If you can pay for it, have your property listed as soon as possible.

Indeed, putting your house in the market is not an easy task especially if you know nothing about the underlying transactions to b done.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Tough Housing Market Means it Pays to be Creative (myfirsthomeblog.com)
• How to sell your house in the autumn market (telegraph.co.uk)

Getting Along With the Market is a post from: My First Home Blog

Source: conservatives.com

Shadow Housing Minister Grant Shapps has outlined how a Conservative Government will give up to £6,500 in energy home improvements.

In a keynote speech to the Building Research Establishment, he explained how this would mean both lower power bills and lower carbon emissions.

The announcement is part of an ambitious programme to get 25 million homes “greened up” to help save money for consumers while meeting environmental commitments under the Climate Change Act.

Utility companies, high street retailers and charities will supply the re-fit of homes. In return they will be able to claw back the money from new lower customer bills spread over 25 years.

Shapps painted a picture of how it would work: “Imagine if you could walk into your favourite store, buy some clothes or do your weekly shop and then at the checkout, as you hand over your Clubcard; the cashier offers you the prospect of permanently lower utility bills. There’s nothing to pay, now or even later.

Your home will be retrofitted and all you’ll notice is that it costs you less to heat and power it. Behind the scenes this retailer is working with the banking sector to fund the £6,500; resulting in home improvements like energy-efficient lighting, modern boilers, cavity and loft insulation. They make their money back through a 25 year investment.”

Conservatives will “green up” 25 million homes is a post from: My First Home Blog

Source: homesandcommunities.co.uk

An initiative aimed at increasing the use of renewable construction materials in affordable homes has been agreed by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and the government’s housing and regeneration body the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

DECC has provided funding under the Low Carbon Investment Fund, which will be administered through the HCA’s National Affordable Housing Programme. The funding is to create a series of greener homes designed to minimise environmental impact through the increased use of building materials from renewable sources.

Only homes that start on site during this financial year, achieve Level 4 or above of the Code for Sustainable Homes and use a very high proportion of construction materials from renewable sources such as timber frame, natural insulation and timber windows will be eligible for funding. Developers will also be required to install smart meters to track energy use and monitoring will continue once residents have moved in to the homes.

Robert Napier, chairman of the HCA said: “This is a highly significant stepping stone in the bid to create greener homes and using renewable materials is imperative to the future of house building. The funding will be a catalyst in helping to develop the skills and methods needed to create a low carbon economy.”

This new partnership with DECC is an innovative way of ensuring we help house builders achieve greater levels of sustainability when providing high quality affordable homes for the people who need them.

“The money is in addition to any normal grant funding awarded to our partners and allows them to get a head start in building greener homes that rely less on traditional carbon heavy materials and more on healthier, renewable products that should lead to valuable savings for residents over the long term.”

Energy and Climate Change Minister Joan Ruddock said: “Making homes as energy efficient as possible makes environmental and financial sense. The money will help fund the new homes of the future which will use less energy and keep heat in. By reducing carbon emissions in this way we can help to prevent dangerous climate change from happening.”

The first three projects to receive funding from the HCA to construct homes from renewable materials and therefore help educate developers and RSLs on the use of these new materials and techniques, are:

* £3m for Denmark Lane, Diss in Norfolk – a rural site being developed by Czero with Flagship Housing as the RSL partner. The scheme will include 114 homes built to Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, 102 of which will be affordable, due to start on site in November.

* £840k for The Triangle in Swindon to deliver 42 affordable homes built to Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. Kevin McCloud’s development company, Hab Oakus, will start work on site in December and Greensquare Group is the RSL partner.

* £320k for Blackditch, Oxfordshire, a rural scheme including 16 affordable homes built to Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, due to start on site in March 2010. The RSL is Cottsway Housing and a developer is yet to be selected.

Further schemes to receive a share of the £5m will be announced later this year and the first homes are due to be completed by March 2010. The intention is to fund the creation of affordable homes on around 6 sites through the use of renewable construction methods.

This partnership has been established to make use of the lessons learned from the construction of the NNFCC Renewable House which was funded by DECC and supported by the HCA. The Renewable House was built to Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes and made compliant with NAHP standards, using renewable materials such as hemcrete, hemp insulation and timber frames at a construction cost of £75,000. More on the Renewable House, situated at the BRE Innovation Park, is available at www.renewable-house.co.uk

Affordable homes to become renewable with £5m share of government grant is a post from: My First Home Blog

Source: communities.gov.uk

The Government set out plans today to make it easier for builders to understand what standards are expected of them and to ensure buildings comply with high standards of safety and sustainability. The measures were set out in Communities and Local Government’s Future of Building Control Implementation Plan.

