Report on first UK renewable district heating from rivers plus latest Buildingtalk newsletter

  • 22 Oct 2013

First UK renewable district heat from rivers plus a nation of self-builders

Buildingtalk was invited to the opening of the first UK community heating scheme powered by energy sourced from river water which is being built by the Thames at Kingston. Ed Davey, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, switched on the Mitsubishi Electric river-based renewable heat pump system that will save 500 tonnes of CO2 and reduce heating bills too. Follow the link below for more details.

This is quite a moment because the Kingston Heights project demonstrates how every UK town and city built near water (river, lake, sea or even canal) can now provide renewable heat for homes and industry. It also comes at a time when we already have an 80% growth in build projects in 5 major cities outside London – all with water nearby!

Great news that the first of the next generation UK nuclear power plants, at Hinkley Point, gets the gets go-ahead, with 57% of the build (£12bn) to be spent in UK. Even the GMB Union welcomed the EDF investment, especially the commitment to ‘up-skilling’ and apprenticeships.

Other news from our dear politicians: Eric Pickles wants to turn us into a ‘nation of self-builders’ via subsidies; and Labour leader Ed Miliband was challenged about the Green Deal on a visit to Pilkington Glass.

ABC&D magazine is celebrating 25 years of providing a good read for ‘Architects, Builders, Contractors & Developers’. The latest issue, with great feature articles and product news, is available online via this link – or why not subscribe to have a free regular copy delivered right to your door.

Finally, take a look at the amazing sliding house at Margate, constructed using Sterling OSB. Is it art or demolition? Please spray your answers on a wall near you.

TOP 10 STORIES

First UK community heating scheme powered by energy sourced from river water

Labour Leader Ed Miliband discusses energy efficiency at Pilkington Glass visit 

Studies show key classroom benefits from new Rapidvent ventilating window

Marble & Granite Centre at BATIMAT exhibition to showcase new hard surface material

How new Approved Document A amendments affect walk-on rooflights

DigiSig E-signing speeds up solar and renewable finance sales

New energy efficient, fully reversible window for high and medium rise projects

Timber and building supplies company partners with health and safety provider

New solvent-free polished stain-proofing surface protector added to Fila Green Line 

Composite windows make the most of natural light at London Metropolitan University


VIDEO OF THE WEEK

New EJObar membrane-friendly low-cost bridging bar for flat roofs

LATEST STORIES AND CASE STUDIES

Brisafe perimeter protection system for new-build Dundee car park

Secondary glazing improves thermal insulation at iconic post-war London flats

Margate amazing sliding house supported by Sterling OSB panels

Thermatex Fine Stratos ceiling tiles on top form for David Lloyd Leisure Centres

Internal Wall Insulation for Glasgow tower block refurbishments

Safesite award for outstanding work within the safety industry

Regional winners of Most Trusted Decorator competition revealed

Latest from FASTRAK CAD

TWEETS OF THE WEEK

UK nuclear power plant gets go-ahead, 57% build (£12bn) to be spent in UK

First UK community heating scheme powered by energy sourced from river – every UK city/town by water can do the same

Tiny ‘LEGO brick-style’ studs make solar panels a quarter more efficient

Margate amazing sliding house. Is it art or demolition

Government Minister to turn UK into ‘nation of self-builders’ via subsidies

Unions welcome EDF investment + up-skilling + apprentices at new Hinkley Point Nuclear power station

5 UK cities bounce back with 80% rise in new construction with 45 new projects

Best list on support for restoring, repairing or converting Historic Buildings

Leave a Reply

Latest news

BMBI
GEZE
Encon
SWA

SWA: A focus on Steel Window Association member West Leigh

Located in Charlton, South London, SWA member West Leigh was established during the Blitz, in 1943. During the destruction in London, the company helped in repairing windows and facades that had been damaged by bombings throughout the city.

Posted in Articles, Building Associations & Institutes, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Services, Building Systems, Case Studies, Facades, Glass, Glazing, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & Renovation, Steel and Structural Frames, Walls, Windows