ASC is the national centre for delivering the skills and knowledge needed to make better places. We raise awareness of sustainable communities. We help build capacity by giving existing professionals new skills, and by encouraging others to take up relevant careers. We set standards and improve professional performance by highlighting and sharing examples of good practice. We influence policy. We work with organisations critical to the success of future communities. We aim to inspire, motivate and influence people across the public, private and voluntary sectors who are involved in creating communities.

The Group is a broad coalition of environmental agencies, NGOs, think tanks and industry representatives who believe that high environmental standards will be a major part of future economic growth and international competitiveness. We believe that there is no inherent contradiction between regulating for high environmental standards at the same time as maintaining economic growth and stimulating wealth creation. Quite the reverse: no economic policy which sacrifices environmental quality can succeed in the long term. We engage actively with government and other key decision makers in contributing to the future development of UK economic, environment and sectoral policies, by presenting objective evidence based on the diverse backgrounds of our members.

We are achieving our mission by galvanizing both the building industry and the nation to adopt and implement the 2030 Challenge, a global initiative stating that all new buildings and major renovations reduce their fossil-fuel GHG-emitting consumption by 50% by 2010, incrementally increasing the reduction for new buildings to carbon neutral by 2030.

We issued the 2030 Challenge in January 2006, and since that time, numerous groups have signed on and are now working to implement its targets, including the US Conference of Mayors (Resolution #50), American Institute of Architects (AIA), US Green Building Council (USGBC), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA/Target Finder), Royal Architecture Institute of Canada (RAIC), International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), Union Internationale des Architectes (UIA), and many, many others. 

ACE represents the business interests of the consultancy and engineering industry in the UK. We are the leading business association in this field, counting around 800 firms – large and small, operating across many different disciplines – as our members. Through powerful representation and lobbying to government, major clients, the media and other key stakeholders, we promote the critical contribution that engineers and consultants make to the nation’s developing infrastructure. We support and encourage our members in all aspects of their business, helping them to optimise performance and embrace opportunity. We carry this out with passion and vision; support and commitment; integrity and professionalism.

The Association for the Conservation of Energy (ACE) was formed in 1981 by a number of major companies active within the energy conservation industry. Our aim is to encourage a positive national awareness of the need for and benefits of energy conservation, to help establish a sensible and consistent national policy and programme, and to increase investment in all appropriate energy saving measures. Membership of ACE is limited to twenty-four UK based companies which have substantial interest in energy conservation equipment and services. Current members include controls manufacturers, energy service companies and manufacturers and distributors of insulation materials. In addition, there is unlimited membership of the \'Friends of ACE\', which is open to local authorities and housing associations who are actively engaged in energy conservation and related issues. ACE is separated into two core operations. A parliamentary campaigns unit, with an interest in developing and promoting sound UK energy energy policy and a research department investigating many aspects of energy efficiency both in the UK and Europe.

This website provides general advice on conservation practices and safeguarding wild habitats.  There is also more specific documentation useful to developers and planners regarding barn owls and road planning, barn conversions and so forth, available via the following links http://www.barnowltrust.org.uk/infopage.html?Id=24, http://www.barnowltrust.org.uk/infopage.html?Id=39

The BCT website provides general information on the BCT's position on biodiversity, campaigning strategies, planning and the law, and general guidance on conducting business and work with consideration for bats.  Documents regarding bats and buildings and development are available via the following link http://www.bats.org.uk/pages/conservation_in_action.html

Nationally, regionally, locally or even in your own back garden - Breathing Places brings nature to life for you - in the way you want to interact with it. We want to help you get friendlier with wildlife and give you lots of ideas on how you can do just that. We work with a range of lovely partners that can provide you with an abundance of activities that will help you enjoy nature, and best of all, it will keep you or the kids amused...

As leaders in the field of zero-carbon design and development, we have a unique track record of delivering Zero (fossil) Energy Development (ZED) buildings in the UK - click the image below to see the realisation of our latest buildings at Jubilee Wharf, Cornwall. We offer the full range of architectural services, from masterplanning and design of large-scale \'eco villages\' to one-off individual building commissions. We also offer architect-developer services under our \"land partnering\" initiative, where we employ a range of \'standard\' house-types and off-site manufacture to minimise risk and cost. Our latest house-type, RuralZED, uses a timber-frame kit with thermally-massive lining. The Bill Dunster architects ZEDfactory Ltd practice comprises 11 architects plus visualisation designers and office management staff. BDa ZEDfactory also has access to additional specialist expertise from a range of consultants, which it uses regularly.

The UK Biodiversity Action Plans website provides specific habitat and species action plans for priority species and habitats across the UK and defines local BAP objectives.

BioRegional Development Group is an entrepreneurial, independent environmental organisation. We develop award winning, commercially viable products and services which meet more of our everyday needs from local renewable and waste resources, to help enable One Planet living – living within our fair share of the Earth’s resources. Eco footprinting shows that if everyone in the world consumed as much as the average UK resident we would need 3 planets to support us. BioRegional is demonstrating that it is possible to significantly reduce our ecological footprint in areas such as wood products, paper, textiles, food, transport and housing to a sustainable level and maintain a high quality of life.

Review of the conservation significance of England’s birds and bird habitats to enable priorities for bird conservation in England to be identified from both a species and habitat perspective. Aimed for those setting local conservation objectives and targets to reflect national as well as local conservation priorities, but useful document for ornithologists generally.  Document downloadable in six parts as PDFs.

