Mon, 25 May 2026 09:16:10 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=340 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=340 Sun, 03 Jun 2007 00:51:00 +0100 steph https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=331 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=331 Thu, 31 May 2007 21:58:35 +0100 Jeff B https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=323 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=323 Tue, 29 May 2007 19:31:04 +0100 no1smiles2000 I am looking to buy a house which is off the mains gas network and currently has no heating! all it has is a coal fire with back boiler for hot water.
Its a semi detached 3 bed house not sure about insulation etc but i will also have to get double glazing installed!
just dont know what sort of heating would be best and most ecconomical so all ideas will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks Katie]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=290 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=290 Tue, 15 May 2007 22:50:21 +0100 sye https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=318 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=318 Sun, 27 May 2007 23:07:10 +0100 Joatex
Instead of the electricity suppliers fostering power meters on consumers and of which they will examine once, then occasionally glance and finally forget, it would seem best for a number of reasons to supply a waste disposal unit under each kitchen sink.

If it is true that the power required to operate a waste disposal unit is less than carting the waste to the tip then it would make sense to feed the 'soup' down the sewerage system, mix it with other degradable matter, filter out solids, semi-dry by centrifuge, compost and finally steam sterilise for garden use.

OK it may require more water - essential to prevent blockage but the water question could be recovered at the distant end. It may cause a blockage of the unit by attempting to process waste which should be recycled, consumers will quickly learn the ropes.

But it will do away with waste which quickly degrades within the household in hot weather and storage problems in households where space precludes an outside bin, reduce the number of garbage disposal trucks on the highway avoiding production of more CO2, reduce or eliminate the disposal of degradable waste in tips and hence reduce the production of methane from buried degradable wate.

Well that's a start, bound to be critics. Lets hear the good and bad comments from the intellect which abounds this forum.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=317 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=317 Sat, 26 May 2007 08:08:11 +0100 saddlecrazy https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=288 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=288 Tue, 15 May 2007 17:57:11 +0100 Rachel https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=311 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=311 Wed, 23 May 2007 16:26:37 +0100 tony
The idea that if it is not on the front of a building then that is OK is also a new one and equally dangerous.

How come windmills are OK but not solar panels? And why are homes in national parks penalised -- if it is too ugly there then it is too ugly in my town too.

No planning for conservatories! are they crazy -- these things if heated loose so much heat that they should not be allowed any more on purely energy efficiency grounds never mind carbon saving reasons.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=286 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=286 Mon, 14 May 2007 21:42:00 +0100 philby
I am nearing completion of a green oak extention to an old barn.The gable end which I was going to fill looks so good looking into woodland that I would like to glaze.What I am a little worried about is the flexing of the oak ( which has now been dry for about 6 months).I would imagine that a reasonably thick rubber surround/seal would absorb any movement.Has anyone fitted this before,also advice on weather seal would be appreciated.
Thanks.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=312 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=312 Wed, 23 May 2007 17:50:53 +0100 Katymac
I've tried 3 times & I get a little rude message

So - they are very nice - but you can't see them......sorry]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=305 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=305 Tue, 22 May 2007 11:52:24 +0100 dan_aka_jack
I'm planning to make a series of short films whose aim will be to demonstrate practical ways in which individuals and organisations can reduce their emissions of green house gasses. I'm a freelance filmmaker and I'm planning to distribute and publicise the videos on the Internet. At least to start with, I will make the films on my own money. I'm planning to call the series of films "After Carbon" (unless anyone can think of a better name before I start making the films!) I'd like the films to be as detailed and practical as possible (shows like "It's Not Easy Being Green" are great but they are short of practical detail). My plan is to use plenty of diagrams and graphics to illustrate the engineering shown in each film.

What I really need are projects to film! I will do my best to stay out of the way of the work-in-progress and the films shouldn't intrude too much on your privacy - I'm keen to focus mostly on the *installation* rather than on the *installers* or owners! And, of course, I'll send you a copy of the film to "OK" before I publish it. In terms of subject matter, I'd like to cover the broadest possible spectrum of issues - from solar hot water heating systems, to the use of alternatives to concrete, to wood-chip burning CHP systems for office towers etc. In terms of location, I'm based in South East London so the closer the better - I'd say a 3 hour drive is probably the maximum distance I can travel (not least because of the hypocrisy of making a film about limiting CO2 emissions by driving a petrol-powered car around with all my equipment!)

