Green Building Forum - Events and Courses

AECB Web Events Passivhaus Principles

jamesingram — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 22:22:37 +0100

from the AECB

http://www.carbonlite.org.uk/carbonlite/webevents.php

Web Events
Passivhaus Principles Applied to Refurbishment in the Social Housing & Community Sectors: A Pass Net Webinar
Below are four videos for you to view, an introductory video to the theme topic and three project based videos, that cover the application of Passivhaus principles, in part or whole, to the following property types: tower blocks; a mid-terrace, solid walled building, and a concrete-framed community building.

The first 2 of the tower block projects are examples of how adding external insulation and upgrading fenestration (from single to double or triple glazing) can be carried out on high rise buildings. Whilst these projects can achieve significantly improved levels of performance through improving key elements of the building fabric, they were not originally conceived as whole building refurbishments to the Passivhaus new build standard (nor to the recently launched Passivhaus refurbishment standard ‘EnerPHit’).

The final tower block project presented and the final two projects, however, are all examples of a whole building approach, concentrating on application of the following key Passivhaus principles: application of continuous insulation & minimisation of thermal bridging; design and installation of a continuous air barrier to minimise heat loss through uncontrolled draughts; replacement of existing windows with new high performance triple glazed windows (U-value of < or = 0/8 W/m2K); installation of whole house / building heat recovery and ventilation.

You may want to visit the following links as they provide additional information about topics discussed in the videos. You may also wish to browse the Retrofit for the Future projects (and others) at www.retrofitforthefuture.org.

Once you have had an opportunity to view the videos, please follow this link http://www.aecb.net/forum/index.php?topic=2598.msg10313#msg10313 to a new webinar topic on the AECB forum and post your comments and questions there. All questions will be answered by a panel of practitioners and experts, specially chosen for this topic, during the live webinar event, provisionally to be held the second week in September.

Information about the arrangements for the webinar will be published on the forum board (link above).

Straw Bale Accredited Course in SE Wales

RDE — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:09:36 +0100

The Eco Home Centre (part of the Not-for-profit Rounded Developments Enterprises company) has developed an Open College Network Level 1 qualification in straw bale building. The new course will be run this August at the Bryncynon Strategy (a charity in Abercynon) between the 24th and 26th. Details are available from:
http://www.sustainablebuildingresource.co.uk/training__education/straw_bale_building_course/1768/
If you know anyone who might be interested in attending please let them and us know.

Straw bale build training

Rachel — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 09:18:25 +0100

This summer, we have various opportunities for people to come and volunteer at our 2 storey straw bale house and to get a chance to see how it has all gone together. camping close by, next to the beach , beautiful area, linches and refreshments provided, learning and skill sharing.

what official courses exist

karagm — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:14:01 +0000

hi all,
I'm interested on the availability of courses that will lead to accreditation with licensed bodies. Courses that will give trades people the requisite knowledge and skills to recommend and install to primarily domestic properties, on the following subjects:

a/ building air tightness
b/ventilation (natural and mechanical...air source pumps)
c/ energy control systems
d/ combined heat and power
e/ ground source heat pumps
f/ solar thermal systems
g/ rainwater harvesting systems
h/ living roofs
i/ grey water management
j/ on site black water treatment
k/ sustainable drainage (SUDS)

sorry the list is a bit extensive!
I didn't mention photovoltaics as I'm aware of the city and guilds 2372 course and I'm not really bothered about wind as this does not seem effective on the small scale.

your collective help on this matter would be of considerable assistance. I am a lecturer for a construction college who has been asked to research what courses are available within these areas. My bosses have finally realised (after MUCH badgering) that we need to get serious about training for the fledgling business of retro fitting existing housing stock.

The more info you can give me the more likely I am to invite you all out for beer and curry

:bigsmile::bigsmile::bigsmile:

Self-build courses at National Self Build and Renovation Centre

petecooper — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:30:30 +0100

Hi. First time poster.
I'm curious as to whether anyone's been to the 3-day (formerly 5-day) self-build course at the NSBRC:

http://www.buildstore.co.uk/mykindofhome/events/self-build-courses.html

I'm not connected to the course or the organisation, and I'm just starting out on my self-build odyssey, was mainly wondering if anyone here's had experience of either that course or paid-for courses at the centre. I'm thinking I'll go on one Q1 of next year, assuming it's not a complete horror!

Cheerio for now.

Pete

Air permeability testing

GHC — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:26:17 +0100

Does anyone have experience with air permeability testing courses? I am looking to perhaps get into this sector but currently its more of a feasibility study to see how much it would cost in total. Google isnt giving me many answers! I already cover the SAP side so perhaps a package deal would be good for clients.
Many thanks.

Uncivilisation - The Dark Mountain Festival_Llangollen, Wales, 28-30th May 2010

ali.gill — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:26:09 +0100

"UNCIVILISATION 2010 brings together writers and thinkers, musicians, artists and storytellers who have woken up to the likelihood that we will outlive our way of living. The world of supermarkets and superhighways is not going to become “sustainable” – as the systems we grew up taking for granted start to break down, how do we go on making sense of our lives?"
"The weekend will include hands-on workshops, exhibitions, informal discussions and open mic sessions, as well as a Dark Mountain film festival curated by Dan Walwin and a festival bookshop."

http://www.dark-mountain.net/
http://www.eventelephant.com/uncivilisation
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/apr/29/environmentalism-dark-mountain-project

FREE Strawbale Building Workshop 4-6th May

OthonaClare1 — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:16:26 +0100

Chug Tugby (www.stawbale-building.co.uk) will be training Volunteers on 4th, 5th, 6th May in how to build using strawbales as part of the Solar Building Project at the Othona Community. The training is FREE for volunteers who are able to stay for 2 or more days to help work on the strawbale walls at the project - great way to perfect new skills!

