Green Building Forum - Politics Mon, 25 May 2026 04:21:56 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 Is Hinkley C dead? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14100 Mon, 07 Mar 2016 18:10:53 +0000 SteamyTea UK gov - any new "green" schemes or VAT changes since the election? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18198 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18198 Sun, 22 Sep 2024 23:58:09 +0100 stonecold
I'm hoping for some kind of improved incentive/funding for heat pumps, or VAT changes for retrofit.

Heat recovery, air tightness and the ventilation needed for high levels of insulation all seem to be getting overlooked. Doesn't seem to be any talk of insulation discounts either.]]> New consultations on Envirinment and S106 when building https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17784 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17784 Sat, 18 Mar 2023 12:11:06 +0000 djh
One on replacing S106 contributions with a "new, improved" system. And one on replacing 'overcomplicated EU environmental regulations' with a "new, improved" system.

The S106 proposal mentions moving the liability from the start of a project (during planning) to the end, to capture increases in land value. I can see how it will improve developers' cashflow, and I suspect it might lead to one-off development companies that are liquidated just before the project is completed, but I haven't read the consultations yet :devil:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-levy-to-make-sure-developers-pay-fair-share-for-affordable-housing-and-local-infrastructure]]> Ohio train crash https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17742 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17742 Tue, 14 Feb 2023 21:15:38 +0000 chrisinbrighton energy prices https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17551 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17551 Fri, 26 Aug 2022 20:20:15 +0100 djh
What do people think about it? I'm not too worried for myself because we live in a well-insulated PH and [I hope] we have adequate finances, but I do worry about people with minimum wages, or thereabouts, and people on benefits. OTOH I do believe energy prices need to increase significantly, and while this isn't the way I would have chosen to test it, perhaps there is some benefit to be gained. I don't know; what do you think?]]> £20 billion https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17252 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17252 Wed, 27 Oct 2021 12:59:47 +0100 djh
I wondered: what else would 20B buy?

How much battery capacity (with a decent expected lifetime)? Both conventional existing battery tech (anybody know what big Tesla systems cost, for example?) and new-fangled things like flow batteries?

How much wind turbine capacity? How much solar capacity, somewhere warm?]]> Carbon Capture and Storage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16160 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16160 Sun, 23 Jun 2019 20:14:14 +0100 djh http://www.softmachines.org/wordpress/?p=2346
and the implications for current UK political strategy.]]> petition on tax incentive to support retrofit https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16933 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16933 Tue, 16 Feb 2021 16:36:01 +0000 jms452
I'd imagine that the bigger change is actually making new build only zero VAT only if it was to passive standard. In the short term this would create a skills gap but ultimately with notice would create skilled jobs and effectively make all new houses passive..?


The petition reads:
To create a tax incentive to favour retrofit instead of demolition and new build

To 0% rate VAT on refurbishment projects total costs if they substantially reduce CO2e emission of the building; impose a 20% VAT for new build schemes, reduced to 5% if the build meets minimum passive house standard; to 0% rate VAT for all items on a regularly updated list of energy-saving products


https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/573207]]> Local plan and self-build https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794 Thu, 12 Nov 2020 22:33:20 +0000 djh
What does the team think? And ideally can provide a solid reference for? :bigsmile:]]> Want more trees? - Last day to sign! https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16708 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16708 Fri, 11 Sep 2020 13:51:51 +0100 RobinB duplicate https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16534 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16534 Sun, 26 Apr 2020 21:25:48 +0100 Victorianeco UK general election. Which parties offering the best 'Green' policies? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16359 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16359 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 17:28:40 +0000 jamesingram EU:- in or out? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14279 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14279 Thu, 19 May 2016 21:27:58 +0100 owlman :wink::bigsmile:]]> consensus building https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15843 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15843 Tue, 21 Aug 2018 13:04:21 +0100 djh
It basically describes a couple of online discussion platforms in Taiwan that help to achieve consensus on legal policy. I'd love to see that kind of experiment used in this country. We could really use some consensus building in various areas at the moment!]]> NPPF consultation https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15718 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15718 Mon, 07 May 2018 20:02:49 +0100 djh
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/draft-revised-national-planning-policy-framework

For some reason part of it is separate:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/supporting-housing-delivery-through-developer-contributions