Tracing its roots back to 1918, The British Precast Concrete Federation (BPCF) is the trade association of precast concrete manufacturers. The main aims of the Federation are to promote precast concrete in the construction market, to disseminate information, through a range of industry representation and by shared knowledge, to add value to its member companies. Members interests are continually developed through our team of dedicated professionals who have extensive connections with organisations in the UK and worldwide to represent members\\\' interests.

The commercial property industry is a significant part of the UK economy. It is six times larger than the agriculture sector, more than twice the size of the oil industry and larger than each of the banking, leisure, transport and communications sectors. Whether at work, out shopping or using leisure facilities, buildings play a crucial role in the quality of our lives and how productive we are. Property is also a significant investment asset class for the pensions industry and therefore important in the financing of our retirements. We represent the interests of all those involved in property ownership and investment. We aim to create the conditions in which the commercial property industry can grow and thrive, for the benefit of our members and of the economy as a whole.

The BTCV Biodiversity Position Paper - a report outlining BTCV's position on biodiversity, what they believe and advocate for biodiversity conservation and current strategies and schemes across the UK - provides a useful introduction to the organisation for both individuals and businesses and is available via the following link http://www2.btcv.org.uk/bio_pp.pdf

The British Urban Regeneration Association, (BURA), facilitates the exchange of ideas, experience and solutions within regeneration. BURA is the leading independent organisation championing regeneration. Non-core funded, its unique strength derives from its wide range of members in the private, public and community sectors; this distinguishes it from any other sector interest group. BURA identifies and promotes best practice in regeneration and advocates an integrated approach to the social, economic and environmental issues involved. We offer members national and regional networks, dynamic training, seminars and conferences plus debates and forums covering key issues of the regeneration agenda.

BSI British Standards is the UK\'s National Standards Body (NSB) and was the world\'s first. It represents UK economic and social interests across all of the European and international standards organizations and through the development of business information solutions for British organizations of all sizes and sectors. BSI British Standards works with manufacturing and service industries, businesses, governments and consumers to facilitate the production of British, European and international standards. Part of BSI Group, BSI British Standards has a close working relationship with the UK government, primarily through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). BSI British Standards is a non-profit distributing organization, which means that any profits are reinvested into the services it provides.

This website provides a series of online handbooks designed to give practical advice on the installation and sustainable management of various habitat types, both urban and rural.  Topics include footpathes, waterways and wetlands, woodlands and hedging.

The BRE Group is a world leading research, consultancy, training, testing and certification organisation delivering sustainability and innovation across the built environment and beyond. Our mission is to ‘build a better world’. We help our clients create better buildings and communities and solve problems with confidence.

The Business and Biodiversity Resource Centre provides information for businesses regarding biodiversity needs and the impact of businesses upon wildlife and nature, with details of relevant legislation (UK and EU), events and publications. 

Business in the Community is a membership of companies with the leadership to translate corporate values and commitments into mainstream management practice. These companies measure and report on progress and illustrate the action being taken to improve the impact of their operations, products and services on society and the environment. Business in the Community inspires, engages, supports and challenges companies to continually improve the impact they have on society and the environment.

CPRE campaigns for a sustainable future for the English countryside, a vital but undervalued environmental, economic and social asset to the nation. We highlight threats and promote positive solutions. Our in-depth research supports active campaigning, and through reasoned argument and lobbying we seek to influence public opinion and decision-makers at every level.

The Carbon Trust is a private company set up by Government in response to the threat of climate change. Our mission is to accelerate the move to a low carbon economy by developing commercial low carbon technologies and working with business and the public sector to reduce carbon emissions. Our mission is to accelerate the move to carbon economy by working with business and the public sector to develop commercial low carbon technologies and help organisations reduce their carbon emissions. Our business consists of five complementary areas: Insights, Solutions, Innovations, Enterprises and Investments. We believe that all of these are critical in the creation of low carbon economy

We offer solutions to some of the most serious challenges facing our planet and the human race, such as climate change, pollution and the waste of precious resources. We demonstrate practical ways of addressing these problems. Leading by example, we aim to show that living more sustainably is not only easy to attain but can provide a better quality of life. Averting a massive environmental disaster is not out of our reach, although if we continue to treat the early signs with apathy, it soon will be. We address every aspect of the average lifestyle - the key areas we work in are renewable energy, environmental building, energy efficiency, organic growing and alternative sewage systems.

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers received its Royal Charter in 1976. It is the professional body that exists to: ‘support the Science, Art and Practice of building services engineering, by providing our members and the public with first class information and education services and promoting the spirit of fellowship which guides our work.\' CIBSE promotes the career of building services engineers by accrediting courses of study in further and higher education, by approving workbased training programmes and providing routes to full professional Registration, including Chartered Engineer, Incorporated Engineer and Engineering Technician. Once you are qualified, CIBSE offers you a range of services, all focussed on maintaining and enhancing professional excellence throughout your career.

CABE, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, is the government’s advisor on architecture, urban design and public space. We work directly with architects, planners, designers, developers and clients, offering them guidance on projects that will shape lives. And parks and open spaces are as important to us as bricks and mortar. We give clients hands-on advice on ways to get better value through better design, keeping them up to date and encouraging them to take the best approach from the very start. And our design review work shows clients what mistakes to avoid and what opportunities to seize. Fundamentally, CABE works on behalf of the public. That’s why we’re determined to inspire people to demand more from buildings and spaces. They, after all, are the people left behind after the planners and architects have moved on. CABE was set up in 1999 and it is now a statutory body, funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Communities and Local Government.

