Green Building Forum - Green Building magazine

Green Building Forum - Green Building magazine Mon, 25 May 2026 04:09:47 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 GBEzine reviews https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14296 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14296 Thu, 26 May 2016 06:27:04 +0100 Triassic
I subscribed to the print version and am considering signing up for the online GBEzine, at Â£20 per year it's quite a bargain! Would current readers care to review the magazine to help me in my decision making?]]> Major article about Thermal bypass https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4191 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4191 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:55:22 +0100 tony
I have long suspected that small gaps and cracks in insulation have a disproportionate effect on heat losses.

Your reporting the 158% reduction in performance was found when there was a 3 mm crack must put an end to partial fill with sheet insulation

I recon it puts an end to sheet insulation unless inspected and controlled on an hourly basis.

lots of good points made

hopefully it will stop the nonsensical way we build party walls (you didn't mention the thermal bridging into the attic through the structure).

I am unconvinced that any ammount of training will make any difference to grass roots practice, at least not for at least 25 years.

tony]]> Hard and soft water https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13339 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13339 Mon, 04 May 2015 16:21:10 +0100 tony
In the first paragraph it sounds like "most people fit water softener" this was not the intention nor it it the case, domestic atersofteners are a very much a minority sport.

I cannot believe that we are talking about centralised softening as a good thing. It would never be allowed nor would it happen, there would be a public outcry against it, protests in the street. All our water supplies are of very high quality. Centralised water softening is bad for humans especially those with any kind of heart condition and also soft or softened water is bad for teeth and bones, a fact not mentioned. Further softened water can more easily leach heavy metals contained in older systems, not mentioned either.

To try to argue from the point of view of energy efficiency is not a bright place to come from. The hugely vast majority of heat exchangers in boiler work on a closed system where there is no hope of depositing scale due to the small volume of water involved. In the case of hot water heat exchangers, typical in combination boilers where would the heat go that does not go into the hot water? we talking about a 7.5% loss of heat transfer efficiency this is different from or a 7.5% loss in fuel efficiency, But it sounds like it is. What happens to the heat that goes into a scaled up immersion heater element with 10mm of scale on it? Answer, it goes into the water in the cylinder.

The explanations of hard water and how ion exchange resins work miss a little of the science.

Bottom line for me is I hope that the UK does not follow suit, I would not like to see central softening of water]]> Arctic sea ice https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13294 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13294 Thu, 16 Apr 2015 20:15:12 +0100 tony
And why do we show the opposite in GB magazine?]]> Warm Up Bristol https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12925 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12925 Tue, 23 Dec 2014 11:23:57 +0000 LizM Any EWI Case studies? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12100 Sat, 17 May 2014 14:05:22 +0100 Mike George
Does anyone know of any such Case Studies?

Many thanks

Mike]]> U-value description in Sue Roaf â€œInsiderâ€ article in Spring 2013 Green Building Magazine https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10435 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10435 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:58:23 +0100 Ed Davies

Designers tend to settle for the simple metric of the U-value of the window, the heat transfer coefficient of the whole system including conduction, convection and radiation. It represents the heat flow in watts per hour through each square metre of the window for a 10Â°C temperature difference between the indoor and outdoor air temperature.

What?

I really expect and hope Prof. Roaf did not write that. I bet she's more than a tad fed up with whoever mangled her article in this way.]]> Can we deliver? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9984 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9984 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:46:27 +0000 tony
Bear in mind we are already behind any reasonable target position on the pathway to 2050 and the path gets unpleasantly steep towards the end.

Keith Bothwell in his excellent article in the current GBF raises some very serious questions about our ability to deliver the necessary retrofit energy saving measures into our building stock. Is there any hope of us doing it - no I don't think that there is.]]> Environmental benifits due to green roof technology https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2758 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2758 Sat, 18 Oct 2008 11:13:07 +0100 burgers Please discuss.....]]> Mechanical Ventilation https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8304 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8304 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:31:05 +0000 piersadler
The article cites the deaths of 25,400 older people in the UK from cold in winter 2010/11 and asks whether whole house MVHR would have been their salvation. I think in airtight buildings the answer is probably 'yes' and in well insulated airtight buildings definitely 'yes'.