I hope I haven't missed any more bits hidden away separately :devil:

edit: Hmm, there's another document, which isn't linked on either of those pages:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/section-106-planning-obligations-and-the-community-infrastructure-levy-in-england-2016-to-2017-report-of-study

I'm definitely beginning to think there is devilment afoot here :devil: :cry: :devil:

Just need to read it all now.]]> So, Volkswagen was the scapegoat.. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15371 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15371 Tue, 07 Nov 2017 07:18:32 +0000 cjard
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-sh/how_toxic_is_your_car_exhaust

Long story short, VWAG were caught cheating a test that is worse than useless at determining real world emissions, and probably punished inappropriately because their modern engines aren’t actually the worst on the road. Plenty of other makers do well in the test but in a real world situation their engines are up to 15 times worse than published figures. New tests promise to end the problem, but we’re stuck with a generation of motors that are truly horrendous for our own health..]]> Less of the hair shirts. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15104 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15104 Fri, 26 May 2017 11:26:57 +0100 gravelld
Curtis reckons it's failing because the climate advocates, led by science, are portraying a doomsday scenario without any hope for the future and no lauding of the side benefits of the restructuring of society that could take place to fix climate change.

This made me stop and listen, because I think the opposite.

To me, I think one of the main things holding back solutions to climate change is the way any climate advocacy is identified as being tied to a broader plot by the left to use climate change to enforce their principles. Similarly, "hair shirtism" (my name) which I see quite a lot on this forum, is an easy way to point out how fixing climate change will hurt the economy, make you poorer, less comfortable etc etc.

I think we need to stop preaching and show people how their lives can be better by fixing climate change. Not by abstract ideals or far off warnings of what calamaties may arise, but by showing here and now how building houses better (as an example) improve people's lives in a tangible, immediate way.]]> Another election: am I the first to mention it https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15054 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15054 Tue, 18 Apr 2017 15:56:48 +0100 SteamyTea Petition to "Make the PassivHaus standard mandatory for new buildings in the UK" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15037 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15037 Mon, 10 Apr 2017 15:45:35 +0100 gravelld
A petition has been posted on petition.parliament.uk:

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/190137


The PassivHaus standard delivers buildings that are healthy, comfortable, and cheap to heat, with heating bills and resulting carbon emissions less than 10% of the average UK building stock. Fuel poverty and climate change can be delivered through high levels of internal comfort.

More details
Despite the obvious benefits of the standard, the construction industry often requires more stick than carrot, with full take-up of the standard only happening in places where legislation has been brought about, such as Brussels, Frankfurt and Dún Laoghaire.

While the Building Regs are based on the minimum acceptable standard the building industry will deliver buildings of low performance, with high energy wastage, poor comfort conditions and contradicting design and living practices.
]]> Is this consultation considering the right things? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14987 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14987 Fri, 17 Mar 2017 08:07:59 +0000 cjard
https://planningjungle.com/wp-content/uploads/Fixing-our-broken-housing-market-White-Paper-February-2017.pdf

the summary, inasmuch as I have read, is "Britain needs more homes to drive market prices down so the cashier in your local spar can afford a house on her meagre wage. We must batter local councils into permitting development of more cheap homes built faster"

My concern is "Fast,cheap,good. Pick 2"

Is there any part of this consultation proposal that considers building better homes, not Barrett lash ups? I haven't read it all, 106 pages.. I've gotta get the day moving..

If it's a consultation, is it a good opportunity to raise he point that Part F needs to be sorted out, or will it just fall on the stony ground beside the "must build a shit ton of homes"* expressway


*or words in a similar order]]> Holland is Great! https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14866 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14866 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 18:59:40 +0000 mike7 A tax on solar? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14784 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14784 Thu, 22 Dec 2016 14:33:13 +0000 Triassic GB Energy, Who Next? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14726 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14726 Sun, 27 Nov 2016 16:16:46 +0000 SteamyTea Here is the FT bit on it.
https://www.ft.com/content/fc943f58-b499-11e6-ba85-95d1533d9a62
(You may need to do a Google search to bypass the paywall).