The CABE website provides information regarding environmentally friendly architecture.  The following links are of particular interest: CABE's areas of work - http://www.cabe.org.uk/areas-of-work; a selection of useful resources - http://www.cabe.org.uk/resources; CABE's response to PPS9 - http://www.cabe.org.uk/publications/cabe-responds-to-draft-pps9

Our vision is for the UK construction industry to realise maximum value to all clients, end users and stakeholders and exceed their expectations through the consistent delivery of world-class products and services. Constructing Excellence aims to deliver improved industry performance resulting in a demonstrably better built environment. We are a unique bridge between industry, clients, government and the research community,. Constructing Excellence delivers three major business streams: major government programmes (principally under a contract with the DTI); membership programmes; and other commercial contracts.

The Construction Industry Council (CIC) is the representative forum for the professional bodies, research organisations and specialist business associations in the construction industry. It provides a single voice for professionals in all sectors of the built environment through its collective membership of 350,000 individual professionals and 25,000 firms of construction consultants. In addition, CIC represents the views of the higher level of the industry (professional, managerial and technical) in ConstructionSkills – the Sector Skills Council for construction. ConstructionSkills is a partnership between CIC, CITB-ConstructionSkills and CITB Northern Ireland.

The Construction Industry Council (CIC) is the representative forum for the professional bodies, research organisations and specialist business associations in the construction industry. It provides a single voice for professionals in all sectors of the built environment through its collective membership of 350,000 individual professionals and 25,000 firms of construction consultants. In addition, CIC represents the views of the higher level of the industry (professional, managerial and technical) in ConstructionSkills – the Sector Skills Council for construction. ConstructionSkills is a partnership between CIC, CITB-ConstructionSkills and CITB Northern Ireland.

An organisation dedicated to the guidance, via various programmes and research activities, of all those engaged with the delivery and operation of the built environment.  Catalogue of CIRIA publications - http://www.ciria.org/service/bookshop_entrance/AM/ContentManagerNet/ContentDisplay.aspx?Section=bookshop_entrance&NoTemplate=1&ContentID=8815

The Construction Products Association represents the UK’s manufacturers and suppliers of construction products components and fittings. It acts as the voice of the construction products sector representing the industry-wide view of its members. The products sector has an annual turnover of more than £40 billion and accounts for 40% of total construction output. Everyone who belongs to one of the 43 trade association members is a member of the Construction Products Association and can have complete access to our information.

The DEFRA website provides a useful section on biodiversity, avaiable via the following link - http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/biodiversity/index.htm.  Included is information on the convention of biological diversity and how it is implemented in the UK, the UK's approach to conserving biodiversity, international (UN & EU) approaches, evidence and research relating to biodiversity and links to key documents and organisations.

BERR’s central purpose is to help ensure business success in an increasingly competitive world. It is the voice for business across Government. It leads the Government’s drive to raise UK levels of productivity, create the conditions for business success and strengthen the economic performance of all the regions.BERR has the lead responsibility in Whitehall for championing the interests of employees – business’s most important asset. We are also responsible for policy on consumers, a vital force for dynamic competitive markets that drive business success. It is strongly committed to sustainable development. The Department is headed by John Hutton, the first Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. Brian Bender is BERR’s Permanent Secretary.The Department was created on 28 June 2007. We employ around 2,500 staff, plus 4,000 in our executive agencies. Our annual budget is just over £3 billion. Half of this is spent on nuclear decommissioning; the rest on a range of issues from trade promotion to energy security supply, to championing entrepreneurial businesses through the Regional Development Agencies.

We would all like to be part of a safe, prosperous and healthy community. A community where everyone has the right to the same opportunities, freedom and respect. Somewhere we can be proud of. Communities and Local Government is working hard to create thriving, sustainable, vibrant communities that improve everyone\'s quality of life. To achieve this we are building more and better homes - and reducing homelessness, improving local public services, regenerating areas to create more jobs, working to produce a sustainable environment and tackling anti-social behaviour and extremism. Communities and Local Government sets UK policy on local government, housing, urban regeneration, planning and fire and rescue. We have responsibility for all race equality and community cohesion related issues in England and for building regulations, fire safety and some housing issues in England and Wales. The rest of our work applies only to England.

The DFT website presents general advice on travel and the environment, including a section on sustainable travel.

Provides advice to designers and contractors on the best practices related to protected species and landscape design.  Documents available to download as PDFs.

The Earthwatch Europe website provides links to informative documents regarding business and biodiversity via the 'Newsroom - Corporate Partnerships' section. 

The Earthwatch Worldwide website provides various sections of interest discussing bioversity on an international level.  Some examples are available via the following links:

http://www.earthwatch.org/europe/newsroom/education/news-2-supportingcapacity.html http://www.earthwatch.org/europe/newsroom/education/news-2-cocoafarming.html http://www.earthwatch.org/europe/newsroom/science/news-3-biodiversity.html

In the 2006 Budget, the Chancellor stated: “After discussions with some of the world\'s biggest energy companies, they have agreed to work in partnership to create, for Britain, a new energy and environmental research institute, and for it to become, for Britain, at the cutting edge of science and engineering.” This marked the birth of the Energy Technologies Institute. Our mission is to accelerate the development, demonstration and eventual commercial deployment of a focused portfolio of energy technologies, which will increase energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help achieve energy and climate change goals.

The aim of the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes (the Partnership) is to achieve energy efficiency in homes and alleviate fuel poverty through engaging cooperation and collaboration within the supply chain for energy efficient products and services. The Partnership has a comprehensive footprint within all relevant industry and social sectors and provides an effective mechanism for cross-sector cooperation and joint delivery of energy efficiency initiatives. The Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes is a network of over 450 organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors. By working together we aim to reduce the energy consumed by UK households as well as the number of people who are unable to sufficiently heat their homes during winter (known as \'fuel poverty\').

