www.greenbuilder.co.uk

Green building links - UK

This page is intended to help promote the Green Building message in the UK and get more people building in a green way by making information about builders, architects, specifiers, techniques, materials and systems more widely available.

Please do submit other links that may be useful via mylinkspage.com.

Thanks, Oliver Tickell.

Please also take a look at kyoto2, a set of proposals for a Climate Protocol which could actually work - that is, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, fund the transition to a dynamic low carbon global economy, and finance adaptation to such climate change as is already unavoidable.

Advertise here!

Help to promote your green building product or service - advertise in this space! Please email greenbuilder[AT]as4.co.uk for details.

1. Low impact development

Read the book: Low Impact Development, by Simon Fairlie.

The Brithdir Mawr low-impact development in Pembrokeshire NP
Dwell Well contains an interesting selection of photos of low-impact dwellings, from Selena Merret's photo-exhibition.
Low Impact Housing Survey - a global survey to document of the best existing examples of Zero and Low Energy/Environmental Impact Housing.

The Chapter 7 rural planning website, about how the planning system needs to be updated to allow the sustainable re-settlement of the countryside.
LILI (the Low-Impact Living Initiative) runs courses run courses on self-build, solar hot water, straw-bale building, and many other hands-on green building and environmental topics. Based in Winslow, Bucks.

2. Campaign groups
The world famous Centre for Alternative Technology		Demi, linking design to sustainability Sustainable Homes, conferences etc.

3. Eco-housing projects
Davis Caves Earth Sheltered Homes are builders of earth sheltered buildings, who share their knowledge with you via this website. The Greenwich Village eco-development, next to the Millennium Dome. The Hockerton Housing Project - "the UK's first earth sheltered, self-sufficient ecological housing development. Project members live a holistic way of life in harmony with the environment, in which all ecological impacts have been considered and accounted for. The residents of the five houses generate their own clean energy, harvest their own water and recycle waste materials causing no pollution or carbon dioxide emissions. The houses are amongst the most energy efficient, purpose built dwellings in Europe. The Project also has an associated cooperative business that runs tours, workshops and provides consultancy and a range of publications." The Nottingham eco-house, a conversion of an Edwardian red-brick semi into an eco-home embodying a wide range of ecological principles. Many useful details of construction, sources of materials etc. The Yellow House, in south Oxford, is an example of a 1920s ex-Council house remodelled to exhibit high energy efficiency and other "green" features.		An international spiritual education centre founded in 1980, the Findhorn Foundation is also a suustainable ecovillage. The Guidford Ecohouse is a "a refurbished turn of the century property... The aim of Guildford Ecohouse is to show... a variety of simple and affordable initiatives... to save energy and protect the environment when refurbishing or improving their home". It is a project of Guildford Borough Council. Too bad the website is down ... do let us know of new URL. The Integral Eco-village Project aims to create a community, in the vicinity of Bristol... a living space based on ecological principles which balance the inner world of personal development with the outer world of a more sustainable lifestyle. The Leicester eco-house Linacre College, Oxford's Abraham Building won a Green Building of the Year Award, the first multi-occupancy residential building in the UK to do so. Project geo-dome - articles and information about geodesic domes, sustainable living and related environmental issues. The Zero Energy Development in Beddington, South London

4. Green builders
AECB, the Association for Environment Conscious Building, is a membership organisation of over 1,200 architecture and building companies designing or building ecobuildings in the UK. The site is full of information, and will be able to tell you of members in your area. Myddelton Construction Ltd are specialist building contractors with expertise in Heritage restorations, sustainable building techniques and sustainable community development. Currently working on the "Middleton Sustainable Community" development. St Astier Ltd are specialists in the conservation and restoration of historic buildings and structures and claim to be "sustainable and socially responsible".		Green Light Construction aims to increase the use, awareness and acceptance of holistic and sustainable building methods, materials and processes. "Let greenlight show you the way!" The Green Register of Construction Professionals is a networking & training organisation for ecological construction professionals. It also provides a member listing, for those in search of green building expertise. Scott McEwan Builders Ltd carries out ecological & conservation building works for individuals and companies, predominantly in the central belt of Scotland.