I heard that OVO wee offering 3% interest on any overpayment, that is an easy way for them to raise cash. But is it because they cannot raise cash any other way.]]> Return of the S106 affordable housing exemption for self builders.. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14361 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14361 Thu, 30 Jun 2016 09:46:10 +0100 cjard
So.. if you're (or if you know anyone who is) wrangling with the council over a contract that will considerably inflate your build costs, the reasonably good news is that you may not now have to pay it - seek some legal advice if you're being pushed around, because I assume that councils will be as unwilling to give up a nice cash cow this time around as they were last time. The exemption may disappear again, should the original challenging councils take it to the supreme court and secure a win

https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/section-106-news/
http://planninglawblog.blogspot.com/2016/05/reduced-affordable-housing.html

*that's if your local council was even doing anything with the money, other than just stacking it in an Icelandic bank account, waiting for the next crash]]> Self Build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14142 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14142 Thu, 24 Mar 2016 15:06:15 +0000 converse
Any thoughts?]]> Amber Rudd https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13356 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13356 Mon, 11 May 2015 17:03:58 +0100 SteamyTea Does she have any experience in this area?]]> Carbon pricing https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13714 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13714 Mon, 12 Oct 2015 13:18:01 +0100 djh
"Negotiations at the United Nations climate summit in Paris this December will adopt a 'pledge and review' approach to cutting global carbon emissions. Countries will promise to reduce their emissions by amounts that will be revised later. The narrative is that this will “enable an upward spiral of ambition over time”1. History and the science of cooperation predict that quite the opposite will happen.

...

Success requires a common commitment, not a patchwork of individual ones. ....

http://www.nature.com/news/price-carbon-i-will-if-you-will-1.18538]]> You think booze is bad for you? It's not as bad for you as HIPPIES https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13678 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13678 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 13:35:32 +0100 djh
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/09/25/vw_pollution_just_the_tip_of_the_iceberg_whos_to_blame_you_guessed_it_hippies/

but it makes some interesting points as well.]]> Feed in tariffs to be reduced by 87% https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13631 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13631 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 20:13:31 +0100 rhamdu
http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/news/decc_proposing_to_cut_solar_feed_in_tariff_rates_by_87_2324

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/aug/27/slashing-household-solar-subsides-kill-off-industry-government-feed-in-tariff]]> Green Deal Dead? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13417 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13417 Sun, 07 Jun 2015 15:34:48 +0100 SteamyTea http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/green-deal-energy-efficiency-programme-may-be-axed-amid-austerity-drive-10302126.html

How many people have taken the full package, anyone know?]]> Sunday Times Clean Air Campaign https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13390 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13390 Mon, 25 May 2015 18:50:20 +0100 SteamyTea There is a part that you can submit your own story. I hope mikee writes in.

http://features.thesundaytimes.co.uk/public/clean-air/]]> VOTE GREEN (A petition for electoral reform) https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13342 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13342 Wed, 06 May 2015 20:23:30 +0100 jamesingram
there you go , straight up, no holes barred biased posting :bigsmile:]]> [UK election] Green Party manifesto. Passivhaus for all! https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13292 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13292 Tue, 14 Apr 2015 10:24:51 +0100 gravelld
A few choice bits from the manifesto:


  • A free retrofit insulation programme, concentrating where fuel poverty is most serious, aiming at achieving Passivhaus refurb standard in 9m homes

  • All new homes to be built to Passivhaus standard

  • Investment in training for the design and building industries. Introduce a national college for training in energy home improvement



Nice idea but not quite sure how the finances work out on the first one. They are suggesting they will offer £5k free insulation and a further £15k in loans, but I think you're going to need a lot more cash than that on the average property!]]> Green building codes don't save energy https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13050 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13050 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 10:01:50 +0000 Triassic
In a paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, Arik Levinson said that energy codes enacted in California in 1978 were supposed to reduce energy consumption by 80 percent.

But homes built since then actually don't use less energy, even though the codes have added thousands of dollars to the cost of construction.

http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/green-building-news/study-green-building-codes-don-t-save-energy?utm_content=bufferde198&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin.com&utm_campaign=buffer

I was wondering if the same was true here?]]> Do You Ever Worry About Air Quality https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13051 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13051 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 10:27:48 +0000 Triassic
For many years Halton claim to fame was the title of the highest cancer rates in the country not to mention asthma as a common household ailment. We also have a very high rate of multiple scleroses.

