UN: Sustainable Development Goals

“edie” reminds us of the need to support the achievement of sustainable development goals. The UN has pledged an additional $54.5m to help developing nations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), after its annual reporting last year outlined backwards progress in several geographies on...

UK Government criticised for failing to set emissions targets for farming and land use

WOBO supports the need for joined up thinking to meet the net-zero concepts. The UK’s land must become a net carbon sink by 2040 if the UK Government is to meet its long-term climate targets but, to date, it has failed to produce joined-up plans...

UK: Government introduces £179m energy efficiency scheme for social housing

WOBO thanks edie for the reminder of the need for social interaction and action. The £179m is being issued through the Government’s £3.8bn Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and will attempt to increase the amount of social housing stock that meets the government’s threshold of EPC...

First 100% Natural Biomass-Based Biodegradable Thermoplastic Material

Research and application to protect the environment. Environmental issues such as climate change and deforestation due to the explosion of the human population are becoming increasingly severe worldwide; in particular, plastic pollution produces adverse effects, especially for the marine environment. Some scientific studies have reported...

Institution of Occupational Safety and Health: It’s time to get tough on asbestos

A timely reminder on the devastation that asbestos can create. Stronger measures on asbestos management are needed to save lives, according to the global body for health and safety professionals, IOSH. A lack of consistency in managing asbestos among duty holders and a lack of...

Sweden: Energy Innovation Project

Joined up working promotes success. Swedish project for a fossil free and  electrified vegetation maintenance in solar parks receives government funding. Husqvarna, Alight and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences have joined forces on a  project that aims to develop and validate autonomous electrified cutting of vegetation in solar parks...

Australia: Building Codes – dates for adoption

WOBO thanks the Australian Building Codes Board for the update and links to professional development. NCC 2022 preview and adoption dates We would like practitioners to be aware of important dates for the release of the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022, which include: 9 May...

Australia: Building Confidence Report

WOBO recognises the developments taking place in Australia. Best practice model guidance responds to the BCR The ABCB have released a series of best practice model guidance publications in response to the Building Confidence Report (BCR) recommendations. This model guidance has been endorsed by Building Ministers....

UK: New code of practice for external wall fire risk assessment published

Risk Assessment is key to future Fire Safety. The code, PAS 9980:2022 Fire risk appraisal of external wall construction and cladding of existing blocks of flats – Code of practice, has been developed to support the changes to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005,...

UK: Construction of Canary Wharf skyscraper halted over fire safety concerns

WOBO thanks SHP for the Canary Wharf update. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) raised concerns that the skyscraper’s design meant residents would not have the adequate means of escape should an emergency occur. The developer claims its schemes were all built in line with safety...

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