Inside the new 'green' house
Posted on April 17, 2010
Video: One of the exhibits at the TED2009 conference is a pre-fabricated house that boasts state-of-the-art technology and a sustainable design that promotes a green way of living.
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Rubbish bin inspires Taiwan's plastic bottle building
Posted on April 17, 2010
Video: A building made from recycled plastic PET bottles has been built in the Taiwanese capital, Taipei.
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The innovator: Matthias Kauer
Posted on April 1, 2010
"Small is beautiful" is a longstanding eco mantra – and its latest example is a stamp-sized incarnation of the solar panel. Even with its minute proportions, the new solar cell generates three to four times the amount of power (10-12 watts) that a conventional cell could at the same size. "But the real point," explains Matthias Kauer of the Sharp Solar Research & Development Laboratory, "is that once you add in a comparatively cheap bit of kit like a lens, this tiny cell can then generate 100 times more power than an ordinary cell."
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Is it time to generate your own domestic power?
Posted on March 15, 2010
Will the government's feed-in tariff scheme which guarantees a rate of payment for renewable energy sold back to the grid tempt you to install your own solar panels or wind turbine?
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Will smart meters help reduce energy bills?
Posted on March 15, 2010
Thousands of households will soon get the chance to receive more accurate energy bills as the one company to offer smart meters extends its reach. First Utility last week became the cheapest energy company in the country with its internet iSave tariff, undercutting British Gas. At the same time, it announced customers on the new iSaveV3 tariff will be offered a free smart meter in coming months, with the aim of nationwide coverage by the end of the year. Only households in the Midlands presently have access to these.
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Solar panels the hot new item as pay-as-you-save launches
Posted on March 15, 2010
Get a loan of up to £15,000 to green your house – but the scheme could falter if the government loses the election
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Ed Miliband unveils loans scheme for green home improvements
Posted on March 15, 2010
The energy and climate change secretary, Ed Miliband, today announced details of a "green loans" scheme to help people pay for improvements to their homes to make them more energy efficient.
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Is solar power a bright investment?
Posted on March 15, 2010
It costs £12,500 to install solar cells on your roof, but new tariffs should give you a return of at least £25,000. So what's the catch? There isn't one, says Miles Brignall.
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'House of the future' is plastic
Posted on February 28, 2010
Video: Old TV sets, wiring cases and general household waste are being turned into what a Swansea-based company hopes will be the "house of the future".
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    • Is solar power a bright investment?
    Posted on February 22, 2010
    It costs £12,500 to install solar cells on your roof, but new tariffs should give you a return of at least £25,000. So what's the catch? There isn't one, says Miles Brignall
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