This summer a group of MSc students at Cranfield University undertook a scoping study, sponsored by the Gas Safety Trust, which investigated the environmental and health impact of the increasing use of biomass fuel for the production of heat and electricity generation. Biomass use represents fuel switching away from other fossil fuels. The group started from the premise that burning biomass creates a range of gases and particulate pollutants, which have different characteristics to those produced by combustion of other fuels.

The work was focussed on Milton Keynes, however the findings have relevance to other regions of the UK as well. The project used a questionnaire to understand public perception of biomass as well as a small scale trial to understand the effect upon indoor air quality. The trial noted that the main fuel that biomass would displace is natural gas and comparatively the switch would increase carbon monoxide (CO) emissions as well as producing ash.

A free CPD industry conference is being held at London’s Institute of Directors on Wednesday 11 June and will showcase new European air source heat pump technology in the UK for the first time.

The event, run and hosted by Cavara Training, is the fourth consecutive conference from Cavendish Engineers, and titled ‘Commercial buildings without a boiler house: The case study for air source heat pumps in London.’

In response to the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council’s (HHIC) comment on the Green Deal needing installer support to survive, NAPIT calls for installers and advisors to get behind the Government initiative.

According to the latest Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) Green Deal statistics, 162,096 assessments were lodged up to the end of February 2014, up 12 per cent from the end of January. The 17,998 assessments carried out in February was the highest number lodged in any month to date and 18 per cent higher than the number in January. However, these statistics are still being regarded by many as disappointing after the high hopes the industry had for the scheme before its launch in January 2013.

As more and more people are becoming aware of the impact that global warming will have on their lives and the lives of future generations, there’s been an increase in demand for environmentally-friendly products: solar panels, locally-grown produce, free range eggs and accessible recycling resources are just some examples.

If you own a small business or work as a freelancer, there are benefits to being green that go beyond simply knowing you’re doing the best by the planet.

To engage and inspire the next generation of water and environment managers, the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) has launched a new Environmental Education Network.

CIWEM is proud to announce the launch its new Environmental Education Network, which will focus on raising the profile of water and environmental challenges at school level and helping young people to develop the understanding and skills required to solve them in the future.

Robust energy management policies are proving vital to enabling schools to reduce their carbon footprints – and significant heating and lighting costs.

They also help schools meet the requirements of the national curriculum, teaching pupils about green issues and encouraging them to take responsibility for the environment.

Now Simplicity Energy Management has combined the two in an innovative solution and a growing number of schools are taking it up, reporting positive results both on the bottom line and in the classroom.

A short training course to help UK businesses improve waste management has been launched by the Chartered Institute of Wastes Management (CIWM).

The Waste Smart course will replace the CIWM’s Waste Awareness Certificate (WAC) and will be offered at foundation and advanced levels. The one day course aims to educate businesses on how to cut their waste costs, comply with all legislation and become more resource efficient.

Mold is a significant biohazard, and can be found virtually anywhere there is moisture in the environment. It can be extremely difficult to detect and once detected, to eradicate. It finds its way into walls and wallpaper, floors, and even air passages, ducting, and wiring. A significant aspect of environmental care of buildings is detecting, treating, and eradicating mold. The eradication of mold also must be done in an environmentally responsible manner, without spreading fungicides or poisons that are worse for the environment than the mold itself. Mold training involves teaching how to accomplish mold eradication cleanly and safely. A company spokesman remarked, “Mold training is one of the most important services we offer, in that mold eradication is a major health and environmental priority for businesses.”