Welcome to NBS

NBS topic areas

 

Keep up to date with industry developments

NBS solutions

 

Products and services for all construction projects

Sustainability

Sustainable development

Hazardous substances
Health and safety

Health buildings/hospitals
Heritage planning

Hazardous substances

CLT Professional Publishing

Environmental liability: a practitioner's guide, 1995
This guide covers key areas such as; air and water pollution, integrated pollution control, waste on land, hazardous substances, land use planning, lender liability. The contaminated land proposals contained in the Environmental Bill are also examined.
View in The Construction Information Service

Department of the Environment

Circular 6/96 Environmental protection act 1990: part II. Special waste regulations 1996, 1996
View in The Construction Information Service

Environmental Protection Agency

European waste catalogue and hazardous waste list, 2002
Designed to ease the task of classifying waste and hazardous waste and understanding the legislation associated with the classification of waste and hazardous waste. The document may be used in classifying all wastes and hazardous wastes. Much of the introductory text is reproduced in full from the legislation, with the addition in places of explanatory notes. The source of reproduced text is clearly indicated in each case. Future amendments to the legislation will be incorporated into future editions of this document.
View in The Construction Information Service

Health and safety

Building Research Establishment

Information Paper 18/00 Ammonia refrigerant in buildings: minimising the hazards, 2000
Ammonia is being increasingly used as refrigerant for building air conditioning systems on account of its low environmental impact and excellent refrigeration properties. However, ammonia is highly toxic which means that greater care is needed in its use. This paper shows that the design of safe ammonia systems must also take into account dispersal mechanisms.
View in The Construction Information Service

CIRIA

Report R 132 Guide for safe working on contaminated sites, 1996
Reclamation and regeneration of past and current industrial and urban areas inevitably has led to the need to develop land which has been contaminated either by previous usage or by its proximity to a polluting process or operation. The early recognition of any potential contamination and the subsequent management and implementation of safe working systems and methods is necessary to protect human health and safety of those on-site, neighbouring communities and visitors to the site.
View in The Construction Information Service

Construction Industry Publications

Construction Health and Safety Manual Section 34 Environment, 1994
Environment have become increasingly important, so it is only a natural progression that the construction industry should address these matters. Covers the environmental implications of construction site activities and indicates problems which contractors and designers may need to address.
View in The Construction Information Service

Green Books

Schumacher Briefing 3 Ecology of health, 2000
Proposes solutions to the key problems which beset our present health system. Argues that if we are to develop a true public health service rather than a 'disease service', we must make radical changes to its decision-making processes. We need to acknowledge the health impact of many factors including the distribution of wealth, the size of communities, lifestyle issues, local pollution, and the condition of the whole planet. Sets out a blueprint for developing local organisations for the pursuit of health which could become units of local governance.

Schumacher Briefing 7 Roots of health: realizing the potential of complementary medicine, 2001

Legislation - UK

Statutory Instruments SI 1991/836 Environmental protection (amendment of regulations) regulations 1991, 1991
View in The Construction Information Service

