Sat, 18 Apr 2026 10:51:42 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18387 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18387 Thu, 25 Dec 2025 09:52:44 +0000 minisaurus
I can’t see any downsides to doing this?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18362 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18362 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 12:52:52 +0100 wookey
The supplier tells me to install a 150mm deep reinforced concrete base (600mm wider than the tank - i.e 300mm all round). Which is fine, but I'm wondering if there is a lower-carbon way of doing this? Can one make a strong-enough base to avoid settling and potential damage to the tank base without just pouring 0.6m3 of concrete?

Concrete is about 380 kg/m3 so this would be 228KgCO2e, or approx one-way flight Stansted to Barcelona. It feels like there should be a better way.

Maybe the way driveways are made with an MOT subbase, and a solid perimeter to avoid spreading.
The point loading is very much lower with the tank (1.54m2 vs 0.09m2 for the tyres of a van of similar weight - i.e 1/17th of the load). I'm not sure what surface material to use to avoid risk of puncturing over time.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18305 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18305 Sun, 15 Jun 2025 14:19:22 +0100 Victorianeco
We're not too bothered about having a 'perfect lawn', but we don't want the wide spreading weeds.

We have buttercups, clover and some other 'flowers' that pop up but we'd like to get the grass a bit more robust/hardy.

Any tips on what we should be doing? We would like to keep the grass clipped shortish for the kids to run about on so we don't want an overgrown meadow type lawn.

Ideas appreciated

Thanks]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18110 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18110 Sun, 24 Mar 2024 15:12:25 +0000 caspen
When we're generating, the Watson tells the plugs they can turn on the gadget attached to them. The plugs have been progammed so they know how much electricity the gadget needs. This means we do not need to be around to turn on small electric heaters or the dehydrator when we are generating electricity.

Sadly, the company no longer exists. No one has optiplugs to sell. And ours have been dying, one by one. We are on our last working optiplug. How you do use the electricity you are generating ... when you're not around to use it? Do you know of an alternative to the optiplug ... so that a gadget works without you being present to turn it on and off?

Many thanks]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17697 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17697 Mon, 16 Jan 2023 11:20:44 +0000 tony
Any views

https://www.dropbox.com/s/a95krzr4hkhntrf/IMG_2769.jpg?dl=0]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15384 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15384 Fri, 10 Nov 2017 08:43:52 +0000 Pile-o-Stone
We moved here in 2010 and the EPC Certificate had an Energy Efficiency Rating of E48 and an Environmental Impact of E43. At that time we hadn't much of a clue about energy efficiency, airtightedness, solar panels, insulation, etc. We just wanted a house that was large enough to hold my family (me, wife, two kids) and both my parents (in a separate 'granny annexe'). However, when the utility bills started coming in, we soon became experts!! :)

The EPC certificate was as follows:]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17483 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17483 Thu, 02 Jun 2022 11:42:14 +0100 jamesingram
As Ive now pretty good supply of constant hot water via PV heated HW storage I'm wondering again if filling my veg steamer etc with mains cold tap water is really necessary and missing an energy saving trick .
Its being boiled isnt it , What are the other negatives involved ?


Whats peoples views ?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17455 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17455 Mon, 18 Apr 2022 23:49:57 +0100 viki83viki https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16511 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16511 Tue, 07 Apr 2020 21:56:40 +0100 Victorianeco
I've seen designs previously with 2 lines and different pulley setups but can't find anything? I've also seen some with wheels to make lifting heavy washing easier.

What's a good basic design to follow and best clamps to fix a scaffolding bar to a breeze block wall?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16606 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16606 Sat, 13 Jun 2020 16:51:31 +0100 cjard
I know they're supposed to/increasingly have a recy-triangle with a number in, but it's hard to read on some packaging, and what if you only have a fragment that doesnt have the triangle on? Surely being able to say "it's a food container and it's yellow. It's HDPE" would be better, even if it meant everything in the fridge was suddenly in a blue container etc; manufacturers can use the sticky backed paper labelling to make their product stand out..

