AGGREGATES
Waste from incinerators can provide construction products while at the same time disposing of most of the waste itself. Incinerator bottom ash can be used to manufacture high-quality aggregates for construction use. This also avoids carbon emissions due to transport and reduces energy used in extraction of aggregates from quarrying, as well as the environmental damage caused by the quarrying.
For recycling of waste for use in concrete & other uses see:
www.aggregain.org.uk
Quarrying: Sustainable approaches to quarrying:
www.qpa.org
AIR HANDLING & VENTILATION
Natural ventilation using cross venting and the stack effect (vertical draught) is something that can be designed into a new or existing building. Natural methods using air flows do not require energy inputs. There is a range of methods: Natural air processing, & Mechanical ventilation with Heat Exchange.
ALUMINIUM CANS
Aluminium is the most common metal on earth in its mineral ore form (Bauxite) but takes a large amount of energy to process. If recycled energy in production is reduced to 5%. There are 3 types of "tin can": tinplate/steel (magnetic), tinplate/aluminium (magnetic) and aluminium (non-magnetic). See :
www.thinkcans.com
See also:
www.wasteonline.org.uk
ARCHITECTURAL FIRMS & PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS
For Architects, Surveyors, Engineers etc involved with sustainable design projects see:
www.greenregister.org
www.asba-architects.org
Royal Institute of British Architects - for general Architectural advice:
www.riba.org
Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors: for information on how to proceed if you think you have a problem of subsidence, or need a Chartered Surveyor for your property.
www.rics.org
Institute of Chartered Engineers: for information on how to choose a Structural Engineer:
www.ice.org.uk
Association of environmentally conscious builders. Useful site with a lot of info on sustainable building; including register of architects and builders.
www.aecb.net
ASBESTOS
Generally categorized into blue, white and brown. The main problem area is when it was used from the 1940s to the 70s as a lagging (often sprayed) to pipes and heating installation. It is therefore still present in many buildings, not all of them government or local authority. The asbestos cement roofing that is still fairly common is only a minor risk as it is usually maintained as tiles and not cut; asbestos fibres are only a threat when the material in whatever form is cut or broken up. See:
Asbestos Removal Contractor's Association
www.arcaweb.org.uk
BATHROOMS
The main things to consider in bathroom design are water consumption and how to reduce it. Ventilation is also an important factor in design; if there are no openings to outside air then mechanical means are usually used.
Low water Usage WCs: www.elementalsolutions.co.uk
Waterless WCs: www.kingsleyplastics.co.uk
Alternative technology: www.sunseed.org.uk
BIO-FUELS
These are fuels made from organic material; commonly from by-products like used cooking oil, cellulose or sugar beet waste. Bio-fuels are increasing rapidly in popularity in Northern Europe and the US. Technologies relating to bio-ethanol are attracting attention.
For location of petrol stations and compatibility of vehicles:
www.biodieselfillingstations.co.uk
www.purebiodiesel.co.uk
For advice: 
www.greenenergy.com
See also:
www.gasandoil.com
www.api.org (American Petroleum Institute)
BOILERS & HEATING SYSTEMS
CONDENSING BOILERS
These have become the industry standard for super-efficient domestic energy use. Most new boilers are combi type – and far more fuel-efficient than their predecessors.
Companies that do gas condensing boilers:
www.eco-gas.co.uk
Gas supply; general: www.corgi-gas.co.uk
Gas emergency: 0800 111999
GROUND SOURCE HEATING SYSTEMS
These systems use the ground surrounding a building to generate heat which is then utilized to provide internal heating within the building; often by means of underfloor heating systems (see below). The system includes for piled rods which are sunk into the ground near the building.
Geothermal and General:
www.earthenergy.co.uk
www.towards-sustainability.co.uk
UNDERFLOOR HEATING
Common in the 60s these have recently made a comeback as they give highly efficient and uniform spread of heat. Can be electric or hot water piped usually in the floor screed. See:
www.uhma.org.uk
www.wavin.com
See also thermashirt - an alternative to underfloor heating:
www.discreteheat.co.uk
BOOKS
A lot of information is available about current titles and deals.
www.greenbooks.co.uk
www.ecobooks.co.uk
www.greenbuildingpress.co.uk
BREEAM BUILDING EVALUATION
An important aspect
of environmental modelling of buildings is the Building Research Establishment's BREEAM (Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method) tool: it is Britain's most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings. It sets the standard for best practice in sustainable design and has become the de facto measure used to describe a building's environmental performance. In Britain it is used for non-domestic work. For each type a number of BREEAM credits are awarded: this is based on the buildings compliance with the BREEAM requirements for that issue, as determined by the BREEAM Assessor. The findings of the Assessor is based on the building/project information (evidence) they have collated. This information is referenced for each assessed BREEAM issue and serves to provide an auditable trail of evidence that confirms the building's BREEAM performance.
www.breeam.org
BUILDERS
It can be very difficult finding a builder for anything; especially one with recommendations. This should always take priority. Builders that specialize in environmental methods can be resourced through architects and surveyors who have tendered for such work. At the moment this is a practical way of finding one for the type of work you want. Alternatively contact CAT(Centre for Alternative Technology)in Wales, for a full list. See also :www.findabuilder.co.uk
www.ciob.org.uk/advice/choosebuilder
General: www.problemsolved.co.uk
www.screwfix.com
BUILDING PRODUCTS
There is a huge variety of building products; and many different eco-products on the market. Some are mentioned on this site and others will appear soon. See:
www.natural-building.co.uk
www.sustainabilitycentre.co.uk
www.naturaldeco.co.uk
www.ecomerchant.co.uk
BUILDINGS
All building projects are different and each has to be evaluated on its individual criteria and particular circumstances. There are now many different projects and studies.
