// Read More //

ITS DEVELOPERS call the three hundred islands laid out in the shape of the world map just off Dubai's coast the "most innovative real-estate development on Earth". These new artificial islands, known as "The World", are just part of a plan to create hundreds of kilometres of new waterfront for Dubai, attracting visitors and wealthy home-owners from around the (real) world.

The World's developer, Nakheel, built its first artificial-island chain in Dubai in 2001 in the shape of a palm.

// Read More //

European governments and the European Commission are being urged to hasten the development of housing that produces no greenhouse gases.

The European Energy Network (ENR), which includes energy advisory bodies across the EU, says better enforcement of green building codes is also needed.

Less than a quarter of EU states have introduced certification schemes for houses, as required under EU law. European governments have agreed to boost energy efficiency by 20% by 2020.

// Read More //

Bungalow-type dwellings have been found to be the least energy efficient when it comes to complying with new energy regulations, according to a UCD study.

From July 1st, new dwellings seeking planning permission will have to achieve a 40 per cent reduction in energy consumption and a 40 per cent reduction in related CO2 emissions.

The UCD study, commissioned by the Department of the Environment, looked at nine different-sized detached, semi-detached and terraced houses and apartments, to see how they would comply with the 40 per cent reduction in energy consumption.

// Read More //

PROOF of the slowdown in the house building industry in Laois was brought home this week after two major employers let off over 60 of their workers. And more lay offs are expected.

ONS, formerly known as Owenass Development Limited, called in its 400+ workers at their site on the Ridge Road in Portlaoise three weeks ago and told them they were placing them all on protective notice.

A week later 53 of their workers were let go.

// Read More //

FOUR construction companies are seeking to be indemnified by three companies in the Lagan Group for the estimated E20m costs of repairing damage allegedly caused by the use of "defective'' infill in the construction of houses on three housing estates in Co Dublin.

The proceedings came before the Commercial Court yesterday and relate to houses on estates at Drynam Hall, Kettles Lane, Kinsealy, Co Dublin; Beaupark, Clongriffin, Dublin 13; and Myrtle, The Coast, Baldoyle, Dublin 13.

// Read More //

Experts are divided over plans for a new tunnel under the Catalan architect's controversial temple, writes Jane Walker in Barcelona.

In July this year a video broadcast on Catalan television showed shocking images of Barcelona's Sagrada Familia collapsing like a house of cards into mounds of rubble.

An alarming prospect: however, viewers were immediately reassured that the video was a publicity montage to demonstrate what some say could happen if authorities continue with their plan to construct a tunnel under the centre of Barcelona and beneath Spain's third most visited building - after the Prado in Madrid and Alhambra in Granada.

// Read More //

// Read More //

 The European court of justice has rebuffed an attempt by manufacturers of mineral wool insulation to block subsidies introduced in Germany for rival materials made of renewable materials. The complex judgement is still being digested even by bodies close to the case.

Outside a tiny eco-niche, the European buildings insulation market is dominated by mineral wools. Germany introduced subsidies for renewable types of insulation such as hemp or sheep's wool in an effort to encourage these kinds of material. In 2003, the European commission approved the subsidies under EU state aid.

// Read More //

Under a new energy plan, all new houses and apartments built from next July, will have to use solar panels or wood pellet stoves.

It is part of a drive to cut carbon dioxide levels by 40pc.

The measure represents the party's first major impact on government policy.

// Read More //

The tower has become a much loved landmark of the Mayo landscape over the years and is widely regarded by many as the gateway to the barony of Erris.

Its destruction by explosion in just under one month's time will be a poignant occasion for many. It will be an historic event too as the Bellacorrick cooling tower is the last remaining wide based design type tower in the country.

// Read More //

Bio Energy Power Systems has been awarded a contract by Keelagh Homes to provide Irelands largest ever district heating system in the Carlinn Hall residential development.Carlinn Hall is Irelands largest-ever sustainable housing development and the first residential development in the Dundalk 20/20 sustainable energy zone.

The deal is part of an impressive package that will see each unit in Carlinn Hall receive House of Tomorrow approval from Sustainable Energy Ireland. Each unit will have superior energy efficiency, and a district heating system that will ensure the carbon footprint of the development is reduced by 90%

// Read More //

The North's Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Industry, Nigel Dodds, has released £8 million in funding in the hope of converting 4,000 new households to renewable energy systems by next year.

Mr Dodds announced that he is to make grants of up to 50 per cent available to persuade Northern Ireland home owners of the attractions of "green" energy systems such as solar panels, wind turbines and wood pellet stoves.

// Read More //

// Read More //

// Read More //

// Read More //

// Read More //

// Read More //

// Read More //

// Read More //