* but I'd extend it to everything]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16558 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16558 Sun, 17 May 2020 22:07:04 +0100 Victorianeco
My daughter is 4 and can ride her bike with stabilisers but obviously she can't ride with us on bike rides. What are the best options?

1. Bike seat?
2. Trailer? - is she too big for one of those?
3. Tag along bar or similar? - my concern is she has no seat belt for instance so not sure I like that idea...]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16500 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16500 Fri, 20 Mar 2020 18:24:16 +0000 djh
They look pretty much like a ladybird, but are light brown with darker brown zigzag stripes across their back (where the spots would normally be). Or maybe they're dark brown with lighter stripes; it's difficult to say.

I'm afraid I haven't managed to take a photo yet, although we always see them crawling. Google hasn't helped me. Does anybody here recognize them or have any suggestions?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16424 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16424 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 10:57:10 +0000 Victorianeco
If we all did it at night wouldn't this then mean issues overnight for the grid perhaps?

We have a standard tariff, so cost is constant for us regardless time of the day. We also don't have a smart meter (should we???)]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15625 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15625 Wed, 14 Mar 2018 14:23:01 +0000 skyewright
Title: A Greener Home For All

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09v3fdr]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16311 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16311 Sat, 02 Nov 2019 23:05:18 +0000 Victorianeco
My gut instinct suggests that surely it would be best to collect mixed waste at source in one vehicle and then sort at plant? Surely there must be some research done on this in terms of labour, time, carbon footprint etc? What is best practice? My Local authority doesn't even recycle polystyrene.... My guess is probably something like 40% only ever gets recycled anyway?

Also why isn't more being done to reduce plastics and minimising packaging waste at a higher level? What needs to be done to encourage this?

I know we can choose products with minimal waste but often there isn't a choice. I have seen a local 'zero waste' store pop up but in all honesty the prices are prohibitive and I'd rather just make sure I do my bit to recycle whether or not the Local Authority do this efficiently.

What are your tips and hacks to minimise waste?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16111 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16111 Tue, 30 Apr 2019 12:05:33 +0100 Jaspden123
My subject area and also passion is within alternative construction methods

(earthships, straw bale, hybrids etc.) and anything that has a low impact on the environment/natural materials (renewable tech, eco design, energy efficiency).

I also hope to have my own self build project on the go in a couple of years time (fingers crossed) so any information, experiences, stories or guides that anyone has would be gratefully appreciated.



Cheers,

Jonny]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16037 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16037 Thu, 21 Feb 2019 15:01:23 +0000 Ricochet today all household waste and all the materials in the recycling wheelie bin went into the back of the same bin lorry and not just my road.
How disgraceful.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15906 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15906 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 21:33:06 +0100 Victorianeco
A local MCS company weren't interested in pricing for me, I have found a friendly retired electrician who has offered to help out.

My house is Victorian Terrace.

Where do I begin? Links appreciated]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15842 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15842 Mon, 20 Aug 2018 12:49:16 +0100 Carol hunter Looking for UK resources online and books. Have read many and lately the 2minute solution.

Can anyone recommend good resources beyond the single use coffee cups/straws/toothbrushes level?

Organic veg box/dairy/meat and Sumawholefoods bulk/group buying still v heavy on the plasticpolythene wrapping....]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14888 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14888 Thu, 02 Feb 2017 14:30:28 +0000 SteamyTea https://www.newscientist.com/article/2119595-wood-burners-london-air-pollution-is-just-tip-of-the-iceberg/

By Michael Le Page

Last week, air pollution in London soared to heights not seen since 2011. The usual suspects were named and shamed, including traffic fumes and a lack of wind. But joining them was a surprising culprit.

“We think about half of the peak was from wood smoke,” says Timothy Baker, part of a team at King’s College London that monitors air pollution.

The trendy log-burning stoves producing much of this pollution are marketed as a source of renewable energy that can cut fuel bills while helping reduce global warming. But recent findings suggest they pose a serious threat to the health of their owners, and are also accelerating climate change in the short term.