5. Self-build
Log Home Kits "supply log homes in kit form or to clients own stage choice, from our own plans or clients designs". Promises that timber comes from eco sources but no mention of FSC certification. Sipframe offer low energy and passive house construction kits using highly insulated Structural Insulated Panel systems and incorporating ventilation & heat recovery with space and water heating systems using renewable energy.		Put together by Build It magazine, these pages on Self Build are a useful introduction to the subject. Self Build ABC - details on building plots for sale, purchasing through land for sale through land agents. Information on planning and constructing a self build house.

6. Green mortgages
The Co-operative Bank pays to offset a fifth or the carbon emissions arising from the homes it mortgages, through Climate Care. The money goes into reforestation in African national parks, and energy efficiency projects. Norwich & Peterborough Building Society offers a "green mortage" for properties that meet strict energy effiociency criteria.		Ecology Building Society promotes sustainable housing and sustainable communities. It provides finance for energy efficient housing, ecological renovation, derelict and dilapidated properties, small-scale and ecological enterprise, and low-impact lifestyles.

7. Green estate agents
GreenMoves advertises eco property for sale and for shared ownership in the UK. Sponsored by WWF, Ecology Building Society and Naturesave Trust.

8. Architects & engineers
Gordon Clarke Architects founded in 1999, "combine building methods which care for our planet and our future, with the highest quality design and a full professional service". Rise Architecture is a "sustainable" architectural practice based in Manchester, concerned with green architectural technology. Sponge is an independent network of professionals who share an interest in sustainable development. It organises regular events for members to meet & learn & develop fresh ideas.		The Green Register of Construction Professionals is a networking & training organisation for ecological construction professionals. It also provides a member listing, for those in search of green building expertise. Scottish Ecological Design Association (SEDA) is Scotland's premier NGO for promoting ecological design. It runs a events & projects on sustainable design such as local specification in Scotland, design for deconstruction.

9. Green Specification
GreenSpec aims to become the encyclopedia of sustainable construction including: product pages, specifications, material property comparisons, design guidance, renewable services guides, whole life cost data, image bank, diary, CPD, bibliography, etc.

10. Straw bale construction
Based on the Isle of Wight, Aldermoor Farm holds weekend workshops on straw bale building, countryside crafts, etc.		Straw Bale Futures - offers a free download (1MB .pdf) of the Guide to Straw Bale Building. The world of strawbale building website has excellent information about strawbale building in the UK with pictures, also links to other strawbale sites in the UK and worldwide.

12. Green building materials
The Cardboard School. "The idea of the project is to show how cardboard can work as a building material. It is relevant in environmental terms (as a waste product), in cost terms (it can be cheap), as an example of process innovation (design team working with fabricator The Green Building Store, for a wide range of green building materials. The GreenPro Ecobuilding Product Library lists over 1000 eco-building products for the UK, under dozens of product categories. Great, but paying members only can access the archive. The Green Shop sell a wide range of eco-building and household products. Based in a biodiesel-selling garage near Stroud, Glos. Lime Technology has developed a range of dry lime mortars and plasters as "an economical, sustainable alternative to cement mortars and plasters for new-build projects". These are available in 25kg bags or in silos. Natural Building Technologies - a company selling ecological building materials throughout the UK, and developing new products such as flax insulation, earthen blocks mortars and plasters Old House Store is a builders merchant specialising in traditional and eco-friendly building and decorating materials. Over 200 product lines include lime plasters and mortars, earth/clay products, eco-friendly paints and natural insulations. Second Nature are sellers of world-famous Thermafleece - made "from British hill sheep's wool to create an exceptionally efficient insulation material in both new-build and refurbishment projects which is absolutely safe to use". Ty-Mawr Lime Ltd are manufacturers and suppliers of eco building materials and paints - lime mortars and plasters, ecological emulsions, glaster (lime plaster with recycled glass), limecrete floors as well as insulation and building boards. A wide range of accredited courses.		Construction Resources claims to be "Britain's first ecological builders' merchant, training centre & consultancy for ecological building". It sells a range of paints, varnishes, insulation, timber construction, rainwater & solar systems. Earth and Reed Ltd supplies environmentally responsible building and decorating materials, offers consultancy on the restoration of old buildings, especially timber framed structures, and creates bespoke stained glass and mirrors. GreenSpec aims to become the encyclopedia of sustainable construction including: product pages, specifications, material property comparisons, design guidance, renewable services guides, whole life cost data, image bank, diary, CPD, bibliography, etc. Mike Wye & Associates supply natural building and decorating materials such as lime putty, lime mortars, limewash, sheepswool, natural emulsions and oils. Plus guidesheets, prices, specs and a phone helpline. Natural Insulations supplies nontoxic non irritant natural insulations, eg Warmcel 100 cellulose fibre insulation for lofts and timber floors and Natilin flax insulation in rolls and batts for walls and sloping ceilings. Seconds & Co of Presteigne, Powys, are suppliers of "second" quality rigid foam insulating boards like Cellotex & Kingspan, for a fraction of the usual price. Nationwide deliveries. The Lime Centre, just outside Winchester, is a superb source of information about building with lime mortars plasters and washes, and runs excellent courses. It also supplies lime putty, and all the other materials you will need to build with lime.