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/air-monitors-required-in-halton-cheshire?source=facebook-share-button&time=1422194589]]> The Green Deal Is Coming Back https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:06:44 +0100 Triassic
The Government will offer an extra £100m in subsidies for those who want to insulate their property or make other improvements that will improve energy efficiency and reduce their bills, the energy secretary has announced.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/energy-bills/11145427/Green-Deal-7000-home-improvement-scheme-could-make-a-comeback.html]]> Windfarm construction subsidies https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12721 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12721 Tue, 28 Oct 2014 09:18:50 +0000 Ed Davies Y:Cube: Is this London's £30,000 house of the future? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12082 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12082 Wed, 14 May 2014 11:34:34 +0100 Triassic
The Y:Cube is a 280-sq-ft (26-sq-m) studio-like apartment made for single occupancy. It can stand alone, or be stacked into bigger housing blocks.

The units are constructed in a factory and arrive on site ready-made, with water, heating and electricity incorporated into the unit and ready to be connected to local facilities.

The YMCA plans to open its first Y:Cube Housing scheme with 36 of the units in the London borough of Merton by the end of 2014.

A unit costs £30,000 ($50,000) to build, and the one-bedroom homes will be let for £140 ($235) per week - around 65% of the usual market rent.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-27381656

Check out the video.....]]> Save a metal recycling & bio fuel firm from a superstore https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12034 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12034 Tue, 29 Apr 2014 18:36:41 +0100 bondy
I'm part of a residents' group fighting to save our local 100 year old metal recycling firm. Their landlord wants to evict them in favour of a superstore development.

The metal recycling firm plan to build a new bio fuel plant creating 200 new jobs, and use their existing rail siding for the additional freight, taking lorries off the road.

http://www.saverecyclinginshipley.co.uk/

Planning for the superstore was refused, now the developer has appealed. If the superstore developer succeeds the recycling firm will close with the loss of 100 jobs. There's no suitable site for them elsewhere.

There will be no metal recycling firm, no bio fuel plant, and no rail freight from this site again if the siding is closed.

We're not just trying to stop a superstore - a new, rival store development has been approved for an adjacent vacant site. It's just that this particular superstore is in the wrong place, and would be an environmental and economic disaster.

If you'd like to help, please sign our petition here ...

www.tinyurl.com/SaveCrossleyEvans

I don't work for any of the firms involved, I'm just a local resident trying to prevent greed from overcoming common sense ...

Thank you for reading ...]]> Five graphs that tell the future story of coal https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11535 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11535 Mon, 16 Dec 2013 15:19:42 +0000 jamesingram http://www.carbonbrief.org/blog/2013/12/five-graphs-that-tell-the-future-story-of-coal/

"International demand for coal is only going in one direction: up. Radical action to stall the growth of coal and curb the growth in greenhouse gas emissions is off-track, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The IEA's latest five-year outlook predicts coal consumption will grow at an average 2.3 per cent per year. The world will burn almost nine billion tonnes of coal per year by 2018 "

"Despite efforts from the Chinese government to encourage more efficient use of energy and more power from renewables, China will account for nearly 60 per cent of the predicted growth.

China: the centre of the coal world

Coal demand grew by 170 megatonnes around the world in 2012, according to the report, or 2.3 per cent of annual consumption. China accounted for 97 per cent of that increase.

China is now importing roughly as much seaborne coal as the rest of the world combined - and its coal consumption is expected to grow by another 17 per cent over the next five years. Overall, China alone will account for half the expected growth in coal demand to 2018"]]> Windows XP RIP? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11950 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11950 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 16:44:25 +0100 Triassic
As a result, after April 8, 2014, technical assistance for Windows XP will no longer be available, including automatic updates that help protect your PC. Microsoft will also stop providing Microsoft Security Essentials for download on Windows XP on this date. (If you already have Microsoft Security Essentials installed, you will continue to receive antimalware signature updates for a limited time, but this does not mean that your PC will be secure because Microsoft will no longer be providing security updates to help protect your PC.)

If you continue to use Windows XP after support ends, your computer will still work but it might become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. Also, as more software and hardware manufacturers continue to optimize for more recent versions of Windows, you can expect to encounter greater numbers of apps and devices that do not work with Windows XP.

Need I worry? Should I fall for this marketing ploy and buy new Microsoft products?]]> London house prices linked to political uncertainty overseas https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11628 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11628 Fri, 17 Jan 2014 13:54:09 +0000 Doubting_Thomas
http://www.theguardian.com/money/2014/jan/13/london-house-price-changes-political-uncertainty-overseas

Implies that there will always be some artificial inflation in London prices regardless of other 'externalities' like rising energy costs etc. and that London property owners might have a vested interest in maintaining overseas conflict..!]]> Review of Green Energy Taxes https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11294 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11294 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 13:46:29 +0100 Triassic
"We need to help people pay their bill and we need to help to get bills down," he told MPs. "We need to roll back some of the green regulations and charges that are putting up bills."