The clear failing in this article and apparently in the thinking which supports it is that it appears to be based on a prejudice against MV without addressing the reasons why it is used. Without mentioning airtightness, without mentioning Passivhaus (where it is a requirement), the article is worthless.

My request is for better informed evidence based debate in GBM. I'd like to know what other members think, particularly on the issue of Mechanical Ventilation. I am not a particular supporter of MV, although I recognise that airtightness has a part to play in energy efficient buildings and that Passivhaus has a serous role in the future.]]> Absolute energy https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7505 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7505 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 17:47:07 +0100 tony
Lots of confusing percentage savings and comparative figures some U values but nothing hard and fast

I would like to see us all talking about kWh/m^2/y then we can compare and evaluate what is being claimed.]]> Retrofit for the future spring 2011 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7256 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7256 Sun, 10 Apr 2011 19:18:30 +0100 arnyj
picture bottom of page 37 states Cellular glass insulation bearing to replace removed brickwork to ensure the insulation is continuous to the newly installed window....

My question is where can this be bought I'm about to fix a new window

thanks

I thought it was a good read but lacking in detail where can I get more from?

Arnyj]]> Brussel's University Sustainability Comparison of European Waterproofing Membranes https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6862 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6862 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:55:21 +0000 royjenkins The report highlights the importance of "embodied energy " and "transport embodied energy " and durability/ long life
The Report is now available on Google Documents please use the link below to access the Report.
Or copy the link into your toolbar.
If you would prefer to be sent the Report via email, please let us know.

https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id=1SVEgMhb8DCk3iKYiYgJQWVqBhv-b0dRKnffREI1Qu8g&hl=en]]> Article challenging the benefit of breathability https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4579 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4579 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:02:57 +0100 Mike George Foundations without concrete https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=922 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=922 Thu, 29 Nov 2007 11:03:28 +0000 dickster
I'm hoping to build a very modest 80 sq m super insulated bungalow out of Masonite I beam panels. My architect, patient man, starts to baulk at screw in piles (Screwfast) with a timber ring beam and wooden floors. It seems an obvious way to do things without using concrete, but old habits die hard, if at all.

Has anyone had experience of using this method, what is it that I am suggesting that is so naughty?]]> Update - Feed In Tariffs (story in GBM Spring 2010) https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5541 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5541 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:07:52 +0000 gavindjharper
When I heard, I had a "FiT"...

"A DECC spokesman defended the decision, telling BusinessGreen.com that the cuts in the export bonus were justified as they would be more than offset by the introduction of the feed-in tariffs. He added that businesses were still free to negotiate higher rates for the renewable energy they sell to the grid."
http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2257085/feed-tariffs-unveiled-mixed]]> Solid wall extension with external insulation GB Spring 2009 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3980 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3980 Thu, 07 May 2009 09:26:05 +0100 Chris Wardle in focus: "green refurbishment" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3808 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3808 Sat, 28 Mar 2009 22:33:43 +0000 ali.gill
i get bsd (www.bsdlive.co.uk) and theres a q&a article with a pr guy on greenwash - i'm driven to quote it
--
how do you think greenwash is affecting the green agenda?
i hate it when some over enthusiastic pr (journalist?) gets hold of something vaguely green and hypes it out of all proportion, without really understanding the issues or backing it up with credible evidence. It weakens the whole green agenda and we run the risk of compounding cynicism right across the board. It happens in the built environment too. Some client tacks on some wind turbines (wood insulation/ufh/pellet boiler) and the pr agency suddenly claims the buildings sustainable. Utterly pointless, and it discredits the whole small scale renewables industry. To those kinds of pr's i say sort your act out. Understand the detail, understand the real story behind it.
--

