Our homes and workplaces are responsible for about a third of all CO2 emissions, of which 80% goes on heating - a significant contribution towards global warming. Victoria houses are up to four times less energy efficient than new homes so insulation has to come high up the priority list. Any initial outlay to improve loft or hot water tank insulation, draft proofing or cavity wall insulation usually pays back within a short number of years in terms of reduced energy consumption. Other ways to cut consumption include turning the thermostat down a degree, ensuring stand-bys are turned off, changing to energy efficient bulbs. Double-glazing and condensing boilers also cut down energy usage.
With thousands of new homes expected to be built in the UK over the next few years, builders could make a significant dent in the amount of CO2 emissions to the extent of cutting out the need for extra power stations. Research suggests that not only would pollution drop but new industries would be stimulated by a greater commitment to more energy efficient homes. Building regulations set out minimum energy conservation measures only and ideally new buildings should be above these standards. Similarly we could be asking questions about the use of reclaimed or recycled materials (such as insulation made locally from recycled materials) in the construction of our homes as well as checking that timber is from well managed sources. Bricks and other building materials from the Forest travel shorter distances than those brought in from elsewhere saving on transport miles.
This Centre has become the first major UK construction according to Positive News to reverse the effects of greenhouse gases. The walls are built of compressed lime blocks infilled with Hemcrete, made of hemp and lime, in place of conventional building materials. The warehouse has 150 tonnes of ca... more
Most types of building work undertaken, but we specialise in ecologically sound construction using timber, straw and clay. We have designed and built houses, extensions, studios and workshops usingthese natural materials. Our clients find that our buildings are more comfortable to be in, cheaper to ... more
Architype is an architectural practice specialising in ecological design. We design schools, community facilities, health centres and housing throughout the UK. We work with our clients to make their vision a reality. (Member of AECB, specialism is specification of ecological materials and creation ... more
Formed in 1989 the AECB encourages greater environmental awareness within the building industry. its diverse membership encompasses almost every sector of building and construction management. AECB members conbsistently win leading industry awards for their energy efficient and ecologically sensitiv... more
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Small sawmill cutting our own timber grown on estate. Beams, lintels, boards, fencing etc. cut to order in oak, ash, cherry, yew, birch, alder and softwoods, douglas fir and western red ceddar. All trees grown in AONB and under comprehensive management plans with English Nature and Forestry Commissi... more
For people and animals, make up your own mind. Bioflow is registered as a Class I medical device for humans and carried the CE mark. The Bioflow product range consists of a variety of expandable and non-expandable wristbands in both metal and fabric materials, combined with one of two CRP magnets.... more
Forest soft woods eg. larch and douglas fir available to public and trade. All roughcut for fence panels, beams, rails, etc.... more
We offer a complete design service in architecture, conservation and town planning. We believe that imaginaive design should provide economic and energy-efficient solutions and contribute to sustainable development. We are committed to providing an efiicient and cost effective service to meet client... more
Small amounts of local Forest stone quarried at a site near Blakeney and available for conversion and restoration of buildings.... more
Design and build of bespoke treehouses to suit adults and children. Most are self-supporting with use of galvanised steel making them a relatively expensive project. Often given a bitumen roof topped with willow or African grass with wany edged timber cladding for the sides. Over the years ropes an... more
The Chilli Penguin has a very effective air wash system which keeps the glass clear, a top hob and an optional back boiler. It is rated at 5KW. In addition to its core purpose as a room heater, it is ideal for someone who wants to meet most of their energy needs in one stand alone unit, such as a st... more
Suppliers and installers of renewable energies such as solar thermal systems, ground source heat pumps wind turbines and micro hydro schemes.... more
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A mutual building society dedicated to improving the environment by promoting sustainable housing and communities. By saving with us, you know your money is being put to positive use financing mortgages to help: - The production of organic healthy food - Build new energy and resource-efficient hom... more
We design and consult for wastewater treatment systems. This has developed to water saving equipment and water reuse systems. We sell Ifo Sanitar low water use WCs. Member of AECB, The Water Association, IWA, ATA. We give tours and sometimes courses.... more