Volunteers are invited during May and June 2010 to help with strawbaling, earthramming, and creating a living green roof at this award winning low-carbon building project to creat a new visitor centre at The Othona Community, Essex (CMO 7PN).

No experience necessary, training provided and free accomodation is available on site. Volunteers can stay from a few days to a few weeks (lovely setting right next to the sea).

Great opportunity to learn or practice new natural building skills!
For more information please contact clarestone74@googlemail.com

AECB Passivhaus Training

GBP-Keith — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:09:18 +0100

Posted here following a request from the AECB. I do not know any more about these events than is written below so contact them directly using the info here if you are interested please.

Are you unemployed, self employed or working for an SME? If so then you are eligible for a generous subsidy on the popular AECB courses. You will receive a £400 subsidy off the two day courses and £200 off the one day course.

Do you live or work in any of the following counties: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey and West Sussex? If so there are subsidies so you will only need to pay from only £49 plus VAT for those in SE (due to grant aid). I am afraid that as this funding is from the SEEDA (South East Development Agency) it does only apply to those that are based in the south east counties identified above. As a special concession they are allowing some of the courses being held outside the SE to be attended by those based in the SE as these courses are currently limited.

Understanding the Passivhaus standard, principles and methodologies 10 May 2010 Bristol, Ramada City Hotel
This course is aimed at the design team who are working towards AECB or Passivhaus Design Standards. It introduces the principles behind the Passivhaus Planning package (PHPP) so that designers understand how this low energy design software will analyse their designs to a more stringent level that is currently done in the UK. Armed with this knowledge, designers and clients will be better equipped to maximise their chance of success in providing low energy buildings – and having them certified.
Costs (excluding subsidies referred to above)
AECB Members: £249 + VAT
Non-members: £299 + VAT
Includes lunch and mid session refreshments

Using the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) to design low energy buildings 11-12 May 2010 Bristol, Ramada City Hotel
This practical hands-on course will provide energy consultants, technical building designers and architects with the skills necessary to achieve low energy and CO2 standards using the PassivHaus Planning Package (PHPP). Delegates require a working knowledge of MS Excel, the ability to read building plans and some knowledge of typical UK construction methods. Delegates will need to bring a laptop with a copy of the PHPP software (available from www.aecb.net) pre-loaded prior to the course.

Costs (excluding subsidies referred to above)
AECB Members: £499 + VAT
Non-members: £599 + VAT
Includes lunch and mid session refreshments

Thermal bridging 13 May 2010 Bristol, Ramada City Hotel
This practical hands-on course will provide energy consultants, technical building designers and architects with the skills necessary to minimise the effect of thermal bridging when designing low energy and CO2 buildings to AECB standards. The course uses the conventions from the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) from the German Passivhaus Institut, but also shows how to derive psi values for SAP calculations. Delegates require some previous knowledge of calculating heat loss from buildings (including knowing what a psi value is), a working knowledge of MS Excel and the ability to read building plans and knowledge of typical UK construction methods. Delegates will need to bring a laptop and are requested to pre-load a copy of the free software Therm 5.2 and the associated manuals.

Costs (excluding subsidies referred to above)
AECB Members: £249 + VAT
Non-members: £299 + VAT
Includes lunch and mid session refreshmentsnts

PLACES LIMITED - BOOK NOW (full details at www.www.carbonlite.org.uk/carbonlite/training.php or email sally at aecb.net if you are interested in a subsidised place)

Clay plaster and lime render workshops

Carol hunter — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:30:11 +0100

Free to attend in West Norfolk over the spring/summer. First one Sunday April 11th, Clay plastering led by cob builder/teacher. Phone 01366 502106 for a place or info about further dates.

AECB at Ecobuild

djh — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:10:14 +0000

Forwarded from the AECB forum. It's cut-and-pasted from several postings, so apologies for any discontinuities.

Cheers, Dave

Once again the AECB has a stand at Ecobuild this year. So if you are planning a visit, come over to stand 1593 and say hello.

We will be demonstrating The Passivhaus Buildings Planning Package (PHPP) and experts will be able to answer your questions. You can also find out more about Passivhaus Buildings, the new company set up by AECB to promote the Passivhaus standard in all types of new building, as well as other AECB initiatives, and our annual conference of course!

We can enrol new members on the stand, so if you're not a member and have been thinking of joining, you'll be very welcome to come and chat to find out more. And if as a member, you've been encouraging anyone to join, why not bring them along too?

We will also be hosting two fringe events:
1) Looking at indoor air quality and specifying MVHR.
Thursday 04 March 14.15 - 15.45 - Mall Room

2) Passivhaus workshop will examine the uptake of Passivhaus design in the UK.
Tuesday 02 March  10.45 - 12.15 - Model Classroom.

It’s also definitely worth looking at the list of workshops, as many are being run by AECB members.

AECB is putting on two seminars in the Ecobuild Fringe (www.ecobuild.co.uk/fringe). Other AECB members are also giving talks and seminars, and our experts will be on the AECB stand throughout the show, so come and have a chat, ask your questions or just rest your feet!

Ventilation and MVHR Workshop, Ecobuild Fringe, March 4th, pm
Building design legislation and guidance are moving towards requirements for lower energy design, better fabric performance and lower levels of air-permeability. These requirements start to significantly impact on the issues of ventilation and indoor air quality.
The AECB will be hosting a workshop on the specific theme of ventilation for Passivhaus design. This two-hour session includes presentations about some of the key issues by Andrew Farr and Chris Herring from the Green Building Store, and an interactive, hands-on discussion about the principles of MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery). This will include a chance to look up close at an MVHR unit.

Passivhaus in the UK Workshop, Ecobuild Fringe, March 2nd, am explores the uptake of Passivhaus design in the UK. It will be run for the AECB by Henrietta Lynch, who is undertaking research into the uptake of Passivhaus design in the UK, at University College London. The session will include a presentation of this research, and an interactive workshop that will allow participants to contribute their views and experiences.