Health buildings/hospitals

Building Research Energy Conservation Support Unit

Good Practice Case Study 40 Energy efficiency in hospitals: condensing gas boilers, 1993
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Guide 51 Good housekeeping in the NHS: a guide for senior financial managers, 1976
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Guide 52 Good housekeeping in the NHS: a guide for energy and estate managers, 1992
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Guide 53 Electricity savings in hospitals: a guide for senior financial managers, 1976
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Guide 54 Electricity savings in hospitals: a guide for energy and estate managers, 1976
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Guide 60 Application of combined heat and power in the UK health service, 1992
This good practice guide offers management guidance, technical advice and information on the application of combined heat and power (CHP) installations on health service sites. This guide is primarily aimed at the installation of purpose-built CHP equipment in existing hospitals, although it also covers designing CHP into new hospitals.
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 75 Energy efficiency in the health sector: potential benefits of boiler replacement, 1995
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 108 Low energy sheltered housing in Scotland, 1992
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 129 Energy efficiency in hospitals by good housekeeping, 1992
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 130 Reducing electricity consumption and costs in hospitals. Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor, Gwynedd, 1993
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Guide 193 Good housekeeping in nursing and residential homes, 1996
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 196 Electricity savings in a large acute hospital. Hull Royal Infirmary, 1994
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 197 Electricity savings in hospitals - Airedale General Hospital, 1994
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 200 Energy savings in hospitals - Somerset Health Authority, 1994
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 202 Energy savings in NHS hospitals, 1995
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Guide 206 Energy efficient refurbishment of hospitals, 1997
How this Guide can help you. This Guide covers: * improving building fabric insulation. * the use of energy efficient technologies. * improving the efficiency of electrical services, such as lighting. * improving the efficiency of mechanical services, such as heating. * assessing the economic viability of incorporating energy efficiency measures during refurbishment.
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 236 Low energy design of care homes: the cost-effective route to energy efficiency, 1997
Decisions taken during the design and construction of a nursing or residential care home will greatly influence the running costs for the lifetime of the building. There are many energy efficiency features that can be specified at the design stage and, although some of these can be incorporated after the building is completed, they will rarely be as cost effective as when specified from the outset. This Case Study describes two homes where energy efficiency was considered at the design stage. One of the homes is privately owned, and the proprietors took advice from the architects on what could be done to minimise energy costs. The other is owned by a national housing association that has a policy of designing energy efficiency into all its new homes.
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Guide 267 Combined heat and power in hospitals, 2000
This guide provides an overview of the issues surrounding the use of Combined Heat and Power (CHP).
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 284 Energy efficiency in care homes: Batley Hall nursing and residential home, 1996
View in The Construction Information Service

Energy Consumption Guide 54 Energy consumption in further and higher education - cost effective low energy buildings, 1997
Provides a method for assessing energy usage and costs in a range of academic and residential building types found in the further and higher education sector. It is primarily intended for use by estates personnel who are actively involved in the management of energy. It will also help senior managers to understand the role that energy plays in the operation of their institution.
View in The Construction Information Service

Energy Consumption Guide 57 Energy consumption guide for nursing and residential homes, 1996
This guide is intended for owners and managers responsible for running nursing and residential homes and, where appropriate, other homes. The guide introduces the use of energy efficiency to reduce fuel costs in care homes and avoid waste.
View in The Construction Information Service

General Information Leaflet 63 Saving energy in primary health buildings – an introduction for practice managers, 2002
Introduces the concepts of: Reducing energy costs, Energy housekeeping, Low cost investments and Actions and the environment.
View in The Construction Information Service

Department for Education and Employment

Broadsheet 29 Energy use in educational buildings, 1992
This broadsheet looks at energy expenditure and energy consumption and the effect on carbon dioxide emissions.
View in The Construction Information Service

Heritage planning

Architects' Journal

AJ Focus Conservation. AJ Focus 12.2001, 2001
Argues that historic buildings conservation requires specialist knowledge and understanding of the technical performance of the materials and structure of buildings as well as of their cultural significance. Mentions specific projects undertaken by Julian Harrap Architects.
View in The Construction Information Service

AJ Focus Conservation. AJ Focus 12.2002, 2002
Looks at the refurbishment and adaptation of old buildings.
View in The Construction Information Service

AJ Focus Conservation. AJ Focus 12.2003, 2003
Looks at how the mix of John McAslan and Partners' Modernist principles and deep-rooted interest in how buildings are put together has resulted in several interesting context-based conservation projects which allow new buildings to sit successfully next to existing ones with historic character.
View in The Construction Information Service

Association of County Councils

Archaeological heritage, 1993
View in The Construction Information Service

Council for the Protection of Rural England

Protection of conservation areas, 1993
A response by the Council for the Protection of Rural England to the consultation paper issued jointly by the Department of the Environment and the Department of National Heritage.
View in The Construction Information Service

Historic buildings and conservation areas, 1994
A response by the CPRE to the draft Planning Policy Guidance note 15, issued jointly by the Department of the Environment and Department of National Heritage.
View in The Construction Information Service

English Heritage

Planning for the past. Vol. 2: an assessment of archaeological assessments, 1982-91, 1995
This report is based on a systematic survey of archaeological contractors and curators carrying out desk-based assessments and field evaluations between 1982 and 1991.
View in The Construction Information Service

Conservation in London: a study of strategic planning policy in London, 1995
This study recommends six key policy initiatives for the government and the Boroughs to realise London's true potential and to reinforce its world reputation and status.
View in The Construction Information Service

