Govt launches site to help with eco design

The government has launched a new environmental information hub to help people adapt to climate change in the UK.

Launched yesterday (July 24th) by climate change minister Joan Ruddock, the hub takes the form of a website, which plays host to a variety of resources to assist businesses and planners, among others, make adequate provision for the changing environment.

This will help defend against changing weather, which may become more extreme and pose the threat of floods and erosion.

Builders will be advised to construct along environmentally sound guidelines, such as using sustainable materials and installing insulation.

"We'll need good design that works with the environment rather than against it, creating buildings that stay cool in the heat and deal with water that will be in short supply in summer and pouring into the drains during heavy storms," Ms Ruddock commented.

The Irish Environment Protection Agency has recently called for similar action, claiming that environmental concerns should be given precedence in social and economic policy.