13. Eco-timber
The Certified Forests website has an impressive database of FSC-certified forests worldwide. FSC UK has information about the FSC's activities in the UK, links to FSC products and suppliers, etc. FSC info is a comprehensive database of FSC certificates worldwide, including those of timber producers and of manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers. It allows you to search by product type. Urbane Flooring are suppliers of bamboo flooring, with "all the technical advantages of an adhered hardwood floor". As a very fast-growing plant, bamboo is a highly renewable resource as well as durable in use.		The Forest Stewardship Council provides the only credible certification system for timber and wood products from sustainably managed forests. It is backed by WWF, Greenpeace, FoE etc. FSC-certified products are now widely available in the UK. SmartPly manufacture SmartPly OSB, a sustainable FSC rated product that is manufactured in Ireland. A wood panel product that replaces Plywood and Chipboard for flooring, roofing and wall sheathing. The Soil Association's Woodmark Scheme. The WWF 1995+ Group is a group of UK companies committed to using timber & wood products that are legal and credibly certified (eg FSC). It includes some big names - B&Q, WH Smith, Boots, Railtrack...

14. Joinery
Traditional and contemporary furniture by Hancox's Handmade Furniture is designed to your requirements, made from local + sustainable or FSC hardwoods with natural finishes. zavosky woodworkers for timber framed buildings, shelters, barns, sawmilling, greenwood training project, coracles ... somewhere in Wales.		Merrin Joinery manufactures windows, doors, staircases and other bespoke joinery items. That are committed to seeking out credibly certified (eg, FSC) timber and can advise on the whole life-cycle, from selection of timber and waste reduction, to energy efficiency in use.

15. Timber preservation & damp-proofing
Hutton and Rostron Environmental Investigations specialise in the control of woodworm, dry rot and damp without chemical treatments and damp course. "Our approach is to build out the problems that cause woodworm and timber decay, rather than just 'treat' the symptoms...". Also recommends suitable FSC-certified timbers.		treatdamp.co.uk supply a range of environmentally friendly damp proofing products and waterproofing membranes, including membranes for green roofs!

16. Lighting
Glanvilles of Wadebridge are a family run lighting and cookware retailer based in Cornwall. Stocks a large selection of low-energy, long-life bulbs and are happy to advise on all lighting concerns.

18. Energy Efficiency
Energy Savings Trust - "Our goal is to achieve the sustainable and efficient use of energy, to cut the carbon dioxide emissions which are the key contributor to global warming. We are a non-profit organisation funded by governments and the private sector." Power-Pipe UK - claims to reclaim over 60% of the energy dumped down our drains in the form of hot waste water, using it to pre-warm water going into heating system.		EU Directive on energy in buildings - the UK Govt plan to implement it Fuel Cell Markets Ltd assist with the development, commercialization, and introduction of fuel cell, hydrogen, and sustainable energy technologies into industry and society.