Other Ecobuild highlights involving AECB members include Howard Liddell of Gaia Architects discussing 'Zero Carbon without the Bling', and 'Living within Environmental Limits', Judith Thornton, Alan Clarke and John Cantor on tackling the carbon footprint of hot water, and Liz Reason on 'Is SAP fit for purpose now and in the future?'

Andy Simmonds (AECB CEO ) is giving a talk: ' Case study of a solid wall Victorian townhouse extension and refurbishment to near Passivhaus levels of energy performance', Tuesday 2nd March, 11.30 in the RICS theatre.

The talk forms part of the morning seminar entitled 'There’s no haus like Passivhaus: exploring the standard, doing the sums', frm 10.30-12. This in turn is a session within the 'Simplifying Standards, Guides & Tools' programme for Tuesday in the RICS theatre, see www.ecobuild.co.uk/seminars/simplifying-standards-guides-tools/tuesday-02-march.html

John Cantor is offering a " hype-free session on installing ground source heat pumps. Hope to cover issues and potential pitfalls, how to get the best from a system and realistic savings (or not).

Called: Practical installers.Introduction to installing and maintaining heat pumps: ground source Wednesday 3rd March. 16.45 – 17.45

Ground source heat pumps use pipes buried under the ground to extract heat. They are efficient in terms of running costs and carbon savings. But the conditions necessary to allow for a system to be installed require careful consideration. This session will cover the working principles of ground source heat pumps; appliance types; collector and emitter circuit options and an overview of the regulatory requirements.

For more details of all seminars, go to http://www.aecb.net/ and click on the Ecobuild link, or go to the main Ecobuild site www.ecobuild.co.uk.

Who's going to Ecobuild 2010... (car share...?)

James Norton — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:04:50 +0000

Look I know some of us here don't approve:

http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/forum114/comments.php?DiscussionID=3114&page=1#Item_27

But I personally find it an invaluable opportunity to meet people and products face to face and to be honest the rest of my job is pretty travel light.

'am likely to be travelling on the Thursday, could be up for a car share from Sheffield, but not confirmed my own attendance yet.

J

Survival of the retro-fittest

fostertom — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:09:28 +0100

KEEP THIS DATE FREE – FRIDAY 16 OCTOBER 2009 – AT THE EDEN PROJECT

“SURVIVAL OF THE RETRO-FITTEST”

By 2050 all of our houses need to be 80% more efficient – how on earth do we do it?
Come and find out how.

A CSBT event sponsored by The Eden Project and Cornwall Council.

Further information will be available shortly.

That Roundhouse Workshop, Tony Wrench, July 2010

naturalhomes — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:05:57 +0000

Hi everyone,

Just to let you know about a low impact cordwood round house workshop, with reciprocal roof, in Poland during July 2010. The workshop is lead by Tony Wrench, the author of 'Building a Low Impact Round House'. You can find more about the workshop here http://greenhamlet.com?whatson

As well as the round house workshop there is also a wide variety of smaller, one day workshops held by members of the local Polish community. These include milking with cheese making, making felt, natural cosmetics, figure drawing and others.

Regards, Oliver

Building Energy Course

Energy Saver — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:08:27 +0000

Does anyone know of a good course that covers all aspects of energy in buildings. Location not an issue as long as distance learning is an option. HNC/D or similar.

Many thanks

Sustainable local heat and power tour in Sweden 13th-15th October 2009

ali.gill — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:59:33 +0100

Organised by Sustainable Business Hub in Sweden
in cooperation with BRE, CHPA and UK Trade & Investment

Questions regarding the event:
Martin Diamantoudis
Sustainable Business Hub
martin.diamantoudis@sbhub.se

During these three days British participants will attend seminars and workshops at Lund University, Sweden’s most prestigious university. In addition, selected utilities and local authorities in the region will share their experience of how to run a community heating system and workshops will discuss specific challenges defined by the British participants. Visits to heating plants will also be carried out and the study trip will be completed by a guided tour in the Western Harbour of Malmö, one of the world’s prime examples of sustainable city development.

Learn how to generate your own energy at our workshops

GoodEnergy — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:29:28 +0100

Hello everyone,

We are hosting some great workshops for those interested in microgeneration - covering everything from technology to feed in tariffs. Great if you can come along and spread the word.

http://www.goodenergy.co.uk/?page_id=5243

Cheers

Michael

Good Energy

Power from wind, from water, from the sun and from the land can provide us with the energy we use in our homes, our businesses and our lives. Renewable energy provides a solid foundation to build our businesses and economy. It can provide us with energy security and reduce our exposure to shortage of supply and volatile prices of imported fossil fuels. And Renewable Energy can help preserve our environment and reduce the impact of climate change.

We have the technology - all we have to do is use it.

On 31st October 2009 from 1.30pm to 8pm Good Energy, the 100% renewable electricity supplier, is hosting at its wind farm in Delabole, North Cornwall ‘Power from the People: How to Generate Renewable Energy’ a day of master classes dedicated to helping everyone from homeowners to landowners to get a renewable energy project up and running.

Calling on the expertise of Good Energy’s team, our partners and our generators, we will be delivering two sets of seminars:

The Microgeneration seminars - will deliver detailed information to people looking to produce energy on a domestic or small commercial scale on how to plan and successfully complete their project, get paid for their energy and minimise their energy costs.

The Commercial Generation seminars - will provide farmers, landowners and communities planning to begin a commercial scale renewable energy project with expert advice on project planning, project financing and securing contracts for their power.