If nothing is done to discourage log burning in homes, it could become the biggest source of air pollution in cities like London. In the UK as a whole, wood burning is already officially the single biggest source of an especially nasty form of air pollution.

“I love sitting by a log fire as much as the next person but maybe we need to think again before it’s too late,” says climate scientist Piers Forster of the University of Leeds, UK.

Air pollution is awful for our health. The smallest particles get into our blood and even our brains, increasing the risk of many disorders including heart disease.
Natural killer

Children are especially vulnerable: high pollution levels impair their lung and brain development. Air pollution from all sources is estimated to cause some 10,000 premature deaths a year in London alone, where it frequently exceeds legal limits.

Wood smoke may be natural, but it contains many of the same harmful substances as cigarette smoke. It’s a massive killer worldwide, causing as many as 4 million premature deaths every year through indoor air pollution.

In the UK, however, the problem with pollution from wood fires was thought to have been solved by clean air laws introduced in the 1950s, which banned wood burning in open fires in cities. “The official view is that residential wood burning is a thing of the past,” says Gary Fuller of King’s College London.

Yet logs can still be burned in officially approved stoves in cities. Sales of these stoves have soared in the past decade, rising to nearly 200,000 a year. They are marketed as a way for people to drastically reduce their carbon emissions and save on fuel costs.

Even modern stoves described as “low emission” are highly polluting. And in an echo of the diesel car emissions scandal, measurements during actual use in homes show that the stoves produce more pollution than lab tests suggest.

In the “smokeless” fumes coming from the chimney of a house with a modern “eco-friendly” wood burner, Kåre Press-Kristensen of the Danish Ecological Council has measured 500,000 microscopic particles per cubic centimetre. The same equipment finds fewer than 1000 particles per cm3 in the exhaust fumes of a modern truck. The wood stove was certified as meeting Nordic Swan Ecolabel emission standards, which are stricter than the ones stoves in the UK have to meet.
Big in London

What this means is that a small increase in wood-burning stoves can produce a big increase in pollution. In Copenhagen, a city of 600,000 people, just 16,000 wood stoves produce more PM2.5 pollution – the most dangerous particles, smaller than 2.5 micrometres – during winter than traffic does all year round, says Press-Kristensen.

Wood burning is becoming a big problem in London, too. In 2010, when Fuller analysed particulate pollution to discover its source, he found that 10 per cent of all the city’s wintertime pollution was from wood.

There are many reasons to think that figure is higher now. A 2015 government survey found that domestic wood consumption in the UK was three higher than previous estimates, with 7 per cent of respondents reporting that they burned logs. “Wood consumption is increasing substantially,” says Eddy Mitchell at the University of Leeds, UK.

When he, Forster and others fed the data on wood consumption into a computer model of air pollution, their conclusion was disturbing: PM2.5 pollution from residential stoves is soaring in the UK (see diagram, below).

“There is a real risk that if we have a lot more residential wood burning then it could undo our other efforts to control air pollution,” says Fuller.

The harm far exceeds traffic pollution, he says. While people are exposed to high levels of traffic pollution mainly when travelling on busy streets, wood burning produces huge amounts of pollution where people live, when they are at home.
Indoor smog

Press-Kristensen has been measuring that pollution inside homes in Copenhagen. In three out of seven tests done so far, he has found very high levels. In one home with a modern log-burning stove, he found particulate levels several times higher than the highest ever recorded outdoors there (see diagram, above).

So do the health impacts outweigh any climate benefits? Astonishingly, there might not be any climate benefits, at least in the short term.

Burning logs is often touted as being carbon-neutral. The idea is that trees soak up as much carbon dioxide when growing as they release when burned.

In fact, numerous studies show that wood burning is not carbon-neutral, and can sometimes be worse than burning coal. There are emissions from transport and processing. Logs are often pre-dried in kilns, for instance.