Conservation principles for the sustainable management of the historic environment - first stage consultation, 2006
Sets out a set of principles intended to provide a framework for an integrated approach to the sustainable management of the historic environment as a whole - one that would be applicable to any and all aspects of it, whether individually or in combination, compatible both with existing legislation and policy, and the anticipated changes, which include the establishment of a single, integrated 'Register of Historic Sites and Buildings of England'.
View in The Construction Information Service

Environmental archaeology - a guide to the theory and practice of methods, from sampling and recovery to post-excavation, 2002
Aims to establish standards of good practice in environmental archaeology and to provide practical advice on the applications and methods of environmental archaeology within archaeological projects.
View in The Construction Information Service

Local authority conservation provision in England - research project into staffing, casework and resources, 2003
This report summarises the results of the research conducted on behalf of English Heritage and the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) into conservation provision within English local authorities. The research sets out to collect a wide range of qualitative and quantitative data including information about staffing levels, budgets, skills and salaries, organisational structures, and workloads. In addition, the survey sought to gain an impression of the quality of service offered by local authorities and the internal and external relationships enjoyed by conservation specialists.
View in The Construction Information Service

Scheduled monuments: an English Heritage guide for owners and occupiers, 1996
This guide explains the legal meaning and consequences of scheduling. It tries to summarise the main provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 in straightforward language.
View in The Construction Information Service

Conservation issues in strategic plans, 1993
This new guidance follows earlier advice on conservation, which was targeted on planning at metropolitan and district levels. It marks a new direction because of its wider range, development of new ideas, and focus on the strategic level of planning.
View in The Construction Information Service

Sustaining the historic environment: new perspectives on the future, 1997
This discussion paper is concerned with archaeology, from historic townscapes to gardens or hedges, from great houses to farm buildings.
View in The Construction Information Service

Power of place: the future of the historic environment, 2000
Power of Place is about the future of England's historic environment, its role in people's lives, and its contribution to the cultural and economic well-being of the nation.
View in The Construction Information Service

Growing places - heritage and a sustainable future for the Thames Gateway, 2005
Demonstrates how English Heritage, as lead strategic body for the historic environment, can help partners working at national, regional and local levels of engagement to use the historic environment as a powerful force for making settlements popular, attractive, economically successful, environmentally friendly and sustainable, specifically focusing on the Thames Gateway.
View in The Construction Information Service

Planning for the past. Vol. 1: a review of archaeological assessment procedures in England 1982-91, 1995
This document reviews archaeological assessment procedures in period leading up to and immediately following the issuing of PPG 16. It highlights areas of continuing concern and makes recommendations aimed at consolidating and improving on current best practice.
View in The Construction Information Service

Manchester mills: understanding listing, 1995
In recent years, English Heritage has identified over 100 of the most important historic textile factories in Greater Manchester, which tell the story of the cotton industry in a way that photographs and record drawings never could. Many of these are already listed, while others have been assessed and will probably be added to the list in due course. This leaflet sets out to explain how English Heritage arrived at this selection.
View in The Construction Information Service

Building in context: new development in historic areas, 2001
This document aims to stimulate a high standard of design when development takes place in historically sensitive contexts, by presenting a series of case studies which illustrate different aspects of development in historical areas.
View in The Construction Information Service

Managing lithic scatters: archaeological guidance for planning authorities and developers, 2000
This document explains what lithic scatters are and why they are so important.
View in The Construction Information Service

Enabling development and the conservation of heritage assets, 2001
Brings together the Policy Statement and practical guidance to planning authorities on the assessment of applications, and to developers on what they should submit by way of justification. Concentrates on areas which are particular to enabling development and other proposals to succeed where financial viability is a key issue. Covers the planning framework, the legal basis for requiring the financial and other justification necessary and understanding the heritage asset and mitigating impacts. Also covers options, understanding figures, decision making, securing the benefits, monitoring and enforcement.
View in The Construction Information Service

Heritage dividend 2002 - measuring the results of heritage regeneration 1999-2002, 2002
Examines the regeneration impact of area-based heritage funding through Conservation Area Partnership schemes (CAPS) and Heritage Economic Regeneration schemes (HERS). Documents the impact of heritage investment across a number of indicators used to monitor mainstream regeneration funding programmes such as s the Single Regeneration Budget (SRD), for 21 case studies from across England.
View in The Construction Information Service