At the event there is also opportunity to visit the Delabole wind farm, get inside the existing turbines and learn about the repowering project that is currently taking place. And after the event there will be a reception for all the event goers to meet and to network with the experts, enjoy a glass of wine and a buffet of organic produce.
———————————
We’d love you to join us:

The Gaia Centre, Good Energy Wind Farm, Delabole, North Cornwall
Saturday 31st October 2009
1.30pm-8.00pm

Tickets for Good Energy’s Power from the People event are now on sale for £20. Benefit from a 25% discount by booking before 15th October.

Call our events team today on 0870 043 3929 or email goodenergy@rem-events.com to book you tickets.

Transition Chesterfield Heritage Open Days

skywalker — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:20:14 +0100

Dear All

We are opening up Skywalker acres for you to come and have a look at what we are doing as part of:

"Transition Chesterfield's contribution to the national Heritage Open Days scheme! Eco-renovated buildings around Chesterfield will open to the public for free on this special weekend in September.

It's a great opportunity for nosy neighbours and anyone interested in greening their home to get up close to real live working eco-features like solar panels, sheep's wool insulation, green roofs and rainwater harvesting systems. Talk to the people who installed - and live with - all these eco-improvements, and pick up ideas and tips for your own home.

Properties open to the public
Five ordinary houses, all eco-renovated by their owners, will be open at various times over the weekend. The owners will all be offering informal tours of their homes, and will be able to tell you all about how and why they did the work, and how well the technologies are performing in practice. They'll also have displays of 'before and after' photos, samples of materials and labels round the house explaining what's been done."

Many more details in this Link:

http://www.transitionchesterfield.org.uk/content/heritage-open-days-2009

Amoungst other attracations - come and see our skeilings at all stages of 'improvement', hold bits of insulation, marvel at the almost flat lime plastering & lime wash, poke some lime putty with a stick, have a look at a heat store, feel the dry air coming out of a heat recovery unit, see a solar panel (hold a tube if you wish) share tea and sympathy and marvel at just how much we have left to do.

I might even let you wee in my low flush toilet!

Joking aside if you are in the area the properties on show display a range of green renovation options and would all be well worth a visit if you are either thinking or in the process of going for it!

We may even be offering courgette cake (got use up the bloody things somehow).

S.

Climate change and cultural heritage

Ev — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:15:28 +0100

I appreciate the deadline for applications is short but some people may be interested in this course:

http://whc.unesco.org/en/events/598/ (all details and more docs there)

"Application deadline 30 June: European Master-Doctorate Course on Vulnerability of Cultural Heritage to Climate Change

Strasbourg, France

The European and Mediterranean Major Hazards Agreement (EUR-OPA) of the Council of Europe, in cooperation with the European University Centre for Cultural Heritage (CUEBC) is organizing a 5-day Master-Doctorate Course on "Vulnerability of Cultural Heritage to Climate Change" in Strasbourg, France, from 7 to 11 September 2009.

The Course aims to ensure that young European students are informed on climate change and its impact on urban landscape and built heritage.

The Course is addressed to young people with scientific backgrounds from Europe or from member countries of the EUR-OPA Agreement: physicists, chemists, geologists, biologists, engineers (a high level of scientific background is required in order to facilitate the comprehension of the topics). Teaching will be delivered in English without any simultaneous interpretation.

There is no registration fee. The Council of Europe will cover the travel and subsistence expenses for a limited number of participants after careful examination and selection of the applications.

Application deadline: 30 June 2009

Information and application forms:

European University Centre for Cultural Heritage, Villa Rufolo, I-84010-Ravello, Italy,

http://www.univeur.org univeur@univeur.org

or Council of Europe, EUR-OPA, DG IV, F-67075-Strasbourg Cedex,

http://www.coe.int/europarisks europa.risk@coe.int

Green Builders - Dublin

sinnerboy — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:11:44 +0100

If you ever find yourself in Dublin please feel free to come along here

Just turn up - it's quite informal - all are welcome

http://www.constructireland.ie/vb/showthread.php?t=853

Followed by kebabs and beer in Temple Bar :boogie:

Greenbuild Expo

brig001 — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:11:28 +0100

http://www.greenbuildexpo.co.uk/ on in Manchester wed/thur 17th & 18th June (tomorrow).
I am going to have a look - first time I have been to one of these.
Looks like there will be bit of greenwash and some interesting stuff too.

Bri.

Affordable & sustainable homes conference, Shrewsbury 7 May 09

chocolatepixie — Fri, 01 May 2009 21:27:05 +0100

Thursday 7th May 2009, Shrewsbury, conference about affordable and sustainable housing organised by group called land for People and with funding from Welsh government, Powys council and Defra.
www.landforpeople.co.uk

New Scottish timber housing at Glenmore

Matt Bridgestock — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:30:58 +0100

You are invited to a guided tour of our just completed housing project at Glenmore near Aviemore on Wednesday 6 May.

http://www.johngilbert.co.uk/?q=node/211

The tour will be led by Matt Bridgestock from John Gilbert Architects.

About the Glenmore project:

SUSTAINABLE TIMBER HOMES
Two timber houses, designed by John Gilbert Architects for Albyn Housing Society Ltd, will provide new homes for key workers. The project approach, derived from our research for the Forestry Commission into using local timber, is a pilot scheme to maximise the use of Scottish timber and sustainable materials for social housing.

A COHESIVE SETTING
All the structural, framing and cladding timbers are from homegrown forests. The house design incorporates ecological features such as high-level insulation, multi-fuel stove heating for main rooms and rainwater harvesting. In addition, the windows are positioned to make the best use of natural sunlight and the view of surrounding woodland area. New, native trees are mixed with the existing mature trees to create a cohesive canopy around the clearing, thus maintaining the forest setting.

SENSITIVE TO SURROUNDINGS
The houses have been built in keeping with the architecture of the Glenmore area, as seen at the adjacent campsite and visitors’ centre. The houses are specifically designed in the context of the location and there are high aspirations for them to become a benchmark for design and sustainability in the Cairngorms National Park. The Cairngorms National Park approved the project based on the quality and strong sustainable goals of the development.

