Methods, impacts, and opportunities in the concrete building life cycle

Posted on: 9 September 2011
By: mackene
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A series of measures could significantly cut the carbon footprint of many new concrete buildings, and some older ones, say researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). A new report from MIT’s Concrete Sustainability Hub outlines some of the measures, analysing buildings’ energy use and carbon emissions over their life cycle of construction, use and demolition. The report covers: energy and emissions analysis for single and multi-family residential buildings, using insulated concrete formwork and light-frame wood construction, and energy usage and emissions analysis for a benchmark large office building, using steel and concrete structures.

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Climate-change policy in the United Kingdom

Posted on: 9 September 2011
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This OECD Working Paper analyses the UK climate-change policy framework. It first examines the United Kingdom’s performance according to various outcomes relevant to climate change, such as greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reductions and the market penetration of renewable energy. It then discusses UK policies and how well they are designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a cost-effective way. Particular attention is paid to carbon pricing and of the need to correct the market failures that afflict innovation the promotion of renewable energy. Examining policies piecemeal can lead to neglect of significant interactions among them when, for example, quantity-based instruments co-exist with price-based instruments or policies are applied at different stages in the supply chain. Hence the paper also addresses the issue of overlapping policy instruments. The variety of policies across different sectors of the economy is also noted. The paper then moves from climate-change mitigation to discuss adaptation policies. Finally, the paper concludes with some suggestions for how policies could be improved.

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4th International Conference on Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship. Bournemouth, 8-9 September 2011

Posted on: 8 September 2011
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The fourth ‘Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship’ conference takes the title of ‘Global Vision, Local Action’. It aims to address the overlapping themes of sustainable development, internationalisation and global citizenship, together with the interconnections between the themes and how local action addresses global concerns. The conference organisers adhere to the belief that these are not separate issues: holistic approaches that encompass all aspects of university life are important if higher education is to contribute effectively to global sustainability. Presentations are available online.

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Infrastructure supply chains: Barriers and opportunities

Posted on: 7 September 2011
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Frequent changes in government policy and lack of sufficient funds are the principal threats to the UK’s ability to deliver reliable infrastructure over the next decade, according to a report produced using research by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).

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Gaining possession of a privately rented property let on an assured shorthold tenancy

Posted on: 7 September 2011
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This document provides advice for landlords who wish to gain possession of a privately rented property let on an assured shorthold tenancy.

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RICS Sustainability Practice & Research

Posted on: 7 September 2011
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Over 600 documents (research, guidance, books etc), produced or commissioned by RICS, are now accessible through six categories: Economics of Sustainability; Sustainable Construction; Land & Resource Management; Urban, Planning, Housing & facilities Management; Energy & Climate Change; and Development & Disaster Management.

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Domestic Industry Panel

Posted on: 7 September 2011
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VisitEngland has published findings from its latest Domestic Tourism Panel survey.

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Visitor attraction trends in England 2010

Posted on: 7 September 2011
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VisitEngland has released its Annual Visitor Attractions Survey.

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Database on Local Development Frameworks: Closure report – end December 2010

Posted on: 7 September 2011
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Between 2005 and the end of 2010, data was gathered and recorded on the Local Development Framework Database on the progress of various plans and documents that councils were preparing under existing planning legislation and guidance. This report presents a historic record of local plans progress as of January 2010 and an update on local plan preparation up to June 2011.

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Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services

Posted on: 7 September 2011
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This new biodiversity strategy for England builds on the Natural Environment White Paper and provides a comprehensive picture of how we are implementing our international and EU commitments. It sets out the strategic direction for biodiversity policy for the next decade on land (including rivers and lakes) and at sea. Defra has also published a document which discusses the technical issues and options for developing a set of headline indicators to track progress with the new Strategy for England’s Wildlife and Ecosystem Services (Biodiversity 2020). It also invites comments on the scope and detail of the indicators. Click here for access to this document.

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