Planning for the past. Vol. 3: decision-making and field methods in archaeological evaluation, 1995
This report describes the development and current state of the process and methodology of evaluation, followed by a discussion of the aims and methodology of the research project, and the problems of data collection.
View in The Construction Information Service

Something worth keeping? Post-war architecture in England, 1996
In recent years, English Heritage has looked increasingly at the buildings of the post-war period, many of which are fast disappearing to make way for new developments, to evaluate them and, where necessary, to protect them through listing. This leaflet reports of this process and highlights some of the architectural gems of the post-war era.
View in The Construction Information Service

England's coastal heritage: a statement on the management of coastal archaeology, 1996
This document presents the background to the survey and summarises its conclusions and recommendations for reference by those responsible for coastal zone management and others with an interest in the coast.
View in The Construction Information Service

Development in the historic environment, 1995
This guidance note is concerned with the procedures involved in making things happen, and the related policy framework.
View in The Construction Information Service

Changing London - an historic city for a changing world, 2002
Looks at the historic environment - gardens, parks and landscapes, waterways, buildings, streets, public spaces - which provide the texture of the city, its quality and its diversity. Focuses on the importance of conserving London's historic environment.
View in The Construction Information Service

Archaeology and planning in London, 1997
Many different people, including architects, engineers, planners, developers, and property owners, need archaeological information and advice in the course of their work. In London, English Heritage offers impartial guidance and advice on archaeological matters through the Greater London Archaeological Advisory Service. This leaflet gives a brief introduction to this service for those who may need to make use of it.
View in The Construction Information Service

Capital archaeology: strategies for sustaining the historic legacy of a world city, 1999
This document describes the broad framework of the understanding of London's archaeology which guides the work of English Heritage's Greater London Advisory Service, manages the Greater London Sites and Monuments Record and offers advice on archaeological matters, especially through the planning system.
View in The Construction Information Service

Conservation-led regeneration, 1998
This report sets out the role of EH in conservation-led regeneration. It demonstrates that conservation offers real value by providing a key to the future prosperity of many run-down areas of our towns and cities.
View in The Construction Information Service

Property Services Agency

Conservation handbook, 1988
This handbook is intended as a guide for PSA professional, technical and administrative officers, clients and consultants in the discharge of their responsibilities for conserving historic and other traditional buildings including their interiors and settings. The information given relates primarily to England and Wales.
View in The Construction Information Service

Resurgence Books

Eco renovation, 1993
Shows how to apply ecological thinking to planning a wide range of home improvements: reducing heating bills substantially; choosing the most energy-efficient appliances; selecting ecologically benign building materials and finishes; organising the space in your home; protecting your family's health from toxic substances in the home.

Scottish Office

Environment and heritage in rural development, 1998
This guide provides practical advice and information on integrating environment and heritage issues in rural development work to ensure suitable rural development. It aims to encourage all local rural partnerships - strategic, topic and area - and other local agencies and organisations, to consider environment and heritage factors at all stages of their rural development work.
View in The Construction Information Service

Scottish environment statistics. No. 6 1998, 1998
This publication covers the following areas; population; land; recreation; atmosphere; water; conservation and; radioactivity.
View in The Construction Information Service

Housing/residential facilities

Architects' Journal

AJ Focus Insulation and energy management. AJ Focus 01.94, 1994
View in The Construction Information Service

British Standards Institution

BS 8211-1:1988 Energy efficiency in housing. Code of practice for energy efficient refurbishment of housing, 1988
Factors which influence energy use are listed, together with procedures enabling the relationship between energy use, internal and external environment and capital and running costs to be explored and evaluated. A calculation method for estimating energy use and costs is included. Should be read in conjunction with BS 5250, BS 5720, BS 5925 and BS 5618, BS 6232:Parts 1 and 2, BS 6676:Parts 1 and 2, BS 8208:Parts 1 and 2 where appropriate.
View in The Construction Information Service