19. Renewable energy
Britisheco is an online store selling a wide range of portable solar, renewable, composting, wildlife, outdoor and other green gardening products. The Energy and Environmental Management Group, a company that designs, specifies, supplies and installs renewable energy systems The Green Electric website has links to everything you want to know about Green Electric in the UK. Green Systems UK - design and installation of vacuum tube & flat plate solar hot water systems, heat pumps, underfloor heating and bio-mass boliers. The International Solar Energy Society - actually promoting renewables generally, not just solar. At NESEA's green building pages you can find out how to save energy at home, read about various approaches to environmentally sound, energy-efficient building design, and learn about solar buildings. The Sherwood Energy Village, "transforming a 91-acre former colliery into an environmental enterprise comprising industry, commerce, housing, education, recreation, tourism and leisure". The Wood Energy Business Scheme aims to establish a network of wood fuelled installations across Wales, producing clean heat and electricity and strengthening the timber supply chain.		Encraft provide householders with tailored briefings so they can invest with confidence in energy solutions to match their lifestyle needs and environmental, economic and practical aims. Envirozone offer sustainable building solutions which include, SIP 'passive house' construction systems, air, water & ground source heat pumps, solar water heating, wood pellet boilers, wind turbines and waste water heat recovery systems. Green Dragon Energy do small-medium scale renewable energy installations - wind, solar, micro-hydro... Based in mid-Wales but will travel (as far as Somalia, Kenya). Also run courses. The island of Samsoe, Denmark, was in 1998 selected by the Danish Government as a community to be supplied with 100% renewable energy within a decade. The Society for the Promotion of Renewable Energies is a non-profit transregional NGO that promotes renewable energy and represents RE businesses. The Solar Energy Society (UK) - "a forum for all those interested in the advancement of the utilisation of the sun's energy. Members are drawn from industry, government, academic institutions, architectural and engineering practices, as well as the general public..."

20. Solar water heating
The Energy and Environmental Management Group, a company that designs, specifies, supplies and installs renewable energy systems Solartwin offers a relatively simple, low-cost solar water heating solution, that heats the water in the tank directly. Thames Valley Solar - for solar water heating installations and repairs in Oxford and the Thames Valley. Thermomax make high quality equipment for solar hot water heating. The Thermomax Evacuated Heat Pipe Solar Collector is a proven, high-performance product that can provide solar heating even in wintertime. The product is currently being sold to more than 40 countries.		Green Systems UK - design and installation of vacuum tube & flat plate solar hot water systems, heat pumps, underfloor heating and bio-mass boliers. The Solar Design Company design, install & maintain solar heating systems. Solar Future specialises in solar hot water systems, ground source heat pumps, photovoltaic, biomass and wind turbines systems - so you can invest to save the future of our planet. Viridian Solar offer roof-integrated solar water heating panels optimised for the construction industry. Zen Eaga Solar Limited offers a complete one stop shop for solar water heating systems from site survey to commissioning. National coverage more than 50,000 systems installed.

21. Solar PV
Everything Solar Powered offer a wide variety of solar products for home, garden, car or personal use ... They also design & install ground heat pumps, underfloor heating, solar PV, solar water heating and condensing boilers. The solar energy alliance are solar energy and wind power specialists. They advise, design, supply and install.		The International Solar Energy Society aims to promote the use of renewable energy while advising governments on its use. Solar Century is, without doubt, the UK's top solar energy installations company - under the inspired leadership of former Greenpeace Scientific Director Jeremy Leggett. WireFreeDirect Ltd is a an online store selling a wide range of wireless, solar and renewable energy products for homes and businesses.

22. Wind power
Enflo-systems UK offer the latest technology in small scale wind turbines for the UK and Ireland markets. These diffuser augmented German turbines boast much higher output per kW than convential wind generation systems.		The solar energy alliance are solar energy and wind power specialists. They advise, design, supply and install. WireFreeDirect Ltd is a an online store selling a wide range of wireless, solar and renewable energy products for homes and businesses.

23. Geothermal energy
Avenir Energie - based in France, the company also installs "geothermal" heating systems in the UK, based on using an extensive area of garden as a thermal store that heats your home via an electric heat pump. Claims to halve the cost of heating your house via natural gas CH. POSCH makes & sells geothermal systems and indoor pool dehumidifiers. The company also provides engineering support and design specifications.		Geothermal Heating & Cooling Systems Ltd are Europe's largest suppliers and installers of Geothermal systems for housing, education and commercial use. "Our systems have a low cost and high effiency which makes them very desirable for everyone." Greenspot Renewable Energies designs and installs geothermal systems across the UK & Ireland. Products range from a self install kit, to grant-assisted Water to Water systems, that are very economical in operation.