Expert advice on energy efficient new building design, renovation work and incorporation of renewable energy sources into buildings. Member of Institute of Energy, American and UK Solar Energy Societies, AECB, and registered expert with Government Design Advice scheme. Also building a pioneering 1... more
FDH provides the services of architechts and building surveyors and has developed expertise in the fields of Green design and building techniques Community consultation New buildings and refurbishement Projects undertaken for public and private clients in the range £30k - £3m. Members of AECB... more
The Gloucestershire Get It Sorted Waste Campaingn is funded by the Gloucestershire Waste Action trust and is working in partnership with the seven local authorities to promote waste reduction, recycling and composting. As a county we produce a staggering 260,000 tonnes of household rubbish every yea... more
1. Meadowside Primary School, Quedgeley Features include: - Consultation, round-table and mind-mapping sessions with stakeholders, with Local Agenda 21 principles and concerns in mind. - Using the free Government backed Energy Design Advice Service. - An access policy that encourages walking and... more
Gloucestershire Rural Community Council is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting people living in rural Gloucestershire. Our experienced and supportive Rural Advice Team provides a wide range of advice to rural communities. We can help your rural community by: Identifying rural nee... more
Green Building Store is a mail-order and online service supplying safe, sustainable building products throughout the UK. Our commitment is to supply products which promote healthier and more environment-friendly building. Whether you are redecorating, building or refurbishing we can help you do it s... more
While not entirely carbon neutral, given a lack of other available options, Penwith Housing Association decided to upgrade several bungalows in Cornwall with ground source heat pumps. Using funding from the Clear Skies Programme and the District Council, the bungalows now have their hot water and s... more
Holsworthy Biogas takes in agricultural, abbatoir and food waste as raw materials to turn into methane - enough to power 2000 homes in this Devon area. The plant uses half cattle slurry and half food processing waste which is reduced to a particle size less than 12mm then cooked for over an hour at... more
Paintings and outdoor murals. Organic/permaculture gardening consultancy including lectures, teaching. Growing crops for sale. Ten years running vegetable box scheme from Ragman's Lane Farm as an independent business. Book on growing veg for sale to be published in 2002/3. Worked at Soil Associatio... more
Ironworkers and restoration... more
We design and supply systems for harvesting, storing and reusing rainwater - commercial and domestic - water efficient equipment, toilets, flush units and valves - water filtering and purification systems - metal guttering systems - pumps and control equipment - solar pumps and controls for water su... more
Beautiful handcrafted kitchens using reclaimed Victorian timbers. Designed with you in mind.... more
We sell a wide range of solar electric (photovoltaic) products, including flexible and rigid panels, garden lights, battery chargers, radios, torches, lanterns, caravan and boat battery charging kits, charge regulators and inverters. Everything you need for clean, grid-independent power.... more
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Installers of solar water and heating systems. Grants available... more
A display and eduction centre established in 1975 offering practical ideas and information on environmentally sound practices to everyone from the casual visitor to the postgraduate student. We generate our own electricity, mainly from wind, water and solar power. We have long-term experience of ere... more
This working cooperative is developing the supply of seasoned hardwoods sourced from the Forest of Dean. A range of timbers are available in green wood, air dried and kiln dried for a variety of uses including joinery and cabinet making. Stock sizes vary from small branch sections suitable for wood ... more
Supplies products which are less damaging to the environment and the user. Wide range of paints and wood treatments; books on sustainable building, decorating, wind and solar power: solar(thermal and PV) and wind power equipment and installation: building products, Sunpipes, Warmcell and sheepswool ... more
We are an FSC registered company producing sawn softwood timber from locally grown trees. We supply trade customers only, but our product can be obtained by the general public through local outlets such as Forest Products, Lightmoor and Walford Sawmills, Ross. Please ask for Woodgate Sawmills produ... more
A non for profit club to train people to instal their own DIY solar water heating system for half the usual cost. All equipment is approved by the Solar Trade Association and we are training local plumbers to provide solar expertise.... more
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One in every three pounds spent on energy in the UK is wasted through poor efficiency (British Gas).