Building Research Energy Conservation Support Unit

Government's Standard Assessment Procedure for energy rating of dwellings (including errata). 2001 edition. SAP 2001, 2001
Describes the governments Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for reproducing an energy cost rating (SAP rating) and a carbon index (CI) for a dwelling, based upon calculated annual energy use for space and water heating. The calculated SAP rating of a dwelling, is regardless of building size, and is expressed on a scale of 1 to 120, a higher number being a better result.
View in The Construction Information Service

Government's Standard Assessment Procedure for energy rating of dwellings. Conventions for SAP home energy rating - assessors' instructions. 2nd edition, 1997
The conventions in this document form part of the system for delivering SAP home energy ratings. They should be read in conjunction with the Standard Assessment Procedure itself (reproduced in the 1995 edition of Approved Document Part L of the Building Regulations for England and Wales. It is important, for reasons of reliability and consistency, that the latest edition of the conventions is used when delivering SAP ratings. They replace the first edition and provide interim guidance which will be updated in the Autumn of 1998, when a full update the Standard Assessment Procedure will be undertaken.
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 2 Improved insulation and heating of high-rise flats in Sandwell, 1990
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 4 Energy efficient rehabilitation of pre-1919 houses on Merseyside, 1976
Summarises the principal opportunities for improving energy efficiency in older, inner-city housing - mainly built before 1919, concentrating on Merseyside. Describes the benefits of such improvements in energy efficiency. It will be of interest to architects, builders, technical staff and managers of public-sector housing who wish to improve the energy efficiency of housing in the United Kingdom.
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Guide 5 Energy efficient new housing: masonry external walls, 1976
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 5 Forest Hill, Conlig County Down, Northern Ireland, 1990
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 6 Weybridge Meadow, Guildford, 1990
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 7 Gonvena, Wadebridge, Cornwall, 1990
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 8 Energy efficiency in new housing. Wordsworth Court, Cockermouth. Pilkington Commercial Property Ltd, 1990
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 9 Paddocks End, Milton Keynes, 1990
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 10 Llanerchydol Park, Welshpool, 1990
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 11 Bartley Meadow, Totton Hampshire, 1990
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 12 The Cob, Tenterden, Kent, 1990
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 18 Quadrant House, The Quadrant, Sutton, Surrey. Energy efficiency in 1980 high-rise through upgrading and energy management, 1991
View in The Construction Information Service

Energy Consumption Guide 2 Energy efficiency in dwellings: a councillor's guide to affordable warmth for tenants, 1976
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 20 Refuge house, Wilmslow, Cheshire. New owner occupied offices designed for both natural ventilation and air conditioning, 1991
View in The Construction Information Service

New Practice Final Report 20 Low oxides of nitrogen condensing boilers in large residential buildings, 1995
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Guide 79 Energy efficiency in new housing. Low energy design for housing associations, 1976
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Guide 80 Refurbishment of high-rise dwellings - a strategic guide for local authority managers, 1994
View in The Construction Information Service

New Practice Final Report 80 New low energy multi-residential accommodation. Constable Terrace, University of East Anglia, 1995
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Guide 81 Refurbishment of existing dwellings - a strategic guide for private developers, 1994
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Guide 82 Energy efficiency in housing - guidance for local authorities, 1997
This guide provide guidance on developing and managing housing energy efficiency strategies. As such it provides an important part of the framework supporting the Home Energy Conservation Act. The guide is aimed primarily at senior policy and decision makers in local authorities.
View in The Construction Information Service

General Information Report 8 EEO/RIBA/BRECSU Energy efficient housing workshop manual, 1993
View in The Construction Information Service

General Information Report 8 EEO/RIBA/BRECSU Energy efficient housing workshop worked examples, 1992
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 91 Giffard Park - solar design in energy efficient co-operative housing, 1992
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Guide 93 Energy efficiency in new housing. Detailing for designers and building professionals. Key detailing principles, 1993
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Guide 95 Energy efficiency in new housing. Detailing for designers and building professionals. External cavity walls, 1993
View in The Construction Information Service

New Practice Profile 119 Hockerton housing project: design lessons for developers and clients, 2000
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 121 Energy efficient refurbishment of high rise large panel system housing, 1996
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 122 Energy efficient refurbishment of high rise no-fines concrete housing, 1997
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 166 Energy efficient pattern book housing, 1993
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 190 Energy efficient refurbishment of low rise housing, 1995
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Guide 192 Designing energy efficient multi-residential buildings, 1997
View in The Construction Information Service

