Building design and specification

Websites

• Association for Environment Conscious Buildings ( AECB)

• www.aecb.net
  Independent environmental building trade organisation that promotes environmental awareness, and publishes a quarterly magazine and a directory of built environment professionals.
  
  
• Building Research Establishment (BRE)
  www.bre.co.uk
  A range of publications and services available from its Centre for Sustainable Construction. See under Energy Use for BREEAM etc. Also offers ENVEST as a software tool for assessing life-cycle environmental impact.
  
  
• Construction Industry Research Association (CIRIA)
  www.ciria.org.uk
  Seeks to improve the performance of all involved with construction and the environment.Various publications are available.
  
  
• Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE)
  www.cabe.org.uk
  
  
• Forestry Stewardship Council
  www.fsc-uk.org
  Accreditors for UK’s sustainable timber management scheme.
  
  
• Joseph Rowntree Foundation
  www.jrf.org.uk/housingandcare/lifetimehomes/
  A charity that provides information on meeting Building Regulations Part M (on access) and Housing Corporation Scheme Development Standards
  
  
• Green Register of Construction Professionals
  www.greenregister.org.uk
  Useful list of architects, engineers and tradespeople who have demonstrated a commitment to sustainable building.
  
  
• Green Building Store
  www.greenbuildingstore.co.uk
  
  
• Natural Building Technologies
  www.natural-building.co.uk
  Leading ecological building merchants.
  
  
• Royal Institute of British Architects
  www.architecture.com
  The main body representing architects that produces a number of building design publications
  
  
• Sustainability Works
  www.sustainabilityworks.org.uk
  Includes section on building.
  
  
• Resource for Urban Design Information
  www.rudi.net
  
• The Energy Saving Trust
  www.est.org.uk/housingbuildings
  The Energy Saving Trust sets stndards on energy efficiency for the housing industry and provdes the resources for meeting those standards which include technical publications, advice, interactive tolls and training.

Further reading

• Construction Materials Report: Toolkit for Carbon Neutral Development
  Beddington Zero (fossil-fuel) Energy Development. Includes assessment of cost-effectiveness and environmental benefit of key materials. (Available from BioRegional Development Group)
  www.bioregional.com
  Tel: 020 84044880
  
  
• Constructing for Sustainability: A Basic Guide for Clients and their Professional Advisers
  Construction Industry Council (2003)
  www.cic.org.uk
  Tel: 0207 399 7400
  
  
• Building a Sustainable Future – homes for an autonomous community (GIR53)
  Copies available from BRESCU or via Action Energy helpline.
  Tel: 0800 585794
  
  
• Eco House: A Design Guide
  S. Roaf, M. Fuentes, S. Thomas - Oxford Brookes University (2001)
  Architectural Press.
  
  
• The Good Wood Guide
  by Friends of the Earth for general information and sustainable timber products
  www.foe.org.uk
  
  
• Green Building Handbook, Volumes 1 &2
  T. Wooley, S. Kimmings, et al Comparison of the environmental effects of commonly available materials/ products with less well known green alternatives. E&FN Spon (1997)
  
  
• Handbook of Sustainable Building: An Environmental Preference Method for the Selection of Materials for Use in Construction and Refurbishment D.
  Anik et al (1996) An easy to read guide that offers sustainable alternatives to standard material/product specifications.
  
  
• Sustainable Housing Schemes in the UK: A Guide
  HHP Publications (2002)
  Tel: 01636 816902
  www.hockertonhousingproject.org.uk
  
  
• Sustainable Settlements: A Guide for Planners, Designers and Developers
  H. Barton, G. Davis and R. Guise. University of West of England and Local Government Management Board (1995)
  
  
• Sustainability Checklist for Developments
  D. Brownhill S. Rao. CRC for BRE / DTLR (2002)
  
  
• The New Autonomous House: Design and Planning for Sustainability
  B. & R. Vale. Thames & Hudson (2000)
  
  
• The Green Guide to Specification
  J. Anderson, D.Shiers & M. Sinclar (Oxford Brookes / BRE) Blackwell. 3rd Edit (2002)
  www.brebookshop