ESD was established in 1989 and since then has helped to define policies and implement projects to help mitigate climate change. We provide consultancy services and also develop our own projects and joint ventures. With a staff of 120 and offices in Bath, London, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Sofia, Nairobi & Tanzania, ESD has world leading expertise to deliver the low carbon economy of the future.

The Energy Saving Trust is a non-profit organisation, funded both by government and the private sector. We are one of the UK\'s leading organisations set up to address the damaging effects of climate change and we have offices in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Our aim is to cut emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) by promoting the sustainable and efficient use of energy. We provide impartial information and advice and have a network of advice centres in the UK specifically designed to help people take action.

This website provides an informative general section on biodiversity - http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/biodiversity/default.aspx, a list of publications relating to biodiversity - http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications/sone/resource_docs.aspx, and links to other useful resources and organisations - http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/advice/wildlifeguide/default.aspx. 

English Partnerships is the national regeneration agency, supporting high quality sustainable growth in England. We are a non-departmental public body and our sponsor government department is Communities and Local Government (CLG).We work with a wide range of partners including local authorities, the Housing Corporation, regional development agencies and the Commission for the Built Environment (CABE).English Partnerships and the Housing Corporation are working with CLG to establish the proposed Homes and Communities Agency.

A collection of documents entitled 'How our work helps biodiversity' providing information on the work of the Environment Agency and ways in which the public can help to create a better place for wildlife are available to download via the following link - http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/wildlife/31370.aspx

We are the leading public body for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales. It\'s our job to make sure that air, land and water are looked after by everyone in today\'s society, so that tomorrow\'s generations inherit a cleaner, healthier world. We have around 12,000 members of staff and a budget of almost £900 million. We were set up under the Environment Act 1995 and given certain duties and powers. We are a public body - around 60 per cent of our funding comes from Government, and most of the rest comes from various charges schemes. We are independent, but we work closely with Government to get the best possible results for the environment. Although we work across England and Wales, we have regional offices working closely with other regional bodies to develop the right solutions for local environments. We also have area offices working with local authorities and others to tackle the immediate environmental issues in your area.

ECI is an interdisciplinary unit administered within the Oxford University Centre for the Environment that undertakes research on environmental issues, teaches an MSc in Environmental Change and Management, and fosters university-wide networks and outreach on the environment. Founded 1991 through benefactions, ECI was designed to answer questions about how and why the environment is changing and how can we respond through public policy, private enterprise, and social initiatives. ECI research and teaching is characterised by a focus on global and regional environmental change, projects that bring together the natural and social sciences, and by an orientation to applied and public policy. Many of the research projects have a goal of influencing and informing public policy and decisions about the environment.

A programme to deliver energy certificates based on measured energy consumption for display in Public buildings across Europe within a harmonising framework. EPLabel Online is an easy-to-use robust system aimed at owners, occupiers and managers of public buildings. Users can determine a building’s energy performance and produce a demonstration version of an energy performance certificate suitable for display.

An online news and research database.  A search of 'biodiversity' produces an extensive list of publications relevant to the topic and of use to both businesses and individuals wishing to learn more about the various issues connected to biodiversity.

A clear and thorough website with access to many facts and figures concerning biodiversity; its value, conservation and its relationship with the urban environment.

The EEA website's section on biodiversity - http://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/biodiversity - provides a wide range of information including EEA activities, biodiversity activities, a list of publications about biodiversity and nature, and links to other multimedia, maps, graphs and datasets.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international organization that brings people together to find solutions which promote responsible stewardship of the world’s forests. FSC is a stakeholder owned system for promoting responsible management of the world’s forests. Through consultative processes, it sets international standards for responsible forest management. It accredits independent third party organizations who can certify forest managers and forest product producers to FSC standards. Its trademark provides international recognition to organizations who support the growth of responsible forest management. Its product label allows consumers worldwide to recognize products that support the growth of responsible forest management worldwide. FSC undertakes marketing programs and information services that contribute to the mission of promoting responsible forestry worldwide. Over the past 13 years, over 90 million hectares in more than 70 countries have been certified according to FSC standards while several thousand products are produced using FSC-certified wood and carrying the FSC trademark. FSC operates through its network of National Initiatives in 45 countries.

The Froglife website provides a list of advice sheets useful to any individuals or organisations wishing to obtain advice on the best practices for conservation matters relating to amphibians and reptiles.

 

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is a network-based organization that has pioneered the development of the world’s most widely used sustainability reporting framework and is committed to its continuous improvement and application worldwide.

 

This website provides guidance on great crested newt conservation and management. Main topics inlcude; habitat management, pond creation and restoration.

Green Alliance\'s mission is to promote sustainable development by ensuring that the environment is at the heart of decision-making. We work with senior people in government, parliament, business and NGOs to make environmental solutions a priority in British politics. Three aims govern our work: to make environment a central political issue to integrate the environment into public policy and decision-making to stimulate new thinking and advance the environmental agenda into new areas.

This website provides downloadable fact sheets that provide guidance for the control of invasive weeds in or near fresh water, looking at 6 non-native, invasive weeds found in the UK, what they look like and how to deal with them, including Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed.

The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) is a not-for-profit membership organisation established to promote best practice standards in environmental management, auditing and assessment. The Institute offers ongoing support to environmental professionals and aims to promote sustainability through improved environmental practice and performance. With over 14,000 individual and corporate members based in 87 countries, the IEMA is now a leading international membership-based organisation dedicated to the promotion of sustainable development, and to the professional development of individuals involved in the environmental profession, whether they be in the public, private or non-governmental sectors.

