The British Hydropower Association(BHA) represents the interests of all those involved in the hydropower industry. www.british-hydro.org
The British Wind Energy Associationthe trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. www.bwea.com
The European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) is the world’s largest industry association devoted to the solar electricity market. www.epia.org
The Logpile website provides information on the use of wood as a source of renewable energy and sustainable heating. www.logpile.co.uk
The Renewable Energy Associationrepresents British renewable energy producers and promotes the use of sustainable energy in the UK. www.r-p-a.org.uk
The Solar Trade Association serves as a focal point for organisations with business interests in the Solar Energy industry. www.greenenergy.org.uk/sta
Sustainability
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Visit the Environment Agency’s website for information on flood risk, water conservation, waste management etc.
Grants and Funding
The Energy Saving Trust offers impartial advice on the efficient use of energy. They offer grants and information on grants to homeowners, in order to encourage the efficient use of energy. www.est.org.uk
The Low Carbon Buildings programme provides grants for microgeneration technologies to householders, community organizations, schools, the public and not for profit sector and private businesses.www.lowcarbonbuildings.co.uk
The governent’s Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme enables businesses to claim 100% first year capital allowances on their spending on energy saving and water conservation qualifying plant and machinery and low carbon dioxide cars and natural gas and hydrogen re-fuelling infrastructure.www.eca.gov.uk
Green specification
www.greenbuildingstore.co.uk
Online shop for green building products.
Education and Training
www.greendragonenergy.co.uk
Green Dragon Energy runs introductory courses on renewable energy. See website for more details.
Policies and Guidance
The Building Research Establishment(BRE) offers services and advice linked to a complete range of building topics including acoustics, lighting, resource efficiency and sustainability.
BRE's Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) is used to assess the environmental performance of both new and existing buildings.www.breeam.org.uk
EcoHomes is the homes version of BREEAM. It provides an authoritative rating for new, converted or renovated homes, and covers both houses and apartments.
www.bre.co.uk
Visit the BRE website for details on theGreen Guide to Specification and theGreen Guide to Housing Specification.
www.communities.gov.uk
Visit the home page for the Department for Community and Local Government for information on building regulations, planning guidance and emerging legislation.
www.planningportal.gov.uk
The government’s online planning and building regulations resource. Information on the Sustainable Code for Housing can be found here.