the whole article is based on rhetoric.
two elderly people living in a five bedroom house is not sustainable.
energy consumption based on assumed and untested air tightness figures is irrelevant.
what is green? what is it? this article sums it up... unspecific, untested, unproven, great strapline.]]> Transition towns https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=197 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=197 Mon, 16 Apr 2007 17:31:08 +0100 GBP-Keith
Our journo will visit the town and talk to traders, the local authority and eco-activists about what they intend to do to move away from oil dependency. As usual, I'm skeptical and have pre-concieved ideas that it will be just the usual suspects that actually do the transition while everyone else goes about their normal activities - the heath food shops the old hippies and the weekend environmentalists. i hope I'm wrong. if anyone on the forum lives in a transition town let me know how its going please.]]> mystifying article https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2066 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2066 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:41:29 +0100 rogerwhit Green facelift part 2 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2028 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2028 Sun, 29 Jun 2008 21:28:02 +0100 sune I did initially think (and still do) "why bother spending Â£200K on a refurb when you could just buy a plot and build something MUCH better (in terms of sustainability and looks) for less" - but then I did forgive the scheme because I thought it would discuss useful, effective, and practical ways to alter an existing and inefficient house.
The first article was a very broad introduction (with no detail) to the project so I expected some real useful detail in the next installment...

Green facelift part 2 was essentially all about the owner choosing oil for heating and then changing his mind in the end in favour of renewables (plus choosing high some high energy lighting and then changing his mind). This was far from fascinating and leads me to think what other mistakes may not have been noticed in this project if something so basic could have been approached with such a misguided attitude...I am the only one who thought this?

Perhaps the project should be planned out a bit better - BEFORE jumping ahead and starting it. I know I would do lots of research before spending out Â£200K.....and if I was designing a sustainable house and wanted to call it "Green House" I certainly wouldn't be heating with fossil fuels.... or having the fact aired that I wanted to heat with fossil fuels in a magazine called "Green Building" with articles and a readership that have all surely transcended the notion of designing a petrochemical oil heating system into a sustainable house and moved onto things more worthy of their attention.

I would be interested to know, Nick Worsley, if you feel you have been fairly represented in the article(s).

Could we please have something a bit more advanced, with a bit more sense and substance to it for part 3

I may be being cruel or missing out on some valid point or not understanding something or other which should be apparent to me - in which case my apologies.]]> GB5 - passivhaus / passive house https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1370 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1370 Sat, 08 Mar 2008 19:26:22 +0000 GBP-Keith AECB's response to 'Heat, call for evidence' by BERR https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1421 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1421 Sat, 15 Mar 2008 19:42:14 +0000 sallyh GB4 now published https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1369 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1369 Sat, 08 Mar 2008 19:23:40 +0000 GBP-Keith Realising a Vision - aka worrying story https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=919 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=919 Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:40:23 +0000 GBP-Keith
The story creates as many questions as it answers so please feel free to discuss them here and I'm sure the author will be glad to answer them. I may well publish some of the comments especially if they help clarify or even rebutt the claims made.

Here at the office of GBmag, we have done our best to ensure that the author has evidence to back up his claims but as the story makes clear, he says that some evidence is confidential.

It is our policy to allow everyone to have a voice as it aids discussion and the dissemination of information. We try not restrict authors to 'our own line'. I for one disagree almost entirely with Mikes claims regarding PV power and Biomass heating.

http://www.greenbuildingmagazine.co.uk/winter07/realising_a_vision.pdf]]> Roof feature - Heat Island Effect https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=550 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=550 Sat, 11 Aug 2007 09:36:14 +0100 GBP-Keith Spring 2008 issue topic for GB4 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=984 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=984 Thu, 13 Dec 2007 18:00:37 +0000 GBP-Keith
Also I want to organise a debate on heat pumps. I'm looking for two representatives (one from the for camp and one from the against camp) to tough it out in print. Anyone interested? OR suggestions of someone who I can contact that would be happy to get in the ring would be welcome please.]]> Worrying story. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=910 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=910 Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:08:10 +0000 GBP-Keith
Have a read please.

http://www.buildingforafuture.co.uk/winter07/stroudhome.pdf]]> Green Building Magazine https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=315 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=315 Thu, 24 May 2007 17:50:49 +0100 Keith Hall THERMAL MASS https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=375 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=375 Wed, 13 Jun 2007 18:52:44 +0100 Richard Oxley Floors - major feature in Winter GBM https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=692 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=692 Tue, 25 Sep 2007 12:21:44 +0100 GBP-Keith BFF Spring 2007 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=665 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=665 Sun, 16 Sep 2007 19:20:01 +0100 GBP-Keith
This may be the last of the free pdf's as we are thinking of introducing an online subscription.

http://www.buildingforafuture.co.uk/spring07/index.php

I'm looking for about 20 volunteers to test an online version and comment. Send me an e-mail if you are interested please.

