Rematerialise: The Sustainable Materials Library

Posted on: 30 March 2012
By: mackene
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Architects, developers and construction companies can now access a new online resource containing information on over 1,200 green building materials. Kingston University’s Rematerialise website features innovative material solutions made up of waste products and renewable resources from around the world. Scallop shells, nettle fibres, mobile phones and car windscreens are just some of the products listed in the library that is the outcome of 18 years of research by Jakki Dehn, a reader at Kingston University. In 1994, Dehn set out to explore the global availability of new materials made from waste and to investigate how these could be utilised in products, furniture and interiors. The library holds information on their environmental benefits, material content, current applications and related technical data.

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The future of architectural education

Posted on: 30 March 2012
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Building Futures has launched an inaugural series of think pieces, in which five experts share their views on one of the key issues to emerge from the Building Futures’ report, How will architects be educated in 20 years time? Comment on both the theme in general and individual author’s response is welcomed.

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URLAB (Urban Research Laboratory)

Posted on: 27 March 2012
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URLAB (Urban Research LAB), launched by Fridbjorg, a member of the Danish Association of Architectural Firms, is a space of inspiration and initiative that examines architecture’s sustainable value creation for human life in urban spaces. URLAB, based In New York, aims to influence a public discourse about architecture and urbanity towards a greater focus on architecture’s impact on human living conditions and social relations, called Human architecture.

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The Construction Index

Posted on: 23 March 2012
By: isadm
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A new construction magazine, The Construction Index, has been launched, aimed at main contractors, specialist contractors and plant hirers, and many other organisations in the construction supply chain, say its publishers. The magazine is available in print, digital and ‘tablet’ formats. The digital and iPad versions are available free of charge, with the print version distributed free to selected readers.

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Low carbon heritage buildings

Posted on: 23 March 2012
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The Yorkshire and Humber Climate Change Partnership has commissioned a study into reducing carbon emissions from heritage buildings. Written by the consulting engineers Arup, the study comprises two documents. The first contains general guidance on the processes and techniques that can be used to reduce emissions and concentrates on the aspects that require special consideration when dealing with important historic assets. The second contains a series of case studies showing how these techniques can be applied to local buildings. Five Grade II buildings from different sectors were surveyed and recommendations were made on ways to significantly reducing the carbon emissions.

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A guide to understanding the embodied impacts of construction products

Posted on: 23 March 2012
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This guide, produced by the Construction Products Association, aims to improve the understanding of the wider construction industry to the ways in which embodied impacts of construction products are assessed and how this information can then be used for building level design. The Guide discusses what is a Life Cycle Assessment, what are Environmental Product Declarations, what is the significance of the new European Standards CEN/TC 350 and the impact of the Construction Products Regulation, and looks in detail at the range of environmental indicators.

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Thermal mass explained (2012 update)

Posted on: 22 March 2012
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This document, published by the Concrete Centre, argues that the time has now come to re-evaluate the contribution that thermal mass can make to the performance of both new and refurbished buildings. To do this, it is important to have a basic working knowledge of thermal mass and how to best use it. That is the purpose of this guide. Registration is required to access this document.

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The RIBA Guide to Sustainability in Practice

Posted on: 22 March 2012
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This guide identifies the strong business case for sustainability, the benefits for clients and 10 steps architects can take to help build sustainability into their daily practice.

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Zero Carbon Hub Annual Conference 2012. London, 2 February 2012

Posted on: 13 March 2012
By: mackene
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Building on the success of the 2011 event, the 2012 Conference attracted a strong line up of speakers from across the housing sector, energy and finance, with encouraging levels of support from sponsors, exhibitors and delegates. The theme of the 2012 Conference was ‘Progress towards 2016’ and the agenda was structured to shed light not only on the valuable progress that has been made, but also, crucially, what we need to do now to maintain momentum in the remaining years up to 2016. Key sessions of the day included a consideration of higher level policy on zero carbon homes by Stewart Baseley, HBF, and Mark Clare, Barratt Developments.  Further sessions covered the link between policy and delivery, consumer focus and practical delivery, each drawing on insights from professionals involved in housing policy and the planning, design and construction of homes. A video review of the day is available here on the above , while presentations can be found online.

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London 2012: Lessons learned

Posted on: 29 February 2012
By: mackene
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From January to July 2012, the UK Green Building Council is holding a series of events which aim to explore a comprehensive range of sustainability themes and strategies using the London 2012 construction project as a platform for discussion and learning. The first event, held on 17 January 2012, featured the Olympic Velodrome, providing a holistic perspective on creating a sustainable venue from the entire project team – from client to architect to supplier. Presentations and a video of highlights of the event are available online. Further events cover: the acquatics centres (28 February 2012); the stadium (17 April 2012); the athletes’ village (15 May 2012); and temporary venues (19 June 2012).

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