Please contact me either by replying to this thread (especially if you have questions which you think other people would be interested in) or using the contact form on my website:

http://jack-kelly.com/contact

Thanks loads,
Jack]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=285 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=285 Mon, 14 May 2007 10:23:35 +0100 ashleymschrader https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=298 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=298 Fri, 18 May 2007 09:40:32 +0100 MrT Much of the eco books, I've got EcoHouse2 and the whole House Book both of which are great, do not go into
details about construction.

Anyone recommend a book which they use as a reference for building construction techniques which can be a
source of information for both professionals and laymen.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=296 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=296 Thu, 17 May 2007 14:38:30 +0100 Michael_T
I have also been studying data and research carried out by several institutions, including the Sustainable Development Commission and the ECI, to investigate whether improvements to the building fabric would lead to significant long term improvements in relation to a buildings energy performance.

I have made up a short questionnaire and would appreciate anyone in the know to take a couple of minutes of their time to fill it out.

http://www.smart-survey.co.uk/v.asp?i=1903xdpwo

Thanks,

Michael.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=277 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=277 Fri, 11 May 2007 21:34:34 +0100 pyrogaz
Like many other folk we try to be conscientious about fully turning off appliances that have a standby function when turning in for the night, but the nature of these sort of devices means you're usually crawling under desks, fighting through a tangle of cables, and wondering if you're going to accidentally unplug the alarm clock and have to spend ten minutes resetting it. Our solution was to duplicate the socket circuits, one is generally used for devices with a standby mode and its twin for "normal" devices and those which we don't wish to turn off; the standby circuit has a master switch installed in our bedroom so last thing at night simply flick the switch and 4 TV's, 4 Freeview boxes, 5 PC's, 3 printers, 1 server, 3 DVD's, 2 VCR's, 1 microwave, 3 Hifi systems and numerous other devices are completely shut down. I should mention that we never use the VCR for recording so not a problem that they lose their clock settings overnight, and the DVD recorders are a bit more clever and don't lose their settings, so I'm not a masochist!

It might seem overkill to install extra circuits but the cost was just under £140, yes we have a lot of sockets, and we have little red dots stuck on those on the "standby circuit" to indentify them; but a quick check with a meter showed that we were drawing over 400 watts prior to switching off at night. Even if the circuit is only off for 6 hours each night it equates to about £85 per year, add in a couple of weeks holiday and you're knocking on the door of £100, so the pay back is very short.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=295 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=295 Thu, 17 May 2007 12:39:40 +0100 steve mac My question is do I continue with my plans or do I gently ( 1 metre at a time) remove the mud footings by half the thickness of the 600 mm wall and back fill with concreate .
All advise and comments will be greatly received.

Steve Mac.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=138 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=138 Mon, 26 Mar 2007 20:18:10 +0100 Paul_B
So what would be the benefits / disadvantages?

Paul]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=292 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=292 Wed, 16 May 2007 19:32:59 +0100 Rachel https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=279 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=279 Sun, 13 May 2007 10:33:56 +0100 EdF https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=247 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=247 Tue, 01 May 2007 08:19:40 +0100 biffvernon http://ipcc-wg1.ucar.edu/wg1/wg1-report.html

For best ongoing analysis see RealClimate
http://www.realclimate.org/]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=278 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=278 Fri, 11 May 2007 23:34:06 +0100 Spike https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=275 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=275 Thu, 10 May 2007 21:13:44 +0100 Joatex https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=252 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=252 Thu, 03 May 2007 09:52:55 +0100 AT https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=263 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=263 Mon, 07 May 2007 18:55:31 +0100 SimpleE Zero stamp duty on carbon neutral homes - thats not going to cost very much is it !
No grants available because they are restructuring !
Biofuel will harm the planet.
Whats going on ? While I am more than happy to do my bit to combat CO2 emmissions I feel the increasing tax burden is just that and in no way reflects any 'green' credentials and just what are they spending the money raised on ?
Your thoughts please.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=264 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=264 Tue, 08 May 2007 00:31:29 +0100 jacky1011
Sustainability has become a popular issues, the government recognize its importance to create a better quality for life. Therefore various actions plans and strategies were develop in order to implement sustainability into real world practices.

Such as the sustainable code, sustainable procurement strategy etc
But does these plans successful? If not, what are the problems? What stops sustainability to be implemented ?