Burning wood also emits black carbon – soot – that warms the atmosphere during the short time it remains in the air. Most studies ignore this, but Mitchell and Forster calculate that over 20 years – the timescale that matters if we don’t want the world to go too far above 2°C of warming – soot cancels out half the carbon benefits of all wood burning.

For home wood burning, the figures are even worse. “On a 20-year timescale, wood stoves provide little or no benefit, but they do on the 100-year timescale as they remove some of the long-term warming effect of CO2 emissions,” says Forster.

Press-Kristensen’s calculations show much the same thing. And both sets of findings almost certainly underestimate the problem, because they assume wood burning is carbon-neutral.

Defenders of wood stoves point out that there is a lot of uncertainty about how much black carbon is emitted when wood is burned and how large its effect is. Patricia Thornley of the University of Manchester, UK, thinks we need more real-world measurements before coming to conclusions.

But the uncertainties cut both ways. For instance, the effects of black carbon can be amplified if it is deposited on snow and melts it, exposing dark land that absorbs more heat. It’s possible soot from wood burning is contributing to the fall in spring snow cover in Europe, but it’s very hard to study.

More research is needed to pin down the precise climatic effects of wood burning, which can vary hugely depending on factors such as the source of wood and where the pollution goes. What is clear, however, is that burning logs in homes in towns and cities is not the best use of the wood we have.

It produces more pollution than wood-burning power plants that can be fitted with expensive filters, it produces that harmful pollution where lots of people live, and it has the least climate benefits, if any. “If we are going to burn biomass to meet climate targets, then we ought to do it in big, remote power stations,” says Martin Williams of King’s College London, who is studying the health impacts of the ways the UK could meet its climate targets.

Most researchers say it isn’t their role to make policy recommendations, but it would be best if cities like London discourage private wood burning before it becomes an even bigger health problem. At the moment, all the focus is on diesel vehicles.

Press-Kristensen doubts governments will ban wood-burning; France recently backtracked on a proposed ban on open fires, for example. Instead, he proposes installing heat sensors in chimneys and taxing people when they burn wood, with the level of tax depending on how polluting the appliance is.

Most importantly, governments must not ignore health impacts when deciding climate policies, says Press-Kristensen. “I like fires, but I have to say they are as polluting as hell,” he says.

Thinking of getting a wood-burner?

Wood-burning stoves are touted as an eco-friendly way to heat your house cheaply. But tests now show that even new, properly installed stoves can produce dangerous levels of outdoor and indoor pollution (see main story). What other options are there?

Consider instead
Stick with gas or oil for heating, and spend your money on insulation. Get a heat pump if you can afford it

Fake it
You can get the same cosy feeling from a log-effect electric or gas fireplace, the best of which are hard to distinguish from the real thing
Already have a wood-burner?

Here’s how to minimise its effects:
Don't burn scrap wood
Scrap wood or painted wood can release highly toxic substances such as arsenic when burned

Burn wood that's just right
Burning dry wood with a moisture content of about 20 per cent minimises pollution. But if wood is wetter or drier than that, pollution increases]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2417 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2417 Sat, 23 Aug 2008 07:43:51 +0100 j40
Until recently I didn't even know these sun tube / pipes / tunnel even existed. They are an excellent innovative idea but actually very simple. Sorry- I should explain- essentially a system which, through a highly refelctive tube, brings natural light from your roof (by way of a sky window or dome) into your dark rooms - normally first floor- or ground floor on bungolow (but i have also heard that it can be brought down to ground floor in a two storey house).Apparently it can be installed in basements through the wall- like a porthole!

Anyhow, I was just wondering how many people are amazed that these natural light sun tubes / pipes are not more widely known about? And trying to find a company to fit them wasn't easy either - but eventually did and they were excellent.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15107 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15107 Sun, 28 May 2017 18:24:31 +0100 tony
file:///C:/Users/Tony/Documents/My%20Webs/Tonys%20House%202012/icon/house108.JPG

sorry I can no longer upload images only links to them even then not very well:(]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14967 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14967 Thu, 09 Mar 2017 00:02:06 +0000 djh
I want to keep the timber reasonably slender and I'd rather use a durable timber than treated softwood for appearance sake. We have some timber cladding that is cedar. Windows and doors are dark brown ali-clad and the render is cream.