GETTING THERE
The nearest train station is Aviemore, which can be reached on the train from Glasgow or Edinburgh.

If you are travelling from Edinburgh you should take the 0833 hours train to Aviemore. If you are travelling from Glasgow you should take the 0841 train from Glasgow Queen Street and change at Perth for the 0950 hours train to Aviemore.

A coach will collect all visitors at Aviemore station at 1112 hours and return you to the station for the 1527 train back to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Please note that if you are travelling to Edinburgh, you will have to change train at Perth for the 1700 hours Edinburgh train.

Food and drink will be provided at the nearby Forestry Commission visitors’ centre.

RSVP
Please let me know if you can attend by replying to this email or phoning Heather Harbison at our office on 0141 551 8383 before 12 noon on Friday 1 May.

We look forward to seeing you.

Matt

Matt Bridgestock
Architect + Chartered Planner
John Gilbert Architects

e: matt.bridgestock@johngilbert.co.uk
w: http://www.johngilbert.co.uk
t: 0141 551 8383
m: 07886 418 357
f: 0141 554 7884
a: 201 The White Studios, Templeton on the Green, 62 Templeton Street, Glasgow, G40 1DA

Starting up a cooperative as an alternative business model - Glasgow 6 May

scotlandinbusiness — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:00:18 +0100

Free to attend networking meeting the guest speaker will talk about cooperatives as an alternative business model. ideal for those who are interested in starting up or thinking of starting up a cooperative or who want to know more and not sure what to start up or need info or just network. This event is free to attend and will be from 1800-2200 on 6 May in Glasgow. Registration is required as there is light refreshments on offer and need to know numbers.

Postgraduate Programs

DAI_EVANS — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:43:10 +0100

I am just about to finish my MSc in Technical Architecture and have decided to pursue another Postgraduate study outside the UK. I'm just wondering if anyone has been on or knows of any good postgraduate programs outside of the UK?
I know there are excellent ones in South Africa and New Zealand but I'm just putting the feelers out to see if there are more, and if anyone has some advice to offer.

Ecobuild 2009 - we are not going

GBP-Keith — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:32:33 +0000

The Green Building Press will not be attending or supporting Ecobuild in 2009.

Why have we chosen not to promote, attend or support EcoBuild this time?

This has been a regular question over the last few weeks. Many of you will propbably know that we have been involved in helping to promote EcoBuild since 2004 when it started out as The Green Building Conference and Exhibition within CityScape, officially launched as EcoBuild in 2006.

For that very first we provided most of the contacts for the speakers. Well, it has become very popular and much bigger, with much greenwash being evident at the 2008 event.

Furthermore, we have, for some time we have been concerned regarding the environmental impact of such large events, both with regards to the resources used and travelling implications so in 2007 we instigated a policy of only supporting 'larger' events which work to the BS 8901 Sustainable Events Management System.

In 2008 EcoBuild advised us that it was working towards this standard but we are concerned that little progress has been made in making the event more sustainable.

We have therefore taken the decision to support only smaller more local events, where there is more control regarding the exhibitors and which encourage less national and international travel.

For example, we are actively supporting Homes for Good, on the 17th and 18th April 2009.

Straw Bale + Render Course in Sheffield

James Norton — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:04:24 +0000

One of my clients has procured the services of Amazon Nails to organise a straw bale, lime render + I think clay plaster course to finish off building their extension, on successive weekends in March.

If memory serves it's £60 / wkend, (but my memory does not always serve well and that could be completely wrong and it could be £60 a day or £60 for three weekends [although that's probably unlikely])

Limited places so click on my user name to get my email and drop me a line if you're at all interested.

Hope to see you there.

:smile:

J

Definition of ZeroCarbon homes and non-domestic bldngs

ali.gill — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:40:35 +0000

Housing Minister Margaret Beckett today set out the Government's proposals for making all new homes zero carbon from 2016. (17 December 2008)

The consultation now gives an opportunity for all groups to have their say on the proposed structure and further details, including the minimum level of carbon emissions that are reduced by onsite means and the list of allowable solutions. The consultation runs until 18 March 2009.

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/zerocarbondefinition

http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/planningandbuilding/1101135

Free Introduction course to renewables for installers

BrettP — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:13:57 +0000

**Please note - this event is for beginners and we will not be delivering in depth technical information for highly experienced installers. If you've been working as a renewable energy technology installer and you are seeking qualification, you need to attend a certified short course not this free introduction event.**

Invitation to FREE Renewable Energy Technology Overview Seminars.

Have you considered getting into the renewable energy installations market but you’re not sure where to start? If you have, then this is the perfect event for you to get the information you need to make your decision. You might be surprised how many of the skills and qualifications you have already are directly relevant to installing renewable energy technologies.

At last there is one place that plumbers, electricians and all types of installers can come to find out, in plain English, what they need to do to break into the financially (and ethically) rewarding business of installing renewables. Born out of a decade of experience in electrical training, for over a year EcoSkies Ltd. has been pioneering the way forward to make the renewables market affordable and accessible to hundreds of installers from all over the country.

Back by popular demand is our free overview course that will give you an insight into this exciting industry and explain how the technologies work and opportunities that are available to you.

“When is it?”

We are pleased to confirm that we will be holding another one-day event on Friday 19th December, 9am - 1pm at our Training Centre next to the M1 near Chesterfield.

The day will include:

- An introduction to the renewable energy industry.

- Seminars on the various technologies, including:

Solar thermal
Solar photovoltaics
Small scale wind turbines
Heat pumps

- The opportunity to get hands-on with installations in our practical training area and view fully operational systems installed on site.

- Question and Answer with individuals involved in the industry.

- Free tea and coffee.

“What do I need to do?”

All you need to do is email info@ecoskies.comor call 01246 828 322 ASAP confirming name(s) of attendee(s), company name and contact phone number. That’s it! We will then send you confirmation that your place(s) have been booked.

