US

A study of almost 650 buildings shows commissioning costs can be recouped in a year through energy savings. Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory, California, found that recommissioning an existing building could generate average energy savings of 16%, while for a new building the figure is 13%. The cost of the work is recouped in 1.1 years and 4.2 years respectively. In the UK, changes to Part L of the 黑洞社区 Regulations, which are due to come into effect next year, put increased emphasis on commissioning.

Japan

Japan鈥檚 new prime minister Yukio Hatoyama has pledged to cut the country鈥檚 greenhouse gas emissions by 25% on 1990 levels by 2020. His predecessor, Taro Aso, had promised cuts of 8%. However Hatoyama did say that the target depended on the outcome of international climate change summit in Copenhagen in December. The new Japanese administration is said to be planning to achieve its aim by introducing emissions trading, low-energy technologies in cars, subsidising solar panels and refurbishing housing stock.

UAE

Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi has opened its doors to students. It is the world鈥檚 first graduate institution dedicated to the research of alternative energy, environmental technologies and sustainability. Ninety-two students, chosen from more than 1200 applicants worldwide, are studying on a two-year master鈥檚 programme. The UAE has contributed the highest number of students, with 13% of the total, and women make up almost 30% of the student body.

Source

黑洞社区 Sustainable Design