In the past few years there has been a huge increase in the awareness of problems posed by invasive ‘alien’ plants. MATT MONTGOMERY of The LK Group takes a look at the issue.

Invasive plants are usually non-native or ‘alien’ plants that cause, or have the potential to cause, harm to the environment, economies, or human health. Invasive plants are said by some to be one of the most significant drivers of environmental change worldwide. They may contribute to social instability and economic hardship, placing constraints on sustainable development, economic growth and environmental conservation.

By STEWART DELGARNO, chairman ofthe UK Timber Frame Association

The UK housebuilding industry is in a bit of an eco-frenzy. Almost from nowhere, it seems, the global warming agenda has appeared, and the race is on to design and build the UK’s first commercially viable and technically robust zero carbon homes.

by DAVID KING, the Environment Agency’s Director of Water Management

At the time of writing, it’s a dank, dismal day and the need to save water will be far from many people’s minds.

The full cost of the recent floods is not yet known, but we do know that, tragically, people lost their lives and thousands of homes in the North East, the Midlands and East Anglia have been ruined.

by MARGARET CATLEY-CARLSON, chair of the Global Water Partnership (Stockholm, Sweden) and member of the Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Water

Human behaviour everywhere has had an impact on the quality and quantity of our planet’s water. Water issues now threaten the quality of our lives. We see TV images of drought where rains fail, wells dry up, crops wither and die, lands erode and soil blows away, while European countries experience unprecedented flooding.