Future Practice R and D 2 Affordable new low energy housing for housing associations, 1992
The purpose of this report is to provide housing associations and their professional advisers with results from a study of ways of achieving higher standards of energy efficiency in new housing schemes within the existing housing corporation grant structure.
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Guide 208 Providing energy advice to householders - a guide for local authorities and housing associations, 1996
View in The Construction Information Service

New Practice Initial Profile 21 Mechanical ventilation and heat recovery in high rise dwellings, 1993
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 242 Good energy management in a medium-sized hotel. Copthorne Hotel, Plymouth, Devon, 1995
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 244 Energy efficient refurbishment of a medium sized hotel: Connaught Hotel, Bournemouth, Dorset, 1996
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 257 Northern Ireland's energy saver house, 1995
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Guide 296 Refurbishment site guidance for solid walled houses - roofs, 2000
Aimed at architects, builders, local authorities and housing associations. This guide provides advice on which insulation methods are most appropriate for roofs and the thickness of insulation needed to achieve a good level of energy efficiency.
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 296 Munich Park Hilton Hotel, Germany: energy costs controlled as part of an environmental management programme, 1995
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Guide 297 Refurbishment site guidance for solid walled houses - walls, 2000
Aimed at architects, builders, local authorities and housing associations. This guide provides advice on which insulation methods are most appropriate for walls and the thickness of insulation needed to achieve a good level of energy efficiency.
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 297 Derwentwater Hotel, Keswick, United Kingdom: a case study in energy and environmental management, 1995
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 306 Application of energy efficient pattern book housing, 1996
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 340 Environmentally sensitive housing - Dallow Road, Luton, 1997
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 347 Building in energy efficiency - CALA homes, Meriden, Warwickshire, 1996
View in The Construction Information Service

General Information Report 38 Review of ultra-low-energy homes, 1996
The purpose of the investigation was to assess how many ultra-low-energy homes have been constructed and their potential for wider replication.
View in The Construction Information Service

General Information Report 53 Building a sustainable future - homes for an autonomous community, 1998
View in The Construction Information Service

New Practice Initial Profile 90 Low energy multi-residential housing: Abraham Building, Linacre College, Oxford, 1995
View in The Construction Information Service

New Practice Initial Profile 91 Energy efficient multi-residential accommodation: Panns Bank, University of Sunderland, 1995
View in The Construction Information Service

New Practice Initial Profile 95 Whole house mechanical ventilation with heat recovery in low-rise social housing, 1996
View in The Construction Information Service

Building Research Establishment

Good Building Guide 11 Supplementary guidance for assessment of timber-framed houses: Part 1 examination, 1993
This two-part guide supplements existing inspection procedures for timber-framed houses. Part 1 includes guidance on visual re-examination of the building exterior and interior and then considers how to examine the wall cavity and frame if a deficiency related to structural stability, durability or fire protection is suspected.
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Building Guide 12 Supplementary guidance for assessment of timber-framed houses: Part 2 interpretation, 1993
With timber-framed houses, site findings and observations require careful interpretation during the preparation of a condition report. This Guide shows how to assess the significance of key observations and readings which may have been taken during an earlier survey or supplementary inspection. This guide includes new advice for assessing building condition, and identifying any need for remedial work. Although intended for use with conventional timber frame design, the guidance has general applicability to less common timber frame systems.
View in The Construction Information Service

Information Paper 20/89 Energy-efficient refurbishment of electrically heated high-rise flats, 1989
This paper describes the results and lessons learned from the extensive monitoring of two blocks of high-rise flats which had a comprehensive package of energy efficiency measures included as part of a major refurbishment programme.
View in The Construction Information Service

Information Paper 24/89 Improving energy efficiency in housing, 1989
This paper summarises the principal opportunities for improving energy efficiency in both new and existing housing. It draws, in part, on the experience gained from projects carried out under the Energy Efficiency Demonstration Scheme.
View in The Construction Information Service