PS. Don't panic if you are a subscriber because the latest Green building mag is coming out in the post on about 20th September. About ten days late as we have changed our printer so fingers crossed.]]> Green Building magazine - autumn 2007 theme - Roofs https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=329 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=329 Thu, 31 May 2007 12:52:54 +0100 GBP-Keith
A few thoughts to kick off with.

* Practical upgrading of roofs on old buildings from an insulation viewpoint.

* Green roofs of course (could this subject get boring?) - no not if we were to carry practical experiences of how easy to achieve, problems, we probably know most of the advantages already.

* Renewables on roofs. lets talk about the practical aspects, costs and dare I say payback.

* sustainable roof coverings (what are they). Are they they best option or should we keep to the high tech solutions. Remembering that most green roofs use hightech solutions hidden below them.

I've missed loads of sub-subjects so please please jump in here.]]> Eco-pads! - How big is big enough? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=283 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=283 Sun, 13 May 2007 16:33:30 +0100 GBP-Keith
large - perhaps over-large houses being called green buildings sticks in the throat a little. What do others think? Should a home have a maximum floor area to rightly call itself eco. Should the Code for Sustainable Homes (and other standards) address this issue?

http://www.mistral-pr.co.uk/library/ashtonclose.htm]]> Building for a Future magazine - name to change! https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=212 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=212 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 17:41:52 +0100 GBP-Keith
I believe with the new name, it will attract a wider audience and become more influential in this growing sector. I'm really disappointed with the way the mainstream building magazines are helping 'ordinary' product manufacturers undermine the concept and philosophy of the subject by running wall-to-wall 'PR babble' dressed up as qualified sustainable, zero-carbon and green building information. Even titiles aimed at planners, local and central government officers and building regulations officers are doing it.

Rest assured, Green Building Magazine will keep to the time honored strict advertising policy that BFF has enjoyed and we will keep a very, very strict control of stories offered to us by product purveyors and PR companies.

Most regular things from BFF will flip over into the new mag but I am seriously considering dropping the product section at the back of the mag as it is our weakest spot. Comments are welcome on this and other aspects.]]> Walls and walling - major feature - in 'Green Building' magazine https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=101 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=101 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 19:21:48 +0000 GBP-Keith
A major part of the feature will be given over to renovation and upgrading of existing buildings so if anyone wants to put their own personal experience in this area forward then please contact me.

We will also be looking into what the future holds for alternative walling systems - already well known eco methods such as cob and strawbale will be examined but also some of the more recent and not yet introduced eco walling systems, such as hemp clay and straw - particularly looking into how they may cope in the move towards low carbon buildings.

Other issues to discuss will be thermal mass; overheating; foundations; training and skills shortages; MMC; adaptability etc. etc.

If we have any walling anoraks in the community then come forward now. I may have a sub-edit job for you.]]> Upcoming article - Summer 2007 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=86 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=86 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 18:15:10 +0000 GBP-Keith
The plan for the story is to get each one to look around at the existing and new green building organisations and decide which one, if any would best suit their goals or needs. The contributors would also, hopefully compare what the green building organisations appropriate to them may be offering that exceeds, compliments (or not) the more long term established trade organisations that they may already be members of.

We want to present our readers with a broad picture of what is availabe, at what cost and what benefit. We may follow it up in the following issue with a layman's wiew of it all.

Apologies to Biff for any spelling errors.

Post feedback here on the idea or contact me direct if you want to get involved.

Regards Keith]]> Spring edition Vol.16 No.4 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=93 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=93 Mon, 12 Mar 2007 11:02:07 +0000 GBP-Keith
http://www.buildingforafuture.co.uk/spring07/index.php" >Homepage

My editorial can be read here.

http://www.buildingforafuture.co.uk/spring07/editorial.php" >Editorial

Comments would be welcome.]]> Re-vamp of BFF https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=95 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=95 Mon, 12 Mar 2007 11:55:29 +0000 GBP-Keith I'll add a poll extension to this thread shortly where members can vote on the favourite and least favourite aspects of the mag.]]>