“What do I need to bring?”

Nothing in particular, a pen, paper and a clipboard should do it. If you have special/additional requirements please let us know in advance.

“How do I find you?”

Full directions including maps can be found on our website www.EcoSkies.com. If you are using SatNav please be aware that some systems are not yet holding details of the new M1 Junction 29a, completed a couple months ago, which we are located a few hundred yards from.

In the event of oversubscription to the above date when you reply, we will contact you immediately to advise you of this and the next available free overview date. If you find that you are unable to attend after confirming your booking, please inform us ASAP to assist us in managing catering requirements etc. There will, of course, be no charge for this.

“What’s the catch?”

There isn’t one. We believe free and clear information should be available for small businesses to make up their own minds about whether getting into the industry is right for them. If we can help you take the next step after you have considered your options, that’s great. If not, that’s fine too. We’ll wish you every success in what you choose to do. At least you’ll know what’s going on out there if you change your mind in the future.

It really is that simple! So come along, have some coffee and a bite to eat, ask some questions and see what you think.
On behalf of the team at EcoSkies, thanks again for your interest in renewable energy technologies. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Regards,

Brett

WAG - One Wales:One Planet - Consultation on sustainable development

ali.gill — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 23:29:33 +0000

http://www.iema.net/sections/readingroom/show/18593/c260

Couldnt find this on the WAG* website, if anyone has a direct link to it there?

*Welsh Assembly Government

IEEM 2009 Workshop Programme

ali.gill — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 22:28:56 +0000

Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management 2009 Workshop Programme
http://www.ieem.org.uk/ >> Whats On? >> IEEM Workshops

Furthering knowledge and experience

GHC — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:51:12 +0000

Dear forum, could i please ask for any advice about gaining a better understanding of green buildings. Currently I have a degree in civil and structural engineering and an OCDEA qualification, but it is very clear that there is a huge amount of extra learning involved other than the 5 day OCDEA course. Your advice on books to read and any extra learning (open university courses?) would be greatly appreciated. I would dearly love to not be in the class of assessors who use heat pumps to solve SAP issues!
Many thanks,
Peter.

Code For Sustainable Homes Course

UrbanVision — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:08:53 +0100

Hi All
Just been on the BRE CSH Assessors course and currently swotting for the exam (coming up in October).
Having a few problems with some areas of the Tech Guide (crikey, what a novel!) and the online tools.
Is there anyone out there in a similar situation? Perhaps even someone with a few answers?

T.

Plasterer requires course for tecniques and materials

sarah Hemp — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 17:35:32 +0000

Hi my son whom just started plastering, would like to use Eco freindly materials and discover new tecniques, does any one have a project or course that he can attend.

Regards Sarah

Hemp event

fostertom — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:33:31 +0000

Having been on previous Hemcrete seminar at Eden Project, I thoroughly recommend this http://www.csbt.org.uk/documents/hemplaunchdecember2008.pdf , as a starter to understanding the remarkable eco-relevant properties of Hemcrete. See also http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2939&page=1#Item_3 . Anyone else care to paste up other links to Hemcrete topics, studies, papers etc?

There may be other materials, or non-proprietary combinations of materials that achieve as much - any suggestions?

Sustainable Building & Services Course - London

melwoodland — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:52:31 +0000

Sustainable Building & Services - the introductory course11/12/2008 • 09:00
2 days
Roots and Shoots,
Walnut Tree Walk, London, SE11 6DN
The two-day introductory course run several times a year by The GreenRegister in various locations across the UK - this course leads toGreen Register membership. Click on the 'View General Event Information' link at the top of this page for more details

 Learn about the key issues surrounding sustainable construction including new legislation
 Choose from a range of in-depth workshops relevant to your profession
 Meet other like minded individuals and exchange experiences
Sustainable construction is no longer viewed as an ‘alternative’ method of building, but is increasingly being considered a fundamental approach to the way we design and construct our buildings. There is a great deal to learn and with new legislation being introduced at an ever-increasing pace, the challenge is to keep abreast of new developments and remain competitive. The Green Register’s two-day course provides an ideal, compact opportunity for delegates to learn about the essential issues surrounding sustainable building practices and to network with like-minded individuals across a range of disciplines. Completion of this course is a requirement for those wishing to apply for Green Register membership.
Day One – an overview
The day starts with an introduction to The Green Register and an overview of current global problems. Sessions then follow on Relevant Legislation; The External Envelope including Healthy Interiors; Sustainable Water in the UK and Low Carbon Technologies Parts 1 and 2.
Day Two – in-depth sessions
The second day provides an ideal opportunity for delegates to learn about subjects that are relevant to their profession and skills. They will choose four workshops from the following: Life Cycle Analysis, Rainwater Harvesting and Greywater Recycling, Low Carbon Technologies in Depth, Sustainable Drainage Systems and Alternative Sewage Systems, The Code for Sustainable Homes, Sustainable Timber, Breathing Construction, Designing Out Waste, National Green Specification, Solar Thermal Systems and ‘Making Money from Sustainable Homes’.
The aims of The Green Register are to:
 raise awareness of sustainable building issues across all sectors of the construction industry
 provide a pre-selected list for clients who are looking for construction professionals that have a demonstrated commitment to sustainable construction
 deliver a wide range of training events for construction professionals
 provide national, regional and local networking groups for professionals, local authorities and others interested in sustainable building practices
Benefits of Green Register membership include:
 promotion of your business
 networking with like-minded individuals
 regular events, both educational and social
 further training opportunities
 preferential rates and discounts
Cost: The course fee is £295 per delegate. Annual Membership of The Green Register starts at £30. To book your place, please request a booking form from Sarah Derryman using the contact details below.
Sustainable Building and Services
A two-day introductory course

Passivhaus FREE event - booking essential

sallyh — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:40:44 +0000

Dr Wolfgang Feist will give a talk ‘Passivhaus: myths, realities and relevance to the UK’s low carbon buildings agenda’ on Thursday 20th November, 5.00 - 6.30pm at The Wren Room, RIBA, 66 Portland Place, London W1. The event is free of charge.
Dr Feist is joined by the following experts on low carbon buildings for a panel discussion following his lecture:
- Neil Jefferson, Interim Chief Executive, Zero Carbon Hub
- Professor Malcolm Bell, School of the Built Environment, LeedsMet University
- Peter Halsall, Chief Executive, BioRegional Quintain
- Andy Simmonds, Executive Officer, AECB; Principal, Simmonds-Mills
This will be followed by a networking session with refreshments until 7.30pm.