The IEMA is the Competent Body in the United Kingdom for EMAS the European Union's Eco Management and Audit Scheme and also offers the Acorn Scheme, an officially recognised EMS standard recommended by the government. Acorn offers accredited recognition for organisations evaluating and improving their environmental performance through the phased implementation of an environmental management system (EMS).

The guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment, as outlined on the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management's website, aim to: Promote a scientifically rigorous and transparent approach to Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA); Provide a common framework to EcIA in order to promote better communication and closer cooperation between ecologists involved in EcIA; Provide decision-makers with relevant information about the ecological impacts associated with a project, positive and negative.

This website provides useful information on the protection and conservation of wild birds and their habitats in the UK.

HHIC - Tranforming the domestic market for energy and heat - Presentations from the seminar which took place on 1st April 2009

The OPSI website provides a wide range of services to the public, information industry, government and the wider public sector relating to finding, using, sharing and trading information.   A search of 'biodiversity' will return documents pertaining to the subject useful to individuals, businesses and other organisations.

The Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction promotes sustainable responses to the technological, environmental, socioeconomic and cultural issues affecting building and construction. Activities including Holcim Awards competitions, Holcim Forum symposiums, seed funding for building initiatives and grants for research projects encourage innovative approaches to sustainable construction. The objective of the Holcim Foundation is the non-commercial promotion and development of sustainable construction at national, regional and global levels.

The Home Builders Federation is the principal trade organisation for private sector housebuilders and voice of the home building industry in England and Wales. It is an exciting industry filled with many talented people and organisations, providing sustainable and attractive homes to meet the demands of consumers. Our member firms account for approximately 80% of all new homes built in England and Wales in any one year, and include companies of all sizes, ranging from multi-national household names through regionally based businesses and small local companies.

The Housing Corporation is the national Government agency that funds new affordable housing and regulates housing associations in England. We have about 450 staff based at nine offices throughout England (we do not work in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales). The Housing Corporation also has a dedicated Centre for Research and Market Intelligence (CRMI). CRMI produces quality research, analysis, innovation and good practice. It aims to make the Housing Corporation world renowned for being the centre of expertise for housing policy and information.

The Housing Forum is a unique network of leaders and their supply chains from all sectors in housing development and construction. For almost a decade, we have developed a track record of providing timely advice to help our members maintain their position at the forefront of best practice. At the same time we have been able to present, at short notice, cross sector industry views to government on innovation to be encouraged, or on barriers to continuous improvement. Through the lessons learned from our demonstrations portfolio, our members and our alliances with other relevant organisations, we are able to: develop best practice guidance, influence regulation and government policies, and identify opportunities for our members to increase productivity.

IEEM is the professional body that represents and supports ecologists and environmental managers in the UK, Ireland and abroad. It provides a variety of services to develop competency and standards in ecology and environmental management.  Documents about bioversity can be found in both the 'Conferences' and 'Publications' sections.

The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) is a not-for-profit membership organisation established to promote best practice standards in environmental management, auditing and assessment.  A selection of documents discussing the issues surrounding biodiversity and conservation are available at the website's Reading Room.

The Institute for Public Policy Research is the UK’s leading progressive think tank, producing cutting edge research and innovative policy ideas for a just, democratic and sustainable world. Since 1988, we have been at the forefront of progressive debate and policymaking in the UK. Through our independent research and analysis we define new agendas for change and provide practical solutions to challenges across the full range of public policy issues. With offices in both London and Newcastle, we ensure our outlook is as broad-based as possible, while our International Team, Climate Change Programme, and Migration, Equalities and Citizenship Team extend our partnerships and influence beyond the UK, giving us a truly world-class reputation for high quality research.

The JNCC advises the government on both UK and international nature conservation.  Its areas of work include the maintenance and enrichment of biodiversity, conservation of geological features and the sustaining natural systems.  The website's section on UK biodiversity provides a selection of information, documents and links useful to a wide audience.  Also available is information regarding the Convention on Biological Diversity, accessible via the following link - http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-1365

This section of the RTPI website contains articles discussing environmental protection, useful to developers and planners.

The livingroofs website contains an informative section advising on the benefits of green roofs to biodiversity - http://livingroofs.org/livingpages/benbiodiversity.html.  Also available is a list of documents outlining policies and research regarding green roofs and biodiversity - http://livingroofs.org/livingpages/researchbiodiv.html

The Local Government Association (LGA), formed on 1 April 1997, promotes the interests of English and Welsh local authorities - a total of just under 500. These represent over 50 million people and spend around £74 billion a year on local services. The LGA exists to promote better local government. We work with and for our member authorities to realise a shared vision of local government that enables local people to shape a distinctive and better future for their locality and its communities. We aim to put local councils at the heart of the drive to improve public services and to work with government to ensure that the policy, legislative and financial context in which they operate, supports that objective. Based in Westminster, close to the Houses of Parliament and Whitehall, the LGA is a voluntary lobbying organisation. Our members include county councils, metropolitan district councils, English unitary authorities, London boroughs, shire district councils and Welsh unitary authorities. We also represent fire authorities, police authorities, national park authorities and passenger transport authorities.

We are the Mayor\'s agency responsible for driving London\'s sustainable economic growth. It\'s our job to ensure that London remains a global success story. To help us deliver this we work with partners from industry, and the public and voluntary sectors. In addition to driving forward equality, health and sustainability our work is prioritised by four themes: Places and infrastructure, Supporting people, Encouraging business and Marketing London.