24. Grants
The Clear Skies initiative provides domestic / community grants for Solar Water Heating, Wind, Hydro, Ground Source Heat Pumps, Automated Wood Pellet Stoves and Wood fuel boilers. The Energy Savings Trust has posted useful info on Solar grants.		The Government's Low carbon buildings tells you of the various grants on offer for green generation and heating technologies. Curiously, no inventives for ipriving energy efficiency though, even though far more cost-effective in most cases.

www.greenbuilder.co.uk

Links to...

Green building links - UK

Advertise here!

1. Low impact development

2. Campaign groups

3. Eco-housing projects

4. Green builders

5. Self-build

6. Green mortgages

7. Green estate agents

8. Architects & engineers

9. Green Specification

10. Straw bale construction

11. Earthships

12. Green building materials

13. Eco-timber

14. Joinery

15. Timber preservation & damp-proofing

16. Lighting

17. Paints, waxes, varnishes

18. Energy Efficiency

19. Renewable energy

20. Solar water heating

21. Solar PV

22. Wind power

23. Geothermal energy

24. Grants

25. Water collection & treatment

26. Water efficiency

27. Pools and water features

28. Advice & information

29. Publications

30. Certification bodies

31. Government sector

32. Demolition & recycling

33. Home composting & recycling

34. More useful eco-links

25. Water collection & treatment
3P Technik UK have an impressive range of products for collecting & filtering rainwater for use in home or garden. The website also has lots of information on rainwater harvesting. Based in W Wales, and founder member of the UK Rainwater Association. Green Rock UK manufacture a "no power" sewage treatment system suitable for new build or refurbished off mains sewage systems. Natural Solutions composting toilets. Based in mid-Wales, this innovative business has considerable expertise in the design, manufacture & installation of... sweet-smelling, urine-separating, stainless-steel finish composting toilets. Much cheaper than septic tanks! Safewater Ltd makes an L8-approved non-chemical water treatment system. it claims to be "the only organisation with full accreditation and protected IPR whose products are environmentally friendly, replacing chlorination, UV, Ozone Generators". The UK Rainwater Harvesting Association, promoting this still fledgling industry in the UK.		Coppa Gutta Ltd are UK manufacturers of copper rainwater systems, available to suit all properties and buildings. Copper gutters last indefinitely without maintenance and are thus a sustainable option. Flexible Lining Products are suppliers of butyl rubber, EPDM and PVC lining materials for roofing, reed beds, ponds, reservoirs etc including geotextiles and bespoke tank and box-welded liners. The products themselvers are not green, but will be useful in many green building applications. Rainharvesting Systems Ltd. design & install rainwater harvesting & storage systems. The website also provides a lot of useful information on the principles and practice of rainwater harvesting, plus details of specialist products. SUD Solutions is an engineering consultancy specialising in Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS). We sell a computer package that predicts the hydraulic and financial performance of rainwater harvesting systems Volcanic Mineral Water Systems - about the "unique Wellness Filter water system from Japan". Not sure how 'green' this is, but it must be better than buying the bottled stuff.

26. Water efficiency
Put a Hippo the Watersaver in your toilet cistern, and it will save 3 litres of water on every flush. Tapmagic supplies tap inserts which can be fitted to the majority of UK basin taps. They allow an economical 'spray mode' and a 'full flow mode'. The company claims that water use can be reduced by 50-70 percent.		The Interflush is the biggest water saving device in 140 years, reducing water use and leakage in toilets. "It makes ALL other flushing systems obsolete", claims its Yorkshire based inventor.

27. Pools and water features
Clear Water Revival specialise in natural swimming pools and renewable energy options to heat and power any swimming pool.