We look forward to welcoming you on the 20th November! Email sally@aecb.net to book your place.
Regards
Sally, for the
AECB CarbonLite Team
www.carbonlite.org.uk

This Green and Pleasant Land...? A one day conference

melwoodland — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:42:03 +0000

THIS GREEN AND PLEASANT LAND...?

LOCATION: WATERSHED MEDIA CENTRE, BRISTOL HARBOURSIDE

EVENT DATE/TIME: 11 NOV '08, 09:00 - 18:00

A candid look atsustainable landmanagement,building design and construction.
This one-day conference will explore the way we have historically used land in the UK and, if we are to live sustainably in the 21st century and beyond, how we need to radically change the way we manage our land as a valuable resource. Issues such as potential development of the greenbelt, UK food production and affordable housing will be some of the many challenging areas of discussion.
Speakers include Simon Fairlie of The Land is Ours, Sunand Prasad, RIBA President and George Ferguson of Acanthus Ferguson Mann. Case studies of successful, sustainable and imaginative regeneration projects such as the former Elizabeth Shaw Chocolate Factory in Bristol and Harvey’s Foundry in Hayle will be presented.
Paul King, Chief Executive of the UK Green Building Council leads an informative
discussion on this proposed addition to the current Code for Sustainable Homes. Delegates are encouraged to contribute to the debate with their experiences using other sustainable construction related legislation.
The full carbon impact of the event will be compensated by contributing to
The Converging World (www.theconvergingworld.org).
To download the booking form click here
For further information, please contact:
RIBA Wessex/South West – 0844 800 2767 or riba.southwest@inst.riba.org
or The Green Register – 0117 377 3490 or mail@greenregister.org.uk www.greenregister.org.uk

Bob Flowerdew in Market Harborough

dazdread — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:30:34 +0100

Hi there, Transition Town Market Harborough have Bob Flowerdew giving a couple of talks about Organic gardening on November 15th.

Saturday 15th November
Welland Park Community College
4.30 Magic in the garden
Community Lounge, £5 / £4 Concessions

7.30 No work gardening
Octagonal Hall, £10 / £7 Concession

Limited Tickets so please book in advance

Tickets available on door or from Harborough District council offices Mon-Fri 9-4.30, Sat 9.30-12.30 or
SAE to 16 Newcombe Street, Mkt Harb, LE16 9PB with cheque payable :“Transition Town Market Harborough”
info@transitionharborough.org.uk

Conference to discuss the value of timber in the built and natural environment

Claire Rajah — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 10:13:28 +0100

form>wood

Tuesday, September 2nd 2008
The Bluecoat, School Lane, Liverpool L1 3BX
16.00-20.00 (with optional working-lunch master classes from the Centre of Timber Engineering and The Mersey Forest)

A FREE event showcasing wood as an inspiring and versatile material, bringing together some of the most respected architects and timber specialists to debate the value of wood.
Keynote speaker>Ted Cullinan RIBA Gold Medallist 2008 and sustainable building advocate as well as presentations from Sheppard Robson architects as well as on the other 'Capital of Culture' Stavanger in Norway

This event will coincide with the Bluecoat’s installation of Greenspot - a sensual urban greening mobile installation created from more than a dozen Acer trees complete with the sounds of the forest and wooden seating, and powered by a solar tree.
To register or for more information, email info@formwood.org.uk or visit www.formwood.org.uk

Sponsored by Northwest Regional Development Agency, Forestry Commission England, Community Forests Northwest, Northwest Regional Forestry Framework and Liverpool European Capital of Culture.

Code assessors at the BRE 5/11/08

Helen — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:53:10 +0100

Just wondering if any other code for sustainable homes assessors out there are going to the BRE on the 5th of November for the training/bun throwing day.
Would be good to put some faces to names!

Who is going to Ecobuild 2008?

GBP-Keith — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:34:18 +0000

Perhaps forum members that are going ought to wear a green armband or something so they can network?

I'll post our stand number in the next couple of days. Come and say Hi.

Straw Bale/ Sustainable Living Open Day

Rachel — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:42:18 +0100

August 30th: Sustainable Living Open Day at Penwhilwr, Straw Bale House as seen on Grand designs recently- winner of Eco home category. From 10-4pm. Talks- Rachel 12pm; straw bale and sustainable building, 1pm: Lindsay Halton; The secret of home. Stalls: Green Building Press, Howies organic clothing, all day lime consultation, Permaculture, Cafe, area for green building forum members discussion ..... entry: £5 donation. To find: enter the village of st dogmaels, and park in car park opposite fish and chip shop then walk up to the house following the signs and green balloons- 10 minute walk... see you there!