Information Paper 4/91 Improving the energy efficient performance of high rise housing, 1991
High-rise blocks account for 5% to 6% of public-sector housing in the United Kingdom. Many of these blocks are now more than 20 years old and need major refurbishment. The costly alternative in many cases is demolition and rehousing of the occupants. A refurbishment package featuring energy-efficient measures can be a worthwhile option, but in relatively few cases has it been undertaken. This paper draws on a survey of high-rise housing owned by 10 local authorities, highlights some of the problems, and suggests strategic improvements in the way the buildings are refurbished and managed.
View in The Construction Information Service

Information Paper 13/91 Energy-efficient rehabilitation of pre-1919 housing, 1991
Summarises the principal opportunities for improving energy efficiency in older, inner-city housing - mainly built before 1919 - and described the benefits of such improvements. It will be of interest to architects, builders, technical staff and managers of public-sector housing, and others who wish to improve the energy efficiency of housing in the United Kingdom.
View in The Construction Information Service

Information Paper 9/94 Future energy use and carbon dioxide emissions for UK housing: a scenario, 1994
This paper describes a method of estimating future energy use and carbon dioxide emissions for the United Kingdom housing stock and presents the results of a scenario based on this method. This method relies on BRE's energy balance model BREHOMES and the resulting scenario can be used to judge progress towards the UK's aim, under the Climate Change Convention, of returning carbon dioxide emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000.
View in The Construction Information Service

Information Paper 15/94 Energy efficiency in new housing, 1994
Case studies show the marketing advantage of an energy efficiency specification for new housing, and how higher standards can be achieved at little or no extra cost. This paper advocates an integrated approach to energy-efficient design and is intended for architects, designers and specifiers of new social and private housing.
View in The Construction Information Service

Information Paper 20/94 Energy use in the housing stock, 1994
This paper provides information about energy use and energy efficiency trends in British homes since 1970. It demonstrates that energy efficiency measures have played a very important part in keeping average dwelling energy consumption relatively constant and in helping to reduce associated carbon dioxide emissions, while also making it possible to achieve improved levels of service.
View in The Construction Information Service

Information Paper 4/95 Guide to the development of BREDEM, 1995
This paper describes the development of the BRE Domestic Energy Model (BREDEM). It acts as a guide to the different versions of the model and indicates the likely direction of future developments.
View in The Construction Information Service

Information Paper 15/95 Potential carbon emission savings from energy efficiency in housing, 1995
This paper analyses the extent to which carbon emissions could be reduced by simple energy-efficiency measures in the housing stock. It will be of interest to those wishing to gain an overview of the scope for housing-related energy savings through increased efficiency.
View in The Construction Information Service

Information Paper 7/97 Energy use and carbon dioxide emissions for UK housing: two possible scenarios, 1997
This paper presents the results of two possible scenarios for energy use and carbon dioxide emissions of the UK housing stock, developed using the BREHOMES model. One of them represents what is likely to happen if current trends continue. The second represents what could happen if the rates of uptake of energy efficiency methods increased. It shows that reductions in carbon dioxide emissions could be considerable: by 2020 they could amount to about 25 PJ (or 21 million tonnes of carbon dioxide) per year representing roughly 13% of the corresponding energy use and carbon dioxide emissions both now, and at current trends, in 2020. Furthermore, the cost savings if rates of energy efficiency improvement increase, are shown to be considerably greater than the extra expenditures when assessed over the period up to 2020.
View in The Construction Information Service

Information Paper 15/05 Scope for reducing carbon emissions from housing, 2005
Evaluates the scope for cost-effective reductions in emissions through energy efficiency measures in housing. From a starting point of 2001, it considers the potential for reductions by 2010, 2020 and 2050.
View in The Construction Information Service

Report 253 BRE housing design handbook, 1993
This book will be useful to designers of new and refurbished housing, irrespective of their experience. It is intended to help clients, contractors, developers and all those involved in the process of house building, in both the private and public sectors, to appreciate the wide range of user requirements that must be addressed in the design of housing. As a reference book it provides a means of checking that housing design criteria have been met adequately. It also suggests how to achieve customer satisfaction by meeting their most important needs.
View in The Construction Information Service

Digest 355 Energy efficiency in dwellings, 1990
This Digest identifies which factors determine the energy requirements of a dwelling and describes the methods used to assess energy efficiency. The levels required by the Building Regulations for new dwellings are discussed. Improvements to the energy efficiency of existing buildings are also considered, taking account of the opportunities that arise when major refurbishments are carried out.
View in The Construction Information Service