London branch of the national charity Wildlife Trusts .  This website addresses species conservation and biodiversity specific to London.

The National Biodiveristy Network provides a ‘data warehouse’ of biodiversity documents and links aimed at providing information for government planners, countryside managers, industrial companies and individuals via it's NBN Gateway search engine.

The National Trust website provides details of the organisation's involvement with the UK government's Biodiversity Action Plan -http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-chl/w-countryside_environment/w-nature/w-nature-strategy/w-wildlife-bap.htm

New London Architecture is a vital addition to the public debate about the future of London. The capital is undergoing a period of massive change and NLA is a place where everyone - professionals, politicians and public - can find out and get involved in what is happening to their city. The NLA space is a centre for display as well as a centre for debate and for networking. It is where visitors to London can orientate themselves, where school children can learn about their environment, where communities can be consulted. A permanent exhibition of a 1:1500 scale model of Central London, surrounded by a display showing a cross section of current building projects, is enhanced by a programme of temporary exhibitions addressing London issues.

NextGeneration was launched in 2006 as an industry-driven initiative to drive best practice in sustainability into the heart of the UK’s residential development sector.

NextGeneration is a membership-based organisation, consisting of many of the UK’s largest homebuilders, overseen by a high-level Executive Committee to ensure the integrity and independence of the initiative.

NextGeneration seeks to enable the industry to understand what opportunities and risks the sustainable housing agenda poses through benchmarking, networking and knowledge-sharing.

NextGeneration has been welcomed widely within the industry and is formally endorsed by the UK-Green Building Council and the Energy Savings Trust.

The Old Home SuperHome project helps you make your home a more energy-efficient place to live. Whatever steps you want to take, we are here to help.

Old Home SuperHome is a network of exemplar, old dwellings which have undergone an energy-efficiency retrofit. We aim to create a network of homes that are local and publicly accessible, within 15 minutes, to nearly everyone in the country.  The project is run by Sustainable Energy Academy which promotes education and action to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings and communities.

One Planet Products was launched by BioRegional Development Group, an independent environmental organisation, and forms part of ‘One Planet Living’ , a joint initiative between BioRegional and WWF. One Planet Products is working with partners within the construction and refurbishment industries (primarily in the residential sector) to increase the supply and quality of sustainable building products, materials services. We are a bulk-buying initiative specifically focused on making the procurement of sustainable and environmental products and materials for the construction and refurbishment industry, more cost effective and accessible.

Places for People is one of the largest property management and development companies in the UK, committed to providing sustainable communities. Our focus is on creating places where people choose to live - whether that means providing new communities or transforming existing neighbourhoods into vibrant, popular areas to live and prosper. We have a strong track record of successful development from multi-million pound masterplanning projects to urban renewal and new-build developments. We create sustainable communities by building homes for sale and rent alongside homes for reduced and part ownership, as well as commercial units, live/work apartments, homes with care and support and nurseries for pre-school children. We develop new homes that are not only energy efficient and have a limited effect on the environment, but which are also appealing to the people who live in them

The Quarry Products Association has taken the lead in developing a sustainable development strategy for the aggregates and quarry products sector as a whole. One of our first steps in the process was an analysis of the industry issues as they relate to the four main objectives of the UK Strategy for Sustainable Development published in 1999: social progress which recognises the needs of everyone, effective protection of the environment, prudent use of natural resources, maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth. We went on to re-define our core values against the same objectives and have used them in selecting the key performance indicators from which we are now measuring progress.

RDAs have five statutory objectives: to further economic development and regeneration; to promote business efficiency and competitiveness; to promote employment; to enhance the development and application of skills relevant to employment, and to contribute to sustainable development. RDAs are business-led organisations. They provide a crucial link between the needs of business and the policies of Government. The RDA in your region can put your business in touch with business support and advice. RDAs work to bring investment into their regions and improve productivity. In the last financial year, RDAs added over 18,000 new businesses to the economy. A well-developed and properly balanced skills mix is an essential prerequisite to sustainable economic growth in any region. RDAs work with delivery partners and businesses to ensure each regional workforce has the skills required to meet the needs of its regional economy. In the last financial year, RDAs provided over 373,000 opportunities for people to learn new skills. RDAs make sure economic development in the regions takes into account the current and future needs of local and regional communities and the natural environment in which they live.

The Renewable Energy Association was established in 2001 to represent British renewable energy producers and promote the use of sustainable energy in the UK. The REA was called the Renewable Power Association until October 2005. REA’s main objective is to secure the best legislative and regulatory framework for expanding renewable energy production in the UK. We undertake policy development and provide input to government departments, agencies, regulators, NGOs and others.

The Royal Institute of British Architects is the UK body for architecture and the architectural profession. We provide support for our 40,500 members worldwide in the form of training, technical services, publications and events, and set standards for the education of architects, both in the UK and overseas. We work with government to improve the design quality of public buildings, new homes and new communities. Our annual award schemes recognise outstanding architecture and culminate in the RIBA Stirling Prize.

RICS – Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors – is the pre-eminent organisation of its kind in the world. As such it represents everything that is good in the property profession. Our members offer the very best advice on a surprisingly diverse range of land, property, construction and related environmental issues. As part of our role we help to set, maintain and regulate standards – as well as providing impartial advice to Governments and policymakers. RICS has 140,000 members who operate out of 146 countries, supported by an extensive network of regional offices located in every continent around the world.

RSCN is a non-government organisation devoted to the protection and care of Jordan's wild plants, animals and natural landscapes.  Useful to anyone wishing to learn more about Jordan's conservation efforts.

The RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute) is a dynamic organisation leading the way in the creation of places that work now and in the future. The RTPI understands that just as people develop places, places develop people. We are committed to the enhancement of our natural and human environment. Good planning combines an awareness of the competing pressures on our built environment with an ability to manage the very real effects on our space. Through its membership, the RTPI constantly seeks to create areas and places in which people want to live and work. The RTPI’s work involves: promoting good planning, developing and shaping policy affecting the built environment, consistently raising the standards of the planning profession, supporting our membership through continued professional development and education and training for future planners.

RSPB website section on biodiversity - includes information on UK Biodiversity Action Plan and RSPB's position on and approach to conservation and biodiversity.  Also of use to developers and planners is a report on the European Directive on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA ) and links to related documents - http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/policy/planning/sea.asp

The RSPCA website presents a series of lessons on biodiversity, useful to both students and teachers, via the following link - http://www.rspca.org.uk/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RSPCA/Page/TeachersPortalSearchResults

A document outlining SEPA’s aims and duties regarding conservation, biodiversity and sustainable development can be found using the following link - http://www.sepa.org.uk/about_us/policies.aspx

The SNH website provides information regarding SNH's position on biodiversity and conservation, as well as listing some useful resources. It also gives a link to 'Scottish Biodiversity Communications Toolkit' - an online resource to help organisations talk to the public and other audiences about Scotland's biodiversity.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature website includes an extensive section on biodiversity including news, resources, reports and links.  This can be found using the following link - http://www.iucn.org/what/issues/biodiversity/

Our mission is to improve the business performance of the built environment sector to deliver world-class facilities and infrastructure to its customers and end users. The South East Centre for the Built Environment (SECBE) is a consortium of business leaders that exists to inform policy and drive business-to-business learning and networking. We take regional strategies and industry issues and develop action plans to improve business performance throughout the sector. Explicitly, we will work with our Members and their supply chains to make a focused impact on the industry in the South East. With core capital investment from the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), the consortium engages with government, businesses from across the whole of the supply chain (from client to manufacturer) and a host of key stakeholders. By facilitating collaboration, sharing information and driving business improvement, SECBE\'s aim is to ensure that support for construction businesses is integrated, easy to access and effective.

SEEDA is the Government funded agency set up in 1999 responsible for the economic and social development of the South East of England - the driving force of the UK\'s economy. SEEDA\'s aim is to create a prosperous, dynamic and inspirational region by helping businesses compete more effectively, training a highly skilled workforce, supporting and enabling our communities, while safeguarding our natural resources and cherishing our rich cultural heritage.SEEDA aims to be a catalyst for change within the South East, working with partner organisations- businesses, education at all levels, local authorities, Government agencies, voluntary and community organisations and many others - to produce clearly recognisable results. We also have funds from Government to enable us to invest directly in a range of economic and social development programmes, and are in a position to help secure European Union and private sector investment for the region. Accountable to Government, SEEDA is a business led organisation, governed by a Board whose Members have wide-ranging experience in industry and commerce, local government, education, trade unionism and voluntary service

South East Excellence was established by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) to support the urban renaissance of our towns and cities. Our task is to bring together organisations that have the skills needed to build, maintain and renew our communities, and help them reach those who want to learn. A steering group made up of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), the Government Office for the South East (GOSE) and the South East England Regional Assembly (the Assembly) was set up to take forward South East Excellence. Our future plan is to replace the steering group with a Partners Advisory Group - to provide advice and support, review progress and promote collaboration - ensuring South East Excellence is a very real representation of the region\'s bigger picture.

A series of advisory leaflets designed to give advice on multiple levels of biodiversity research from general guidance to species level specifics and disease. A good research point once initial data has been gathered.

Sponge is a network of open-minded individuals who share a particular interest in sustainable development. These individuals generally work in, or are associated with the development of our built environment; from bricks and mortar through design, engineering and planning to communities and regeneration. Sponge provides a focus for fresh ideas in building; demonstrating how sustainable development can improve the quality of our built and natural environment. Sponge works with existing groups who also have an interest in sustainability and individuals who wish to be kept informed. The group is aimed at young professionals and participation is open and encouraged to all. Sponge was launched in 1999 and continues to grow at a healthy and sustainable rate....!

A Buyers Guide to a Greener Home

A series of reports showing the current state of the environment in different regions across the country, how it has changed in the recent past due to human interference and advice on making decisions to maximise the environmental health of areas.

The principal role of the SFfC is to coordinate, monitor, measure and report on progress under the headline targets. Where it is felt that sufficient progress is not being made under a particular target new initiatives are being considered. The SFfC does not act as an operational body. Its strategy is being implemented via Constructing Excellence, ConstructionSkills, the Construction Umbrella Bodies, National Platform and other implementation bodies together with the wider stakeholders in the construction industry where appropriate. The Strategic Forum maintains close relations with all relevant government departments. BERR acts as an observer at main meetings and other departments are consulted in line will the strategic issues being tackled by the Forum.

The Sustainable Communities website provides general advice on planning, designing and managing a sustainable place and information on helping wildlife adapt to climate change via adoption of green infrastructures.

The Sustainable Development Commission is the Government\'s independent watchdog on sustainable development, reporting to the Prime Minister, the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales and the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland. Through advocacy, advice and appraisal, we help put sustainable development at the heart of Government policy. Our work is divided into ten policy areas: climate change, consumption, economics, education, energy, engagement, health, housing, regional & local government and transport. Each policy area is led by a steering group of Commissioners and SDC staff. We produce evidence-based public reports on contentious environmental, social and economic issues, such as nuclear power. We draw on expert opinion to advise key Ministers, policy-makers and stakeholders across Government. We respond openly to Government policy initiatives, invite debates on controversial subjects and undertake watchdog appraisals of Government\'s progress.