The review would be followed by a new competition test for the energy market to establish how it was functioning.

He added: "I want more companies, I want better regulation, I want better deals for consumers. But yes, we also need to roll back the green charges that he (Ed Miliband) put in place as energy secretary."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24637499

So which Green Regulation or charge (Tax) would you want to add to the list to be 'rolled back' and recycled.

Come to think of it, which Tax would you increase?]]> Cameron - climate change or not https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11594 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11594 Wed, 08 Jan 2014 17:59:10 +0000 Triassic
In comments that are likely to anger some Conservatives who are sceptical of climate change, the Prime Minister told MPs: “We are seeing more abnormal weather events. Colleagues across the house can argue about whether that is linked to climate change or not. I very much suspect that it is."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/10559114/David-Cameron-very-much-suspects-climate-change-causing-abnormal-weather-such-as-floods.html

Surly not!!]]> Xmas shopping, tax-paying alternatives to Amazon etc. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9899 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9899 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 13:16:03 +0000 jamesingram We found five well known High Street shops that appear to be paying a fairer amount of tax.
Debenhams - Paid 22% tax on its profits for 2012.
Debenhams online offers everything from fashion to furniture.
John Lewis - Paid 35% tax on its profits for 2012.
John Lewis online offers virtually everything that's available on Amazon with the exception of books.
Lush – Paid 42% tax on its profits for 2011.
Lush online offers an extensive range of handmade cosmetics.
Marks and Spencer – Paid 27% tax on its profits for 2012.
Marks and Spencer online offers everything from frocks to food.
Next – Paid 26% tax on its profits for 2012.
Next online offers everything from evening wear to electricals.

Of course we always recommend that you support your local shops before you hit the big High Street chains."

http://www.ethicalconsumer.org/boycotts/boycottamazon/amazonshoppingalternatives.aspx

Over the last few year I've tried to buy my xmas gifts in a 1 mile radius of home, though I think using the various
online/postal delivery retailers could well be more environmental efficient as i presume they use less premises (energy) to get product from manifacturer to end user and also deliver via an existing postal network.
Be interesting to hear the arguement for either model.]]> ECO Obligation Funding Stopped https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11460 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11460 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 18:23:57 +0000 Triassic
As a result of the Prime Ministers commitment to 'roll back green levies' energy companies ECO commitments have virtually stopped, with hard to treat homes no longer being insulation.

The Green Building Council comment - some companies have only delivered 3% of their obligations whilst other have done better.

The greenest Government yet !! Makes you wonder.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/b006qps9/Monday/console]]> DON'T PANIC - The Truth About Population https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11369 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11369 Fri, 08 Nov 2013 17:59:19 +0000 jamesingram http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03h8r1j/This_World_Dont_Panic_The_Truth_About_Population/

"Statistician Professor Hans Rosling presents a spectacular portrait of our rapidly changing world, showing how the problems of rapid population growth are starting to be conquered."

An enjoyable watch last night, a positive take on the situation for those with concerns over our growing population.

In a nut shell we've already reached a potentially sustainable birth rate through out the world, even though most of us in the west think many others haven't due to our misconceptions.

Pragmatic, realistic, any thoughts ?]]> Climate change utter rubbish.. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11288 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11288 Mon, 21 Oct 2013 15:51:36 +0100 RobinB :smile: thank god we've cleared that one up!]]> Stamp Duty https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11275 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11275 Wed, 16 Oct 2013 18:38:03 +0100 Triassic
Having steps just distorts the market at the step points.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/sdlt/intro/rates-thresholds.htm#1]]> Are energy price controls possible? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11192 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11192 Fri, 27 Sep 2013 18:19:20 +0100 beelbeebub
1) Are energy prices at their current level because energy companies are making excessive profits or are they high due to "external" factors?

2) Is a government imposed price freeze actually practical? How could it be done without the repercussions being worse than the current high prices?

3) Is it desirable to lower energy prices? The current high prices have the beneficial effect of encouraging reduced consumption. Of course the high prices do have a negative impact on the poorest in society. Is a price freeze for everyone, all the time, the best way to help them?]]>