Report 480 Reducing carbon emissions from the UK housing stock, 2005
Considers a wide range of energy efficiency measures and for each one assesses the potential carbon savings and their cost-effectiveness. Also focuses on the effectiveness of energy efficiency policies within the domestic sector, using historical data to assess the savings that have been achieved and to compare the effects of the different policies. Looks at the potential future carbon emissions from the housing stock and considers five separate scenarios.
View in The Construction Information Service

Environmental Publication EP62 Rammed earth: design and construction guidelines, 2005
Compiled specifically to inform, develop and promote the use of rammed earth wall construction in the UK. Seeks to encourage the greater use of rammed earth, free from additives such as cement, as an alternative, sustainable wall building material. Covers general design considerations, material properties, testing and selection, engineering design, wall construction, construction details, and maintenance and repair procedures.
View in The Construction Information Service

Centre for Alternative Technology

Energy saving house, 2003
Looks at the ways in which you can minimise your energy consumption, reduce your impact on the planet and save money. From construction to renovation, white goods to heating systems, maintenance to running costs, this concise book is an invaluable guide to energy saving for all homeowners. Introducing the 'negawatt': a method for measuring your energy savings.

CIRIA

Report R 105 Energy efficient new housing: a guide to the design and construction of low rise single occupancy housing for energy efficiency, 1984
Brings together in one document information about energy efficiency in estate layout and house design; achieving thermal insulation standards above the Building Regulations minima; ventilation control; design of services; avoidance of adverse side effects; striking the best balance between various requirements. Illustrated sections show precautions needed in detailing roofs, floors and walls. Work examples show how to evaluate the efficiency of and cost benefits from energy efficient design.
View in The Construction Information Service

Department of Trade and Industry

Beddington zero (fossil) energy development: toolkit for carbon neutral developments, 2003
A practical guide to producing carbon neutral developments and how to afford them. Based on the achievements at BedZED it describes all the measures taken on the scheme to reduce environmental impact during occupation. Includes technical descriptions, monitoring results, and financial mechanisms that have allowed the innovations at BedZED to become a reality. Also links with the more recent 'ZED in a box' design which represents the next generation of the ZED design and development process incorporating further improvements since BedZED.

Beddington zero (fossil) energy development: construction materials report, 2002
Describes the choices of construction materials made at BedZED. Quantifies the environmental benefits of these choices, using BRE's environmental profiling methodology. Also describes how the materials were sourced, specified and used and provides case studies for individual materials and cost comparisons with alternatives. The information is suitable for anyone who is involved in construction from architects to council planners, volume house builders to one-off self-build projects.

Environmental Change Institute

40% house, 2005
Summarises the main findings and recommendations of the 40% House project, which investigated how the UK Government's commitment to a 60% cut in carbon emissions from 1997 levels by 2050 can be realised in the residential sector, so that the typical home becomes a '40% House'. Covers views of the future; households and living space; thermal comfort and control; building fabric and housing stock; lights and appliances; provision of heating and electricity through low and zero carbon technologies; electricity and gas implications; and finally, achieving the 40% House scenario.
View in The Construction Information Service

Hastoe Housing Association

Foundations for the future - part 2: checklists for sustainability, 2002
Guide for all the staff of housing associations, with a suggested process for improving sustainability, illustrated with over 30 case studies.
View in The Construction Information Service

Foundations for the future - part 1: the case for sustainability, 2002
Guide for boards and senior staff of housing associations, setting out the case for sustainability and explaining how associations can take a strategic approach to sustainable development.
View in The Construction Information Service

New Society Publishers

Homeowners' guide to renewable energy: achieving energy independence through solar, wind, biomass and hydropower, 2006
The coming energy crisis caused by a peak in global oil and natural gas production will profoundly affect the lives of all North Americans. As the price of these fuels rises, homeowners will scramble to cut their fuel bills. Two options for meeting the upcoming challenge are; dramatic improvements in home energy efficiency; and efforts to tap into clean, affordable, renewable energy resources to heat and cool homes, to provide hot water and electricity, and even to cook. These measures can result in huge savings and a level of energy independence. The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy tells you how these goals can be achieved.

BackToTop

Email Updates

Receive regular email
updates from NBS