Sustainable Homes training courses

The Technology Strategy Board has its origins in the Government’s 10-year Science and Innovation Investment Framework and its mission is to drive forward the Government’s Technology Strategy. It is sponsored by DIUS, the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (following the changes to the former DTI). Whilst the Research Councils invest over £3b per annum in basic research and the creation of knowledge, the business-led Technology Strategy Board, with a current funding budget of £200m per year, has been tasked with facilitating the rapid deployment of new knowledge into innovative products and services, in order to achieve specific objectives.

The APM Group provide research-based advice and information on the ecology and control of aquatic and riparian plants.  Annual reports, lists of approved herbicides and information sheets on common aquatic and riparian weeds can be downoaded free from the website.

The Bartlett comprises five multidisciplinary schools that are UCL\'s Faculty of the Built Environment. The schools are located in close proximity to one another and also close to UCL\'s main Gower street campus in Bloomsbury, central London. Each school in its own respect is internationally regarded as an excellent centre of education in its specialist areas. 5a research rated, and awarded teaching excellent status, the Bartlett is one of the largest and most successful organisations of its kind in the field of the built environment.

Weblink to the PDF document, downloadable in parts, concerning all aspects of bat work including useful and practical information on timber treatment, conserving and creating bat roosts, and health & safety.  It is an essential reference for anyone wishing to obtain a licence to carry out bat work in the UK.

 

This link provides useful information such as BES meeting notes, workshop reports and presentations on biodiversity.

This section of the ICE website provides information regarding sustainable development and environmental protection.

This website provides general information on a selection of British mammals, their ecologies and their conservation needs.  Free factsheets are available to download via the following link: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/mammal/facts.shtml

This website provides general information on a selection of British mammals, their ecologies and their conservation needs.  Various publications can be downloaded for free by following this link: http://www.vwt.org.uk/publications/downloads.php

The Town and Country Planning Association campaigns for the reform of the UK’s planning system to make it more responsive to people’s needs and aspirations and to promote sustainable development. The TCPA occupies a unique position, overlapping with those involved in the development industry, the environmental movement and those concerned with social justice. The Association prides itself on leading-edge, radical thinking and problem-solving.

Website dedicated to the support of the implementation of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) on behalf of the UK Biodiversity Partnership and the UK Government.  Provides a variety of information including reports and legislation.

The UK Business Council for Sustainable Energy has been created to bring together the key players in the energy sector in order to develop an effective dialogue with Government that can help strengthen the UK\'s strategic agenda for sustainable energy. The UKBCSE aims to: provide a forum for dialogue between the UK energy industry, government and other stakeholders on the key issues shaping the deployment of sustainable energy; promote the policies, investment and commitment needed to secure market growth and sustain long term business planning; Highlight the scope for technological and market innovation to deliver key environmental goals.

The UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP) helps organisations assess how they might be affected by climate change, so they can prepare for its impact.Set up in April 1997, UKCIP is funded by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and based at the University of Oxford. We work with our stakeholders and co-ordinate research on how climate change will have an impact at regional and national levels. This means that our stakeholders or partners commission the research and determine the research agenda, ensuring that it meets their needs. UKCIP provides support and guidance throughout the process for both stakeholders and researchers, and provides a bridge between researchers and decision-makers in government organisations and business. UKCIP has been the catalyst for a range of regional and sectoral studies into the impacts of climate change. UKCIP is part of a wider programme of research into climate change being undertaken by Defra.

Of particular relevance on the WildCRU website are the details on 'The Upper Thames Project – Farming for Biodiversity' - useful to the farming community - and 'The WildCRU Business & Biodiversity Initiative' - useful for businesses. Available via the following links - http://www.wildcru.org/research/farming/UTP.htm, http://www.wildcru.org/research/old/business.htm

The Wildlife Trusts website provides a variety of information concerning the conservation of wildlife in the UK, including an informative section on businesses and biodiversity which can be found using the following link -http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/index.php?section=corporate:biodiversity

A link to the section of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development website addressing ecosystems and sustainable development.

The World Green Building Council is a union of national councils whose mission is to accelerate the transformation of the global property industry towards sustainability. Current members are GBCAustralia, CanadaGBC, EmiratesGBC, IndiaGBC, JapanSBC, MexicoGBC, New Zealand GBC, TaiwanGBC, United KingdomGBC and the USGBC. Collectively, these nations represent over 50% of global construction activity, and touch more than eight thousand companies and organizations worldwide. WorldGBC members are leading the movement that is globalizing environmentally and socially responsible building practices. Its objective is to rapidly build an international coalition that represents the entire global property industry. WorldGBC is a business-led coalition. Green Building Councils are consensus-based not-for-profit organisations with no private ownership, and diverse and integrated representation from all sectors of the property industry. They see business as a powerful solution-provider, and are working to improve frameworks that harness business\'s ability to deliver.

The WWF-UK website contains a variety of general information on conservation, biodiveristy and environmental challenges and includes a useful section on businesses and biodiversity, which is available using the following link - http://scotland.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/get_your_business_involved/planning_a_green_office/enhancing_local_biodiversity/

The UK Government has set out an ambitious plan for all new homes to be zero carbon from 2016. We are here to help you understand the challenges, issues and opportunities involved in developing, building and marketing zero carbon homes.