Staff at Redbridge Council have a brighter future thanks to the installation of a voltage optimisation system that has not only reduced its running costs and carbon footprint but also cut the number of office lights fusing on a regular basis.

The Voltis voltage optimiser from Marshall-Tufflex Energy Management has been installed in four locations across the council as part of a programme of energy efficiency measures implemented by the authority. Post installation the voltage of each location dropped by up to 25Volts.

Scotframe, the UK’s leading full kit manufacturer and supplier, has been granted approval by the British Board of Agrément for Val-U-Therm®, a new type of timber frame building panel which has the capacity to cut heating and energy bills to virtually zero.

The BBA certification, from one of the UK's most highly regarded construction industry approvals bodies, is a significant recognition for Val-U-Therm®, which is regarded as taking building methods into the 21st century.

·  91% say sustainability will be core to their business over the next 5-10 years

· Over half said tax incentives would be the best form of Government support

·  40% have not done any carbon foot printing on products

A survey of over 100 leading businesses in the building products sector has called for more support and vision from Government as nearly 100% recognise sustainability will be key to their future.  PwC and the Construction Products Association (CPA) launched the survey today (22 September) in London.

Peterborough Renewable Energy Ltd (PREL) is delighted to announce that a Technology Licence Agreement has been signed with Tetronics Ltd, the world leaders in DC plasma arc systems. The Agreement gives PREL permission to use Tetronics’ patented technology to deal with Air Pollution Control (APC) residues created onsite at EnergyPark Peterborough.

The ground-breaking EnergyPark Peterborough project, which was granted consent by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) in November 2009, will be the first sustainable biomass-from-waste powerstation of its kind in Europe. Drawing upon a mix of best available technologies, PREL will achieve maximum diversion of waste from landfill, creating renewable energy and recycled products at the same time.  Tetronics’ plasma-enhanced waste recovery systems will play a vital role in achieving that sustainable cycle and ensuring that the greatest value is taken from the waste input.

The Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) was established in Dublin on Tuesday morning, with the goal of radically transforming the built environment in Ireland.

It is hoped the plans will change the surroundings into one that is environmentally sustainable with the potential to create 30,000 jobs

Addressing those at the meeting, Minister Hogan said: "Sustainable development means meeting the needs of today without compromising the quality of life of future generations."