What are good choices for the timber to use, without breaking my bank?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14915 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14915 Thu, 16 Feb 2017 09:07:50 +0000 Victorianeco
What are the best kits to go for? I don't want to spend too much, more of an interesting little project.

Secondhand parts considered

Thanks]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14838 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14838 Sat, 14 Jan 2017 15:09:49 +0000 archess200 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13017 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13017 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 19:27:00 +0000 Greenfish https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14280 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14280 Thu, 19 May 2016 21:37:13 +0100 crosbie
Does one usually need a deaerator (preceding the expansion vessel), or is that taken care of by the self-priming pump?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13738 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13738 Wed, 21 Oct 2015 19:29:20 +0100 Victorianeco
Never used one before but quite like the idea using old food waste, tortoise bedding, wood burner ash etc.

Thanks in advance]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13684 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13684 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 21:34:54 +0100 ringi https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10308 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10308 Thu, 14 Mar 2013 20:42:51 +0000 jamesingram "Tomorrow, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson will be in Europe voting on whether to suspend the use of pesticides which are being blamed for killing our bees.Right now he is planning on scuppering the plans.

If Owen Paterson hears from his fellow MPs that their constituents are furious, it could persuade him to vote the right way. Can you take 2 minutes now to email your MP and ask them to tell Owen Paterson to protect our bees? Enter your postcode on the right to get started"]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13383 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13383 Thu, 21 May 2015 13:13:41 +0100 pmusgrove https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13310 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13310 Fri, 24 Apr 2015 14:50:02 +0100 SteamyTea
So I thought about finding out what could be saved by changing a vehicle.

So a few simple questions (can we try not to make it too complicated, honest estimates will do). From the data I shall try and find out the official figures and see what difference it would make.

1: What is your present car (make, model, trim, fuel type, age)

2: Annual Mileage

3: What vehicle are you thinking of getting next

4: Dream 'Eco' Vehicle

5: Dream Vehicle]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13362 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13362 Tue, 12 May 2015 14:30:03 +0100 Carol hunter
so we now live in our straw bale home and have a wood burning range which does all our cooking, heating and hot water in the winter. Come the summer our cooking options are much reduced in the house; no alternative to wood. Do use a rocket stove outside and probably will do a solar oven, but I would like to have an iven inside. Please would someone advise me about most energy efficient option for retro fitting into kitchen?
I've looked at steam ovens briefly and wonder if they can easily be retrofitted. Don't have an obvious place/vent to outside, so the simpler the better. I dislike microwaves passionately.
Do steam ovens need a place for heat/water to go? Do they make food kind of wet, steamed rather than roasted?
I'm thinking a table top kind of style rather than big built in….
Thank you!]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13245 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13245 Fri, 27 Mar 2015 14:40:43 +0000 tony
I said to the receptionist, "there is no way that I am taking the lift please direct me towards the stairs".

They replied, "the stairs cannot be used as they are inside a secutre zone".

I dug my heels in and insisted that I would not be going up in the lift.

Eventually I was escorted up the stairs, it was hard work and I felt like I was being awkward.

I was the only one at the event to use the stairs!

Is there any hope for green living, what is the world coming to or where are we heading?



I would have taken the lift back down if it could have used my potential energy to generate electricity but as it didn't requested to be taken down the stairs at the end.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12809 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12809 Wed, 19 Nov 2014 12:22:50 +0000 stevethefarm https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12745 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12745 Tue, 04 Nov 2014 11:31:26 +0000 stevethefarm
Seeing as I have to go to the same effort to find the whole bricks as the chunks, do the broken pieces have any potential use? Maybe as aggregate if ground into dust, or hardcore if it has any insulation value?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12711 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12711 Sun, 26 Oct 2014 21:22:04 +0000 pmusgrove https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11258 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11258 Sun, 13 Oct 2013 10:52:17 +0100 Sprocket It is very tasty but a bit old and tough
So we decided we need a slow cooker.

