| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| tahir |
Help the AECB campaign for better regsAECB - energy in buildingsIntroduction This is the home page for the AECB energy in buildings initiative. Technical documents relating to the initiative are all available for download from this page. More information on this campaign, SussEd training opportunities and AECB energy efficient construction details and guidance coming soon. Campaign Documents Download the AECB campaign documents below. Paper 1: New Homes CO2 savings - Vs. 16.2.06 Paper 2: AECB Draft Energy Performance Standards - Vs.17.02.06 Paper 3: EST AECB and Building Regulations Standards - Vs.17.02.06 Support us * The basic draft of the AECB Energy Standards for Homes is currently available. * Two associated training courses have been developed in Skills for Energy Efficient Construction (touching also on materials issues): a two day theory and practical for NVQ yr2 - run as a pilot at Somerset College of Design and Technology (Genesis): a one day CPD to be will be piloted initially in London (Venue: Construction Resources – dates and availability of places for members to be advertised in Network). * In addition six typical construction details to help designers meet the AECB Silver Standard (3 masonry and 3 timber frame types ) are currently being prepared for members' use. See draft example. Conclusions from recent AECB research (see papers above) and from the recent attempts at an energy standards’ harmonisation process between AECB, BRE and EST have evolved into the AECB’s proposed voluntary and regulatory programme for Homebuilders – a programme currently being promoted by the Association to BRE, EST, ODPM, DEFRA, WWF, etc. Information on the proposed programme for action will follow on this web site after this week’s Ecobuild Conference. In the meantime it is becoming increasingly clear that the level of Industry action and regulatory reform required to deliver a sustainable future for the UK is not forthcoming due to seriously conflicting interests. It may be that inspired action from a knowledgeable, practical and visionary section of the building industry is the best way forward for the UK – these people are overwhelmingly represented in the AECB membership. In order to raise finance to take the AECB standards forward, to develop design and construction guidance for its members the AECB (the only independent subscription based - and accountable green building organisation) is considering asking its membership to fund its sustainable homes programme. We would like to initially ‘test the water’ by asking members (and non members – please consider joining) to answer our brief online questionnaire - below. We currently have 1,600 members - a large number of small donations could combine to fund a visionary programme for sustainable design and construction of new homes and ultimately refurbishing existing ones. It would also, of course, create valuable member benefits, giving AECB members a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded marketplace. The likely programme would consist of the following: 1. Develop the draft Silver and Gold Standards into a detailed specification for use by design professionals, and a construction checklist for use by builders. Training requirements would become clear based on these two documents. 2. A complimentary ‘client briefing document’ would be useful to inform clients of expectations and delivery of buildings built to these standards, and aid the client in subsequent sustainable management of the building. 3. Suites of Silver and Gold construction details in .dwg/.dxf/.mcd/.pdf formats – similar to Robust details. 4. Building systems and key products suppliers would be engaged to develop industry packages to achieve the different elements within AECB Silver and Gold – packages to be promoted by the Association. Pledge your support To help us start assessing the likely level of support please register below you in principle support for the AECB's efforts, briefly describing the type and level of support you would be prepared to consider. After testing the waters, and taking account of comments the AECB will come back to its members with a detailed and costed programme to formally fund raise for. If you wish to pro-activly support the AECB initiative, please click on the link below: http://aecb.net/energyinbuildings.php |
| tahir |
I hope whoever can give does, they're a great organisation and a lovely bunch of people who are trying their hardest to get the flipping government to take sustainability in building seriously. A hugely uphill struggle, they need our support. |
| Sarah D |
Good, thanks for that. Will give it a go. 
|