Volunteers for Earth rammed tyre and strawbale eco-house

clashaidy — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:03:28 +0100

Hi all,
we are presently in the process of building an earth-rammed tyre and strawbale eco-house on the north coast of Scotland and would welcome anyone who is interested in coming to volunteer. We are currently plodding away with the tyres and, although its slow going, hope to be finished before the end of autumn. We hope to get the strawbale walls started when the weather breaks next year.
We have a small caravan that can sleep up to 3 people at a time (any more and its tents in afraid) and can provide food, toilet and shower facilities. Unlike other earthship stuff, we are also not charging anything!
We would also love to hear from anyone who might be interested in running courses on the build. I'm afraid we can't do it ourselves as we are by no means experts on any of the methods we are using.
To find out more and get contact details, you can visit our website at http://www.skerray.net
Thanks

The SelfBuild & Design Show 2008

SelfBuild & Design — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:57:21 +0100

EXTENSIONS, RENOVATIONS, CONVERSIONS, SELF BUILD

The SelfBuild & Design Show 2008 is the South West’s most informative and hands-on show for anyone interested in building their dream home, or simply getting some ideas and tips on upgrading what they’ve got.

To all of us, home is more than a house. It is a space which reflects the way we live and our individual tastes. You may simply want to improve your home, to ensure that it is suited to your needs, or perhaps even wipe the slate clean and build a new home from scratch, The SelfBuild & Design Show 2008 can help you make that an attainable dream.

Get advice, ideas, materials and know-how for your project, speak to editors and experts from SelfBuild & Design magazine and choose from a full timetable of free seminars with Q&A sessions.

The show will feature an alternative construction method showcase with part built structures highlighting modern, traditional and eco-construction methods including: Insulated Concrete Formworks, SIPS (Structurally Insulated Panels), Timber Frame, Straw Bale and the energy efficient Super-E House.

The SelfBuild & Design Show 2008 will have hundreds of products and South West suppliers all under one roof, so you can compare prices and get advice and inspiration. You can learn real skills with continuous live demonstrations by experts and students from South Devon College.

You can also visit the SelfBuild & Design bookshop for all your reading material and use the free plot finding service provided by PlotBrowser.com.

The show is organised by SelfBuild & Design magazine, the essential magazine for homebuilders and renovators. Packed full of advice from experts, the latest product news and stunning photographs of completed homes, SelfBuild & Design has everything you need to know written by experienced self builders you can trust.

Call 01283 742964 to book tickets now!

Advance adult tickets only £4, under 16s go free. Plus you’ll get a free energy saving lamp with all adult tickets.

DATES AND OPENING TIMES:
Westpoint Centre (Devon) Ltd, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, EX5 1DJ

Saturday 13th: 10am – 5pm
Sunday 14th: 10am – 4pm

www.selfbuildanddesignshow.com

Cutting carbon emmisions by better energy management.

patrick — Wed, 21 May 2008 10:31:00 +0100

Control Systems Event
Cutting carbon emmisions by better energy management.
Thursday 26 June 2008

Should you attend?
Do you manufacture power control systems?
And want to develop new products.

Are you selling to the building industry?
And want to extend your range.

Are you a RSL, housing association or a developer?
Who wants to influence the new products coming on line?

Are you a west midlands university?
With expertise in these areas.

Not forgetting, of course, those interested in; system optimisation, temperature
and flow measurement, systems integration, circuit design, construction etc

This is a free one day event, (with limited palaces)
It will be held at the University of Birmingham on Thursday 26 June.
To avoided wasting your time and the planet’s resources please contact
Patrick O’Neill, before travelling, to see if this is event is appropriate to your needs.
0121 414 3898 or energychallenge@contacts.bham.ac.uk

This workshop will;
• Review current technologies in power control, measurement, user interface, system optimisation & integration.
• Identify key Marketing, Distribution and Manufacturing issues and the new technologies that will influence the market.
• Develop plans to develop these new products and services and overcome any barriers to development.

The Energy Challenge Clubs Project is a partnership including; Birmingham - Science city, Advantage West Midlands, University of Birmingham, Coventry University, University of Warwick

micro hydro

Rachel — Fri, 16 May 2008 09:54:39 +0100

There is an information day on 24th May in St Dogmaels village hall, Pembrokeshire from 10-4 about micro hydro systems. Free entry.

Securing environmental sustainability

biffvernon — Thu, 15 May 2008 20:42:08 +0100

The Sixth Annual Old Buildings Conference

Securing environmental sustainability in the regeneration and re-use of heritage buildings

Thursday 22 May 2008
Menier Chocolate Factory | Southwark Street, London SE1

http://www.landorconferences.co.uk/conference_files/co271.pdf

BioRegional Zero Carbon Homes

Matt Sullivan — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:12:50 +0100

Good Afternoon,

Just a quick post to inform you that I have some places left on a Zero Carbon Homes CPD, at BedZED, on Friday April 25th.

This one-day event covers BioRegional’s solutions for sustainability and shows how Zero Carbon Homes can be delivered. Based at the Award winning BedZED, in-depth seminars from experts in the field from BioRegional, Fulcrum Consulting and Cut the Carbon will cover energy efficiency and energy generation, for single dwellings and for communities, for new build as well as existing housing stock.

Please see http://www.bioregional.com/programme_projects/ecohous_prog/bedzed/bz_cpd.htm or contact 020 8404 4238

Concessions on price available.

Thanks

Matt Sullivan

Energy Efficiency in Historic Homes: Conference

nicholas heath — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:32:19 +0100

Sustainable development charity Changeworks is hosting a FREE one-day conference on energy efficiency in traditional and protected homes, on Friday 2 May in Edinburgh. A new guide on the subject is also being launched at this event (which will also include sample improvement technologies, workshops and presentations from organisations including Historic Scotland, the Sustainable Development Commission, Energy Action Scotland and Edinburgh World Heritage).

More details, and a conference booking form, are available on the Changeworks website at www.changeworks.org.uk/content.php?linkid=374. This is part of a project called Energy Heritage, which included a pilot study improving the energy efficiency of flats in a 'B' listed Georgian tenement in Edinburgh's Old Town, a conservation area and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For more details please contact Changeworks on 0131 468 8660 or events@changeworks.org.uk

Thanks,

Nick Heath