Building Regulations Minister Lord McKenzie said: “These changes help us to tackle long term challenges. A growing population and the need to tackle climate change mean we need to build more homes, and to ever higher standards of safety and sustainability. These improvements to the building control process mean that the high standards we set on paper are also delivered on the ground, and with all new homes to be zero carbon from 2016 this is an essential step.”

The measures also cut red tape and support builders through the recession by giving councils greater freedoms to let responsible builders get on with the job and to focus instead on builders with a history of shoddy work.

At present builders have to contact their building control inspector up to nine times during each construction project, irrespective of its size and complexity. A new approach is being developed which will allow councils and private building control bodies to focus their attention on the highest risk projects and therefore reduce the number of inspections required for simpler projects.

Lord McKenzie said: “The Government fully recognises the economic climate is difficult at the moment and these measures will also support responsible builders through the recession by cutting the amount of red tape they face. But for the minority incompetent builders things are going to get even tougher through enhanced inspection powers for local authorities. It’s understandable that, particularly during a recession, people will be tempted to take up the cheapest quote for building work and it’s right the Government should offer increased protection to consumers. But of course people should remain vigilant too.”

The Government also pledged to limit changes to the Building Regulations to every three years from 2010, providing greater certainty to builders and housebuilders. New guidance to be published will help builders and homeowners to meet the rules.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Paul Timmins, Chair of the Building Control Alliance, said: “The Implementation Plan sets out a very positive and structured vision of the Building Control Service and the Building Regulations for the future. The Building Control Alliance, representing the Building Control profession, is fully committed to support all areas of the proposed plan, in particular to improve upon the valuable outputs that the service currently offers and new challenges for the future.”

Rules for builders made clearer is a post from: My First Home Blog

Venue: Birmingham Science Museum, Millennium Point, 

             Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG.                

Date: Tuesday 15^th July 2008

The Government is seeking a major change in water efficiency in new homes. To do this it is introducing tougher Building Regulations and driving efficiencies through the demands of the code for Sustainable Homes.

                   Who Is Invited?   

• House builders

• Developers

• Technical Directors and Managers

• Construction Professionals

• Building Control

• Building Engineers

• Construction Product Suppliers And Manufacturers

The seminar will cover:-

Proposals enshrined in the amended Building Regulations Part G which are set to be issued for consultation in the spring.

Ideas to secure maximum points and achieve higher code levels.

Technical solutions including water efficient appliances, rainwater harvesting and sustainable drainage (SUDS).

Delegates will have the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the new rules and discuss whether the 80 litres per head a day target is achievable. To download a booking form, visit www.hbmedia.co.uk, or alternatively contact a member of the events team on Tel-020 7960 1646 for further information.

      myfirsthomeltd-ServiceAtYourFinger-TipsFor updates on forthcoming exhibitions, events and Seminars, register freewww.myfirsthomeltd.co.uk

Water: Regulation Changes And The Code-Practical Solution 2008 Conference is a post from: My First Home Blog

Following talks between the Government, home builders and environmental groups, The Home Builders Federation said continual discussions between the Government, home builders and environmental groups is gaining strength as they embark on their ambitious attempt to improve environmental standards. Builders, suppliers, utility companies, and regulators have agreed to a set of pledges to begin meeting the goal set by the government.

Housing minister Yvette Cooper said, “We know it will be a challenge for all new homes to be zero carbon within ten years, but we think the industry can rise to it. Every sector of the economy needs to do its bit to help cut carbon emissions and I welcome the commitment of the Home Builders Federation to delivering much higher environmental standards in the near future.”

The proposals also received further government support from Gordon Brown when he was Chancellor. He announced in his pre-budget report that carbon zero homes would be free from stamp duty.

All parties concerned have now began the crucial task of working out the details (through research, development and testing of products and practices) so that they can achieve the higher environmental standards the nation so badly needs. The UK’s 21 million homes are responsible for 27 per cent of the country’s CO2 emissions and the Government’s objective is to reduce the nation’s total emissions by 60 per cent by 2050.

It is anticipated that carbon zero homes will produce less than half the carbon emissions of a traditionally built house. They will cost about a third as much to run and will be built at the same cost as a standard ‘house type’ throughout the UK. New housing projects proposed during 2008 by the UK’s big house builders and developers will be more environmentally friendly than ever before.

Editor: Simon Weston

www.myfirsthomeltd.co.uk, www.myfirsthomeblog.com

Email: simon.weston@myfirsthomeltd.com

Related articles by Zemanta

• Is Cap and Trade The Solution? (socyberty.com)
• Australian Capital Territory to pass tough carbon cutting laws (guardian.co.uk)
• Champagne Producers Aim for ‘Greener’ Bottle (nytimes.com)
• UK biofuels ‘fail on green goals’ (bbc.co.uk)

Carbon Zero Homes Set To Become A Reality is a post from: My First Home Blog