TRADA Technology has published an Introduction to corporate social responsibility, tailored to the needs of the timber, construction and furniture industries. The guide aims to dispel the confusion which surrounds the term itself as corporate social responsibility (CSR) comes under several labels, including sustainable development, responsible business, ethical business and corporate responsibility – all with the same goal.

The UK industry group representing manufacturers of expanded polystyrene (EPS) for construction applications has issued a new 20-page technical guide for specifiers.

Planning permission has been granted for the first council houses in the country to be made from straw. North Kesteven District Council has approved the application for a pair of semi-detached houses to be built at Martin in Lincolnshire.

Merton Council is to conduct its first comprehensive study into the energy efficiency of the borough’s homes. The council will be assessing 75,000 homes across Merton and will carry out more detailed surveys in a cross-section of property types in the borough.