But I am a bit disappointed to see how poorly insulated most of them are. Reviews regularly talk about people burning themselves on them. I don't know if I can bring myself to buy something so inefficient.

I remember Blue Peter back in my youth demonstrating how to slow cook without power by placing your casserole dish in a cardboard box full of straw... or was that how to hibernate your tortoise? Maybe I am getting them mixed up.

Anyway, it seems to me that if you put 150W into a slow cooker and eg. 100 watts is leaking out as heat this is not a very efficient way to cook. And they all seem to just have two settings (high and low) with no indication of just how much heat they put into your food... no temperature gauges. How are you supposed to know how long is long enough? Why aren't they better insulated? Why aren't they better instrumented? Why can't I find a slow cooker targetted at people like us? Is there such a thing?

Also considering vs just cooking in a casserole dish in the regular oven at 100C. That surely wouldn't leak as much heat into the room?

I searched these forums for slow cooker first but didn't find anything so thought it worth asking.

I did find a navitron thread
http://www.navitron.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=13922.0

and I found this which was interesting
http://www.treehugger.com/kitchen-design/nissan-thermal-cooker-crockpot-without-cord.html

Anyone got any thoughts or handy hints on low energy cooking, slow cooking etc and associated kitchen tools or appliances?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12608 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12608 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 17:16:46 +0100 cjard
Solar thermal systems cost between £3000 and £5000 to install and can save around £55 per year if you heat your water via (fossil) and £80 a year if you use an immersion heater

Really? A fifty to hundred year payback? Who would buy such a system?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12366 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12366 Tue, 22 Jul 2014 22:16:39 +0100 Shevek
Problem is it's very hot on the outside, as in too hot to touch for any length of time, including the knobs. So clearly not very efficient and potentially dangerous.

Question is, what is likely to be causing this? Bad design or something broken?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12272 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12272 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 09:20:41 +0100 Greenfish
Sadly in the new house I was seduced by fashion - so many sinks only come with one tap hole - and ended up with a monoblock tap in the bathroom. There was also the suggestion that it would be nice to mix our new and consistently hot DHW to the warmth of choice out the tap. Immediately I notice we are using more water, you can't easily nudge it on and off so despite wanting to interrupt the flow I end up leaving it running. There is also the need to run off any hot water left in the neck when you want cold and vica versa, more wasted water and all those little amounts add up. As for blending water temp I am habituated to washing my hands in cold water anyway (after years of a boiler that took 5mins to supply hot water).

I am left wondering how much water we could save as a nation if the monoblock mixer tap was banned? Apart from the cost of embodied energy, and the changes to the countertop, I am seriously considering replacing both sink and tap with a two tap version.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12245 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12245 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 17:35:21 +0100 Gotanewlife several 1m3 water containers giving a minimum 1m head but their veg patch and sitting out area are growing exponentially!! For the irrigation system I have fitted 40mm main lines and individual taps off into 16mm pipe with pairs of pre-made leak holes every 350mm, ie no sprays, but some of the runs are quite long now and there are an every growing number of runs.

Any thoughts gratefully received.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12144 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12144 Thu, 29 May 2014 17:39:29 +0100 tony
‘Reading Sustainability Centre’ have just embarked on an ambitious project which will produce hydroelectricity from the Thames. They plan to use the power and income generated to help run a Sustainability Centre located near to Caversham weir. The group is in the process of setting up a Community Interest Company, a not for profit organisation that will enable it to raise the funds needed to complete the hydro project.
Initial feasibility studies have been very favourable, and such a scheme with an associated sustainability centre would be very good for Reading, both for local residents who will benefit and in terms of external interest generated. ‘Reading Sustainability Centre’ is working closely with existing environmental groups in Reading, and local experts such as Oxford Low Carbon Hub and e-waterpower. They are an apolitical organisation and as such, are keen to have input from everyone.
There will be a site visit and picnic on Wednesday 4th June and to which all are welcome. Please meet at the footway near Caversham Weir at 5pm. After examining the Weir, Lock Island and View Island there will be a bring and share picnic at 6pm.