I would be appreciate if all of you take part in this discussion as I would hope to gain as many information as possible in a very short time due to time constraints.

I develope a questionnaire to be distribute. Who is interest to fill in please contact me and i will email to you.
JacquelineJoo797@hotmail.com

Million thanks for all who are willing to help me.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=243 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=243 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 21:06:52 +0100 Joatex
Mould is forming on the inner walls of a bathroom and a room adjacent a stone walled barn located in southern France. The barn walls are stone and approximate 2.5 feet thick but the bathroom and adjacent room have been formed from a larger room and a section of the outer original wall replaced with a 6 inch concrete block wall and windows. The exterior and interior finish over the concrete blocks is a portland cement screed No DPC was added under the new concrete blocks. Before the changes to the room there was no evidence of mould on the walls or on the adjacent floor

The tiled roof is sound as is the guttering. The terrain is largely sand and drainage should not be problem.

No natural or forced ventilation has been added. The barn living accommodation is occupied for a short time only in the summer, otherwise closed but the door to the rooms mentioned remains open. The absence of mould on the exterior surfaces of the concrete blocks suggest that the natural ventilation of an outer surface prevents mould growth

The problem is growth of mould on the inner cement screeded walls. In addition there is mould on that area of the room floor close to the outer wall. The bathroom floor has been remade with a DPC under a concrete floor and is 2 inches higher than the adjacent room, no mould on the floor but a little behind the loo.

The question is that of treatment.

Ventilation by air bricks would seem to be the first step but would only overcome the presumed higher RH of the two rooms Further ventilation by a fan may be necessary but for 50 weeks the barn is empty and energy expended to reduce mould would be out of proportion to the gain.

If the cement screed was removed from the concrete blocks and replaced with a lime mortar plaster and skimmed with lime mortar/silver sand would that allow the damp in the concrete blocks to be dissipated leaving the plastered surfaces dry enough to avoid mould ? Or would it be necessary to remove the concrete blocks and replace with original stone then face both sides with lime mortar screed ?

If it was just a matter of ventilation what type could reach a satisfactory surface moisture level ?

Comments if you please]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=265 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=265 Tue, 08 May 2007 10:50:54 +0100 mook Not sure how airtight I should be aiming for here?
The studs will be covered with foil backed plasterboard to provide a vapour barrier.

Also wondering what to do at window recesses these have wood panelling which slope towards the window (single glazed sash), not really enough room to insulate on top, but if its worthwhile I could maybe put some of that thin polystyrene backing on (warmcell?) then plasterboard over? Or maybe cork tiles?

I'm aware this isn't the 'greenest' solution but i'm hoping my efforts with insulating will reduce heating bills (its to be a cofeeshop/gallery)

Thanks]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=254 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=254 Thu, 03 May 2007 13:17:33 +0100 moogaloo
Any advice?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=255 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=255 Thu, 03 May 2007 13:27:36 +0100 portvalefanjosh https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=206 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=206 Wed, 18 Apr 2007 18:18:43 +0100 archie
What are your experiences of these assessment methods? Do you find them to be an invaluable element of the design process or are there shortcomings that leave you wondering if they are actually worthwhile? Is the Government backing the most suitable methods? What is the evidence that the buildings that perform well on these test are actually performing well in reality?

It would be excellent if anyone knows of any publications that have undertaken balanced but crtical analyses of these systems.

Anything at all that springs to mind will be well received. Many thanks!]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=248 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=248 Tue, 01 May 2007 19:35:43 +0100 AT Could anyone share any advise or links, books,etc..
Does anyone know of articles or case studies of projects that could be used to discuss these ideas, or about projects where the technology have been misused and the architect then find themselves in hot water with misconduct charges flying around!
Any help would be greatly appreciated.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=262 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=262 Mon, 07 May 2007 16:34:38 +0100 moogaloo
I have 1930s 3 bed semi with a pitched roof tiled, felt and battened (do not want to reroof) and 100mm rafters. I think it will be a between and under rafter style and will need some kind of cavity and perhaps a breather membrane. But I don't actually know what I am talking about.

How much cavity should I have? Should I have breather membrane? Should I consider multifoil in the mix (don't hit me)? Are the required U value of 0.2 against the U Value of 0.16 of joist insulation for legitimate reasons or should I be shooting beyond 0.2?

Help me please :cry:]]>