Industry guide to Green Deal opportunities

The National Insulation Association has welcomed the launch of  a new guide created by the Construction Products Association Green Deal Project Team along with the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes.

Produced by the industry for the industry the Green Deal Opportunities for Industry guide highlights how companies might get involved with the scheme. The document has drawn attention to the NIA’s role in providing support for current members and potential future members in becoming involved in and access to the Green Deal.

Neil Marshall, the chief executive of the NIA, said the trade association for manufacturers and installers of insulation is heavily involved in developing the Green Deal with government. He urged companies looking for advice, support and information about the Green Deal to contact the NIA about membership without delay.

For more information e-mail bev.coombe@nationalinsulationassociation.org.uk or telephone 08451 636363

Experts warn flooded homes could pose health risks

UK property experts have warned that the current spate of heavy rain could leave householders at risk from more than just floodwater.

The Institute of Specialist Surveyors and Engineers – ISSE – is urging people whose properties are water damaged to seek specialist and competent advice when drying out their homes – or toxic mould could take hold, damaging their homes and their health. 

Jeff Charlton, a founder fellow of the British Damage Management Association and a fellow of the Institute of Specialist Surveyors and Engineers, is also a member of the British Standard Institute’s professional working group tasked with writing new guidelines for the industry in the area of decontaminating buildings which have been exposed to water damage.

He said: “Because there are no industry guidelines in the UK for tackling flood damage, many contractors don’t understand that the methods they use to dry out a property can lead to a whole host of problems – some with long-lasting and devastating health consequences."

Get inspired at National Self Build Centre, says firm

Fleming Homes, providers of bespoke timber-frame houses for self-build projects, believes that the National Self Build and Renovation Centre – NSBRC – in Swindon provides the perfect environment for potential self builders to find inspiration for their projects.

 Fleming Homes is an information hub for the self builder whatever stage of the process they are at and from the base of their exhibit at the centre they place great emphasis on education and support.

 Hayden Martin, managing director at Fleming Homes said: “Like the NSBRC, our company’s primary objective is to promote self building. We are passionate about the potential of self build and the incredibly self fulfilling experience that comes with it; just as the centre is. Having an exhibit within the NSBRC allows us to contribute to this ideal by presenting our company within the most thorough self build information hub in the UK. The NSBRC is a must see for anyone interested in self build. In just one visit you can get all the advice, support, information and materials you require for your self build project. Fleming Homes is delighted to present our company within a centre that is so closely aligned with the way we view the self build industry.”

 Museum wins European award

Riverside Museum, Glasgow has been named the most innovative museum in the fields of technology, labour and social history by the European Museum Academy. Riverside competed against museums in 12 other European countries to win the 17th annual Micheletti Award.

In their citation, the judges noted that: “The careful planning of the museum included involving visitors and volunteers at every stage of the development.” 

The judges concluded: “The museum has put its budget and its large workforce to excellent use, it is completely publicly oriented, flexible and always on the outlook. It is making a change to a rundown neighbourhood, as well as being a showcase of past, present and future transport industries of Glasgow.”

Lawrence Fitzgerald, Riverside Museum manager said: “The judges were particularly impressed by the relationships the museum had built up with people before, during and after opening and by the range of stories told at Riverside.”

Riverside Museum has already attracted more than 1.4 million visitors since opening in June last year.

RIBA launches photography competition 

The RIBA has launched a photography competition, Architecture 2012, open to entries from all RIBA members in any category.

With the theme Architecture 2012, the RIBA invites images that capture any interpretation of architecture in whatever form – the inspiring, the beautiful, the intriguing or even the bizarre. 

Ten winning images will be selected by judges including Morley von Sternberg, architectural and portrait photographer and Angela Brady, RIBA president. They will be printed as postcards and sold in the RIBA bookshops. The photographer of the best image will receive the latest iPad.  All proceeds from the sales of the postcards will go to the RIBA Education Fund, a registered charity that makes grants to students of architecture in the UK who are experiencing financial hardship. 

Angela Brady said: “A members’ photography card competition is something that Robert Elwall, Photographs Curator of the British Architectural Library, and I talked about doing to celebrate the best Architecture in 2012. I am looking forward to seeing some fantastic photographs to capture Architecture of today.  This competition is a fitting tribute to Robert who sadly died earlier this year. I am keen to raise vital funds for RIBA Education once these cards go on sale”.

The closing date for entries is 6 June 2012. For details and how to enter see website www.architecture.com.