See our newly created website which will be improved all the time www.ReadingSustainabilityCentre.co.uk]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12104 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12104 Sun, 18 May 2014 23:04:38 +0100 caspen
Do you know if we could use it to run an additional freezer? The freezer would be turning off whenever there was no electricity generated. But if we didn't open the freezer when it was off, eg in the evenings and at night, would the food inside be OK until the freezer turned on in the next generating cycle. It's likely to be the excess fruit and veg from the garden.

Many thanks for your experience / knowledge.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12116 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12116 Thu, 22 May 2014 09:08:02 +0100 jamesingram http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/may/18/bird-killing-call-robin-starling-mallard-splits-conservationists
Sounds rather strange?
For a alternative viewhttp://tompride.wordpress.com/2014/05/18/heres-the-real-reason-the-tories-are-allowing-the-destruction-of-robin-eggs-and-nests/
"There is no explanation of what exactly the public health and safety hazards of robins’ and starlings’ eggs are.

However, after a little investigation into the murky waters of party donations all has now become clear.

Last year government ministers chose Andrew Sells – a Chartered accountant with no experience of ecological or environmental matters – as the new Chair of Natural England.

Sells is a venture capitalist and a major Tory party donor – in 2011 for example he donated £111,250 to the Tories.

OK, so far so corrupt. But why would the Tories want to allow the destruction of robins, starlings, wagtails and other such beautiful birds?

Well, Sells is one of the founders of Linden Homes, a property development business specialising in developing brownfield sites for residential housing.

And what is one of the biggest problems facing property developers when they attempt to develop brownfield sites for residential housing?

Yes, you’ve guessed it – nesting birds"]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12021 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12021 Fri, 25 Apr 2014 15:04:01 +0100 Triassic
http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Anatomy_of_low_carbon_retrofits:_evidence_from_owner%E2%80%90occupied_superhomes

An interesting read..]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11417 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11417 Sat, 16 Nov 2013 17:08:46 +0000 ag I am considering the option of installing a composting toilet in my cabin and would welcome advice and guidance.
Having researched various options available to purchase I am considering a system which separates liquid waste and solid material and using airflow through venting allows breakdown of both liquid and solid materials. As an adaption to the system I am considering using a vacuum toilet usually used in boats to allow me to situate the composting system in an area of my choosing which will allow more sunlight onto the collection unit to make it more efficient, though I need to investigate if this would work when combined with the composting system.
As this is the first time I have installed such a system I would appreciate any advice regarding composting toilets and their installation and if it is possible to build a system myself ( I ask this question as I have viewed some very informative videos online)
Thanks Andrew.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11416 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11416 Sat, 16 Nov 2013 16:52:11 +0000 ag
I am in the initial stages of researching if it would be possible to filter and harvest rainwater for use in my cabin. I would like, ideally, to be able to filter collected rainwater to be used instead of mains water for drinking water(if possible) etc. If this is not possible then only for use to flush a single toilet.
I have found some information regarding manufactured complete systems but also alot of home made systems using electric pumps and also ram pumps.
If anyone has any advice or has fitted a system your advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Andrew.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11134 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11134 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 11:23:04 +0100 Jamster
Cheers for any thoughts,
Jamie]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10849 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10849 Thu, 04 Jul 2013 10:52:50 +0100 Mikel
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/jul/04/daily-showers-water-use-uk-homes

The full report can be obtained from
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/content/download/80137/970686/version/1/file/At+Home+with+Water.pdf

Perhaps we should all shower with a friend. Makes a change from being asked to bathe with a friend :-)


(Apologies. I got carried away with the EST report on electricity use and put that up originally. Now edited to put up the appropriate report.)]]>