Building regs changes to cut emissions

Top of the hill

Landlords to be forced to improve energy efficiency

The government is planning to use building regulations as a means of increasing take-up of its flagship retrofit scheme, the green deal when it is introduced in October.

Sustainable Housing Awards 2011

With the green deal approaching, the use of pioneering eco-technologies in housing is more important than ever before. Here Chloë Stothart reveals the housing providers, developers and architects leading the way

A high price to pay

The government is legally obliged to do all it can to eradicate fuel poverty by 2016. But there are growing fears that its plan to meet this target could actually make the problem worse in the short term. Nick Duxbury investigates

Dimplex launches Quantum - the future of electric heating

Dimplex is set to change the way we think about electric heating with the launch of the Quantum Energy System, a complete ‘smart’ space and water heating energy management system offering low cost, low carbon electric heating and hot water.

Construct a greener future

Building regulations are being tightened in a bid to protect the environment, says Catherine Parker, solicitor at Trowers & Hamlins

Foreign intervention

The threat of climate change may not be a big enough priority in most countries, but going green can help to tackle other, more pressing, socio-economic problems, as demonstrated by a retrofit project in South Africa, says Jane Henley

How to...

Social landlords can play a big role in improving the energy efficiency of the nation’s homes. But they must lobby hard to ensure ministers understand that they will need support to do so, says Martin Wheatley

Hit for six

A 91-home Yorkshire development might mark the peak of sustainable house building. Martin Hilditch finds out why

Cheaper by the Durkan

The contractor charged with giving an east London estate a facelift also threw in comprehensive energy retrofitting - at no extra cost. Jess McCabe finds out more