China: biggest consumer of energy

Over the past ten years, China's economy rate has grown by 10% and in 2010 became the worlds biggest consumer of energy. It burns as much coal as the rest of the world, accounting for 47% of worldwide consumption. 
"Research out last November suggested that 1,000 new coal-fired power plants are planned worldwide, with 363 in China and 455 in India. If all the plants were built, it would put the world on "a really dangerous trajectory" for climate change, experts at the World Resources Institute said." The Guardian Online, 30/01/13

Recycling building methods in the US

Greener building materials are being used worldwide. In some cases and in different parts of the world it may not always be the most effective. The benefits of using alternative building material are that they can reduce the cost of a property, reduce carbon emissions and reduce landfil waste. Building materials are being produced from recycled construction material, like cellulose installation which uses newspaper and recycled wood fibers. The following article by EcoGreen4us explains more.  

Economic Climate puts construction company into administration

ZBP Consulting Engineers formed in 1958. Their work included ' the design, monitoring and commissioning of mechanical, electrical and public health building services for new build and refurbished schemes. It also provided expert advice on acoustics, sustainability, low carbon solutions, thermal simulation and building energy performance.'
Fierce competition because of the economic climate has unfortunately affected many companies in the construction industry. 

Thermal heating for low energy buildings

A doctoral thesis has been published about a method for estimating human thermal comforts in low energy buildings. This method has been integrated with a building simulation tool to improve comforts. Read more

Plumbing Tips

Here are a few tips and tricks to solve common plumbing issues in the home. 
The Family Handyman. 

Further Education Fund for Electricians

The Joint Industry Board has revised it's Further Education Fund to help unemployed electricians improve their skills and expertise. Find out more here.

The Benefits of Renewable Energy

Using renewable energy aids to reduce our carbon footprint. In the long run, it works out as a more cost effective energy source. 

The main benefits of renewable energy are:

Does not contribute to climate change - Solar, wind and tidal renewable energies do not release carbon dioxide therefore do not produce extra emissions which impact the climate. 

Does not damage local ecosystems - Certain methods of extracting fossil fuels can directly harm the local environment. Renewable energy does not. 

The safest alternative - Compared to Nuclear energy being a viable alternative to fossil fuels, solar, wind and tidal are still the safest and accepted by green groups and local communities. 

Green Deal: Are you aware?

It seems that a large number of the public do not know about the governments energy saving initiative, Green Deal. The scheme encourages to match or reduce energy bills working with specific companies. Evidently more needs to be done to encourage people to join the scheme. Read more here. 

Asbestos: Hidden Killer

Ensure to keep your family and home safe from Asbestos. It is a dangerous material and can cause serious problems including Lung cancer, scarring of the lung and cancer within the lining of the lung. 
Know the facts about Asbestos! Read campaign here   

Are your pipes frozen?

Cold weather can freeze the water pipes in your home. The past few days especially have been extremely cold so it’s best to check the pipes and follow these simple maintenance tips to keep your home well looked after this winter. 

Leave the central heating on for short periods of time throughout the day

Allow warm air into your loft/attic by keeping the trap door open

Allow warm air to move around the water pipes by keeping the unit door open under the sink 

Keep doors slightly open to allow warm air to move around the house

Frozen Pipes:

Becareful with frozen pipes, a burst pipe can create extreme damage to your home. 

If you have a frozen pipe, slowly defrost it with warm water, hot water bottles or cloth saturated with warm water. 

If you do have a burst pipe, turn off the mains water supply to stop any more water going into the pipes. 

If the water does not stop, get in touch with a plumber in London. We will be more than happy to help to keep your home warm and damage free during the festive period.

Solar energy alternative

A new energy panel system has been produced which absorbs heat energy from the atmosphere, rather than relying on the sun. Read more

Future in doubt for London's skyline

With a decline in available finances and prospective tenants, there are questions continuously arising about London's future skyline.

According to a BBC Inside Out study, at least 6 developments in London have been put on hold or cancelled because of a lack of advance trenants and financial strain. Developments on hold include: 100 Bishopsgate Skyscraper, Can of Ham and The Pinnacle. Developers began work on The Pinnacle in 2009, at 288m it would have been stopped completely. 

Currently being developed in Fitzrovia is Fitzroy Place, hosting a 3 acre site. There will be 237 private apartments, 20,000sq ft of retail/restaurant space, 310,00sq ft of commercial office space and community facilities including health, education and public open space. Unfortunately the new development does not reflect the sites rich history.