28. Advice & information
Advanced Building Technologies offers an extensive database of environmentally appropriate building technologies. AECB, the Association for Environment Conscious Building, is a membership organisation of over 1,200 architecture and building companies designing or building ecobuildings in the UK. The site is full of information, and will be able to tell you of members in your area. The Building Environmental Science and Technology site has facts, figures, essays and a useful Green Building Primer. Building design directory for Architects and Building Services Engineers.Not specifically green in orientation, but could still help you find that green product or service you are looking for... Bulding Futures is a joint initiative between the RIBA and CABE that examines potential solutions for the built environment some 20 years ahead. Derbyshire Alternative Technology Association, (DATA). The Environmental Building News website, with news of green building news in the UK, and a discussion forum. Based at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the Environmental Energy Technologies Division is a leading research organization in energy-efficient building and indoor air quality. Green Light Construction aims to increase the use, awareness and acceptance of holistic and sustainable building methods, materials and processes. "Let greenlight show you the way!" At NESEA's green building pages you can find out how to save energy at home, read about various approaches to environmentally sound, energy-efficient building design, and learn about solar buildings. Sponge is an independent network of professionals who share an interest in sustainable development. It organises regular events for members to meet & learn & develop fresh ideas. The Friendly House - all about environmentally friendly houses, green building, self sufficiency, sustainable and renewable energy. The technology, new developments, as well as UK product and service reviews. UK Green Building Council Watch monitors the progress of the development of a Green Building Council for the United Kingdom		Advanced Buildings - the building professional's guide to more than 90 environmentally-appropriate technologies and practices BEES 2.0 (Building for Environmental & Economic Sustainability), software download for the evaluation of green building products Oak Ridge National Laboratory has created this Building Envelope Research site with information on the thermal performance of various building envelopes. Building Science Corporation is the place to find out about engineer Joe Lstiburek's seminal approach to energy-efficient, healthy construction. The Building Research Establishment (BRE) is a leading UK centre of expertise on buildings, construction, energy, environment, fire and risk. It provides consultancy, testing and certification services. Construction industry gateway Energy Savings Trust - "Our goal is to achieve the sustainable and efficient use of energy, to cut the carbon dioxide emissions which are the key contributor to global warming. We are a non-profit organisation funded by governments and the private sector." Green Construction site, stuffed with useful info GreenSpec aims to become the encyclopedia of sustainable construction including: product pages, specifications, material property comparisons, design guidance, renewable services guides, whole life cost data, image bank, diary, CPD, bibliography, etc. Rethinking Construction is an initiative of the UK construction industry, its clients and Government to improve UK construction performance. Sustainability Works is packed full of references and ideas on sustainable housing and provides support for organisations wanting to develop their own sustainable housing policies. The Lime Centre, just outside Winchester, is a superb source of information about building with lime mortars plasters and washes, and runs excellent courses. It also supplies lime putty, and all the other materials you will need to build with lime.

29. Publications
Building for a Future is the magazine for the UK's green builders, architects and engineers.		Green Building Digest magazine Green Builder magazine - the US magazine about green building.

30. Certification bodies
BM Trada was originally established to develop quality assurance schemes in the construction industry, and has since expanded into many other sectors.		The Building Research Establishment (BRE) is a leading UK centre of expertise on buildings, construction, energy, environment, fire and risk. It provides consultancy, testing and certification services.

32. Demolition & recycling
The California Integrated Waste Management Board site includes important info on dealing with and recycling demolition waste. Reclaimed Building Materials - helping you to source reclaimed building materials ...		The National Association of Salvage Traders (Salvo), can put you in touch with local dealers in reclaimed items and building materials. Recycled glass in bricks - using 5% recycled glass powder in bricks can save 20% of the energy of manufacture. UK-wide, this would use 8 million wine bottles, saving them from landfill.

33. Home composting & recycling
Britisheco is an online store selling a wide range of portable solar, renewable, composting, wildlife, outdoor and other green gardening products. Urbancomposting has a selection of compost bins, tumblers and worm bins, also a good information resource about urban composting & many links. WigglyWigglers supply composters and wormeries to digest your kitchen and garden waste.		Home Recycling Ltd stock a very wide range of domestic recycling bins and can crushers. Natural Solutions composting toilets. Based in mid-Wales, this innovative business has considerable expertise in the design, manufacture & installation of... sweet-smelling, urine-separating, stainless-steel finish composting toilets. Much cheaper than septic tanks!

34. More useful eco-links
The Green Electric website has links to everything you want to know about Green Electric in the UK. tfX is the UK campaign against trans fats - the "stealth killer" damaged fats found in most processed foods.		Try roadrage.org.uk for transport-related links, road protests etc in the UK. Loads of useful & interesting wildlife links, mainly UK, to be found here at wildfile.co.uk.