Experts losing faith in UK’s ability to meet net zero goals
Authorities are losing faith in the UK’s ability to meet its net zero goals with a significant dip in confidence over the past year. The Climate Change Committee’s confidence in the UK meeting its net zero goals from 2030 onwards is now “markedly less than it was in our previous assessment a year ago”, according […]
Link between air pollution and dementia cannot be ignored, experts warn
Experts have called for stricter air pollution targets to tackle the risk of dementia after studies revealed a potential link between poor air quality and the condition. Research now links pollution to an increased risk of dementia, even at levels below UK, US and EU air quality standards. A team at the Harvard TH Chan […]
Call to retrofit buildings as net-zero quick win
The government has been urged to accelerate plans to retrofit buildings as a quick win to get its net-zero targets back on track. Following the publication of the latest report from the Climate Change Committee (CCC), the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) said the government should make the built environment a priority as the UK’s […]
Built environment sector ‘must accelerate adoption of circular economy principles’
The built environment sector has been urged to follow industry best practice to adopt sustainable principles and step up circular economy adoption. The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) and its network of more than 75 Green Building Councils have launched the Circular Built Environment Playbook explaining the benefits of developing a circular economy and reducing resource […]
Bat Survey Frequently Asked Questions
In a bid to protect natural habitats and encourage biodiversity, bat surveys are most commonly ordered at this time of year by local authorities considering planning applications. Here at Syntegra Group, we understand that the need for further bat surveys may cause worry and lead to further questions. To ease your concerns, our ecology team […]
Biodiversity Net Gain legislation outlined
Protected species and maintaining native habitats will become even more critical considerations when the Biodiversity Net Gain legislation plans come into force later this year. All planning applications in England from November this year are required to show a minimum 10% net gain requirement with all gains managed for at least 30 years (on-site or […]
Air pollution can damage health from pre-birth to old age – report
A new research report shows air pollution can damage health ‘before birth through to old age’. The report was commissioned by the Greater London Authority through Imperial Projects and carried out by researchers from Imperial College London’s Environmental Research Group who analysed the findings of a range of key studies. Their review focused on the “serious and life-limiting risks of […]
More biodiversity details required from businesses
Businesses have been urged to step up the amount of data they share on biodiversity measures and impacts to fall in line with new regulations set to come into force. The Carbon Disclosure Project, a not-for-profit charity that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impacts, […]
New guidance unveiled on gym acoustics
The Professional Practice Guidance on Gym Acoustics (ProPG) has been produced to provide developers, operators and Local Authorities with a standardised approach on assessing gym acoustics. The Acoustics and Noise Consultants (ANC), Institute of Acoustics (IOA) and Chartered Institute of environmental Health (CIEH) have worked together, collaborating across industry, to produce this guidance, which for […]
New influential role for Syntegra director
David Yates, Syntegra’s Head of Acoustics and Technical Director of Environmental Services, has been appointed as Chair of the Institute of Acoustics Southern Branch. He has been a committee member for approximately 10 years, serving at various times as Young Members’ Representative, Acting Secretary, Diversity and Inclusion representative prior to his appointment as Chair. The Southern […]
UK Government unveils updated Energy Security Plan
The UK Government has updated its Energy Security Strategy with an undertaking to upgrade 300,000 of the country’s least energy-efficient homes, launch carbon capture and storage projects and accelerate the development of green hydrogen, nuclear and floating offshore wind. The Government has confirmed that a new Energy Security Plan will be published, as well as a response […]
UK Government unveils plan for £1.8bn of spending on building energy efficiency
The UK Government has unveiled its plans for almost £2bn of funding to improve the energy efficiency of more than 115,000 homes and public sector buildings like schools and hospitals. Details of the allocation of the latest phases of the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG), which applies to privately owned properties, and the Social Housing Decarbonisation […]
Options available to reduce emissions but world failing to do enough – IPCC
The new Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Synthesis Report states there are “multiple, feasible and effective options” to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement, but that the world is currently not on track to achieve them. The IPCC’s report today reiterates that the world will fail to meet either of the Paris […]
Air quality impacts wellbeing, study indicates
UK workers believe the quality of the air inside their building has a direct impact on their health and wellbeing, a new study reveals. A total of 94% of UK respondents in a survey agreed with the issue as the importance of indoor air quality has come to the fore due to the connections made […]
Budget energy roundup
UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled a series of energy policies in his Spring Budget, introducing fresh funding for carbon capture technologies, reclassifying nuclear as a “sustainable” energy option and extending energy efficiency relief for households. Our colleagues over at Edie.net have produced this comprehensive overview of the measures announced: Energy cost relief The Chancellor unveiled […]
Hotel air quality now a guest priority
Improving air quality in hotels has become a priority for operators since the outbreak of the COVID pandemic – and those venues promoting positive health and wellbeing are securing premium rates as guests value the focus on clean air facilities. Creating healthier indoor environments became an essential feature of opening up countries after initial lockdowns, […]
UK needs to overhaul plans to reach net-zero ambitions – new report
The UK needs to implement new measures if it is to achieve its 2035 net-zero ambitions, according to a new report from the Climate Change Committee (CCC) that calls for better planning policies on infrastructure, batteries, flexibility and consumer demand. The CCC has published a raft of recommendations to improve projects that will enable the […]
Scientists discover enzyme that turns air into electricity
Scientists in Australia have discovered an enzyme that converts air into energy leading them to predict ‘the sky is literally the limit’ for a potential new clean energy source. The finding identifies how the enzyme uses the low amounts of the hydrogen in the atmosphere to create an electrical current. The research team, led by […]
Syntegra backs schoolgirl’s air pollution awareness raising efforts
Air pollution is not just something in the UK that concerns us here at Syntegra and we are delighted that young people are championing the cause both here and overseas. We were impressed that teenager Charlotte Green from St George’s School in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, brought to our attention the international petition to prevent drilling for […]
Heat pump installation kickstart
The UK Government has unveiled a £5m heat training grant aimed at supporting 10,000 low-carbon heating installers for the next two years. Heating engineers will be eligible for grants of up to £500 towards training costs, creating new green jobs, and helping to future-proof the heating industry, in a moved backed by the Heat Pump […]
SMEs see range of benefits as reasons to achieve net-zero
Small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in the UK are finding a variety of reasons beyond financial gains in their drive to reach net zero. The latest edition of Lloyds Bank’s Net Zero Monitor was published earlier this month having surveyed 1,074 financial decision makers in SMEs and revealed that 64% of their companies have […]
Innovation fund to fuel red diesel alternatives in construction industry
A fund has been created by the UK Government to boost innovation in technology to curb reliance on polluting red diesel in the construction industry. Red diesel is often used for off-road, heavy-duty vehicles such as bulldozers, forklifts and cranes. It is also often used to power machinery in industrial settings and accounts for around […]
More businesses setting ambitious decarbonisation targets
Increasing numbers of businesses are setting ambitious decarbonisation targets in a bid to achieve net-zero by the middle of the century, according to a new study. According to Climate Action 100+, there has been a 17% year-on-year increase in the number of large businesses setting such targets. The report found a variety of methods used by […]
Call for extra energy efficiency measures in homes
The UK Government has been urged to increase incentives for the creation of energy efficient homes over the next decade. The influential Aldersgate Group of businesses is urging the UK Government to provide clearer information on subsidies in a new report, ‘Warming Britain Affordably’. The buildings and industry has been set a target to reduce […]