Ecological tree house: www.treehouseclapham.org.uk
Energy Producing Mill: www.gantsmill.co.uk
Housing schemes: www.hockerton.demon.co.uk
www.bedzed.org.uk
www.integerproject.co.uk
www.bioregional.co.uk
www.greenmoves.co.uk
See also the UK Green Building Council :
www.ukgbc.co.uk
BUSINESSES & OFFICES
Most businesses are still throwing away millions of tones of toner cartridges, paper, packaging and plastic cups etc that could all be recycled. It is up to individuals in those businesses to embrace the new age of recycling:
Ecological businesses: www.ecobusinesslinks.com
General Info: www.bioregional.com (London and Surrey)
Companies: www.frponline.org.uk (London)
www.greenerworld.com (Middlesex)
www.scope.org.uk (Nationwide)
Three other sites worth mentioning are:
www.wastematters.uk.com
www.newearthsolutions.co.uk
www.wastecare.co.uk
CAMPAIGNS
World Green Building Council: campaign to change the property industry worldwide; the US, UK, Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Mexico and Taiwan have all signed up as members.
www.worldgbc.org
See the UK Green Building Council which champions greener buildings and optimizing of profits for green businesses.
www.ukgbc.co.uk
See also: www.oneplanetliving.org
www.wwwf.org.uk/sustainablehomes
www.lowcarbon.co.uk
CARBON IMPACT
A common enough phrase denoting the amount of carbon release into the atmosphere as a direct result of the use of a product including transport and manufacture. It should be noted however that methane is far more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon and methane impact will be a massive issue if the Arctic and Siberian tundra permafrost zones melt; releasing enormous amounts of methane into the atmosphere and potentially causing "runaway" global warming.www.carbonfootprint.com
CAR POOLING
A great idea but few offices practice:
www.liftshare.org
CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES
For any housing project attempting to gain environmental credentials this is now the national standard; there are 6 categories with Code 6 being the highest attaining credit and indicating a scheme closest to the aim of being carbon neutral.
CLAY PRODUCTS
These are becoming more prevalent as they give rather nice wall finishes and also can be used to provide more "breathable" construction techniques. See:
Clay building boards used for dry wall construction.
Tierrafino: clay textured natural finish for interiors, applied as render.
COMMUNITY
Knowing your local area: www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk
Useful for buying houses and doing local research.
Boats: Residential Boat Owner's Association – details of moorings etc
www.rboa.org.uk
Community & Eco-villages:
www.earthfuture.com
www.findhorn.org
www.gaia.org
www.livingvillages.com
www.earthship.co.uk
Small shops & local neighbourhoods:
www.thisislondon.co.uk/smallshops
www.wearewhatwedo.org
Sustainable projects: www.pezula.com (S. Africa)
www.simbithi.com (S. Africa)
www.almaverde.com (Portugal)
Urban Renewal: British Urban Regeneration Association
www.bura.org.uk
www.renaisi.com
www.englishpartnerships.co.uk - coalfield regeneration
Walking Groups: www.livingstreets.co.uk
www.walkingclub.org.uk
Wildlife havens & Local Community Projects:
www.bucknur.com
COMPUTER RECYCLING
E-waste includes all electronic equipment and is a fast growing global problem; approximately 1.2 million tones goes to landfill in the UK each year. The Waste Electrical Equipment Directive became EU law in 2003 and in the UK in 2007. Manufacturers are supposed to provide free disposal of equipment bought after August 13 2005. See
www.envirowise.gov.uk
www.wastewatch.org.uk
www.digitalgrowth.co.uk
Your local area will have various outlets advertised in the local papers. Try these for measure:
www.itforcharities.co.uk
www.computersforcharity.org.uk
www.cksplc.co.uk
www.freecycle.org
www.accutecc.co.uk
CONCRETE, CEMENT
Together these two (concrete being a combination of sand, cement and aggregates) represent a colossal and universal increment in carbon levels and global warming every year; in terms of quarrying, industrial process, transport and site work. Any building technology that reduces or eliminates our collective reliance on these materials, as long as its not done in as equally damaging a manner, will reduce the carbon emissions and damage caused by the building industry.For example under the BREEAM system any projects using concrete have to assign a tier level in terms of energy use and other environmental factors. This is factored into the calculations.
The use of recycled aggregates is helping to mitigate but not eliminate the overall impact; the use of other building methods such as timber framing, strawbales, prefabrication can all have a positive impact.
Companies & organisations which have researched more sustainable types of concrete:
www.concemsus.info
www.sustainableprecast.com
www.britishprecast.org
www.concretecentre.com
www.bca.org.uk
CONSULTANTS
There are many environmental consultants covering all areas of work specializing in the whole range of disciplines. See:
www.beyondgreen.co.uk
www.mckinnon-clarks.com