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Assessment of MVHR systems and air quality in new homes
Posted on: 27 September 2013
By: mackene
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The National House Building Council (NHBC) is setting a new standard for Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems following recent research which raises issues about the performance of the technology. Analysis by the UK’s leading standard-setting body and warranty provider has found that the move to create more energy efficient homes and improve airtightness has led to around a quarter of new homes being fitted with MVHR systems. MVHR systems provide fresh air ventilation while at the same time recovering heat from exhaust air that would have otherwise been lost, but there is a growing body of evidence that shows that performance of these units is greatly reduced if they are not designed or installed correctly. New research published by the NHBC Foundation monitored ten homes in Slough built to level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes over an 18 month period. The report found that nine of the units were recommissioned and one was replaced after approximately one year of occupation. Previous research by the NHBC Foundation and Zero Carbon Hub has also revealed a number of issues with MVHR systems. In response to this research and following wide consultation with the industry, NHBC is setting a new standard for MVHR which will be included in the 2014 edition of NHBC Standards. This technical guidance, which will be issued to NHBC registered builders in October, will cover issues such as system design, ductwork, location of the fan unit and prevention of condensation. Register for free to view the document.
National Infrastructure Plan
Posted on: 27 September 2013
By: mackene
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This article, from Public Finance, considers whether the government’s National Infrastructure Plan, which promises much, can deliver.
Short term mitigation ambition pre-2020: Opportunities to close the emissions gap
Posted on: 27 September 2013
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At the UN climate negotiations in Durban (2011), UNFCCC Parties agreed to keep global temperature rise below 2°C. This paper provides an overview of the variety of options available at all three dimensions (multilateral negotiating, national acting, and alliances between states and/or non-state actors) to close the emissions gap and thus highlights the possibility of complying with the 2°C limit.
Toolkit for resilient cities
Posted on: 26 September 2013
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This report explores the role of technology in enhancing the resilience of cities and their critical infrastructure systems, and the enabling actions that can support a new approach to system design and delivery.
Unstabilised rammed earth
Posted on: 26 September 2013
By: mackene
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The use of compacted earth as a building material is common in many countries, but despite its apparent abundance, use of earth as a building material remains relatively rare in the UK. As well as looking at the properties of rammed earth, or pise, this programme asks whether concrete should be added as a stabiliser, the issue of cost, and along the way we look at some high-profile failures and successes.
Guide for life cycle costing of maintenance during the in use phases of buildings (BS 8544:2013)
Posted on: 26 September 2013
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The objectives of this British Standard are to provide: standardised rules and a methodology for the life cycle costing (LCC) of maintenance during in use phases that fully integrate the process of creating and implementing two plans: maintain and renewal; guidance on how to evaluate and prioritize the maintenance works when carrying out budgeting and funding scenarios; and guidance on the implement stage of LCC management of maintenance works. University of Westminster students can view this document by using British Standards online through Library Search.
Inbound day visits
Posted on: 26 September 2013
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The September 2013 issue of VisitBritain’s Foresight publication analyses inbound day visits to the UK.
Guide to implementing the Water Convention
Posted on: 26 September 2013
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The Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention) was adopted in 1992 and entered into force in 1996. It brings together almost all countries sharing transboundary waters in the pan-European region, and is expected to achieve broader participation with its global opening to all United Nations Member States. The Water Convention serves as a mechanism to strengthen international cooperation and national measures for the ecologically sound management and protection of transboundary surface waters and groundwaters. Furthermore, it provides an intergovernmental platform for the day-to-day development and advancement of transboundary cooperation. The present Guide to implementing the Water Convention constitutes a commentary to the Convention’s provisions, providing explanations of the legal, procedural, administrative, technical and practical aspects of the Convention’s requirements for appropriate implementation. It aims to strengthen the understanding of the Convention among current and future Parties, international partners, non-governmental organizations and academia.
Review of Construction Industry Training Board
Posted on: 26 September 2013
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As part of the Government’s Triennial Review of the Construction Industry Training Board, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has launched an online consultation survey seeking views on the effectiveness and the functions of the organisation.
Policies for shareable cities: A sharing economy policy primer for urban leaders
Posted on: 26 September 2013
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A new report from the Sustainable Economies Law Center (SELC) and Shareable details policy steps that city governments can take to benefit from the growing sharing economy by supporting innovations such as ride sharing, car sharing, co-housing, cooperatives, and urban agriculture.
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