Apart from cancelled schemes, this government reversal of strategy “because it is too successful” creates uncertainty for investors – who will then ethically invest abroad.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (a misnomer if ever there was one) say they have to more than halve the FOT subsidy to “protect” it.

That is assuming a relatively tiny pot of money that can never be increased, only decreased. Since all governments of whatever stripe proclaim their green-ness these days, the proof of the pudding is in the eating (to mix metaphors). Both Labour and Conservative (and by extension the Lib-Dems) are not green at all, it is just a fashionable con, with a reluctant obedience to targets set in the EC.

We here used to build eco houses, before the crash of 2007. Then, we fitted Solar PV panels, which used to get a 50% government subsidy on the installation and hardware costs, with a complex application process of course, but there was no FIT (feed-in tariffs, payment for excess energy produced into the grid).

FIT is used in Europe a lot, but was ignored over here even though the entire alternative energy industry wanted it – because too successful.

Anyway that 50% subsidy for installation was also cancelled as too popular. In that system, there was always a rush at the start of the month, as applications had to get in before they maxed out.

What an appallingly stupid system – so the Conservatives are only carrying on a grand UK tradition of loud pro-green noises and quiet cancellations and downward revisions.

FAIL!

Note: we will be adding a DIY Solar Photovoltaic panel section soon – how to make your own panel and save a huge amout of money.

See our sections on:

Solar Energy and Power Advice and Tips>

Green Building advice and Tips >

The Conservative Government is reducing the FIT rate by half from December 12th 2011. Any solar PV panels installed and also registered with an energy company will qualify. So it is no good booking it in as the waiting times are long, as there is now a rush to sign up. There is always a delay in physically fitting the panels (6 weeks is very short time).

Also the energy companies ar ein no hurry to register your panels for the increased FIT rate – as they have to subsidise it as part of some energy reduction deal.

Comment
This is typical of the start-stop approach to anything green by both the recent Labour and current Conservative governments. They don’t really have any interest in green issues, it is just a lot of noise to fool the public. Plenty of money can be found for almost anything else – current spending cuts are a drop in the ocean of UK debt.

If a green initiate is successful, it has to scaled back or stopped, in case it is… too successful. So what is the point of that?

Window frames should be wooden to match the old style property. See these photo images below to get an idea of what needs to be done. This is not a DIY fix, this is all done by the skilled double glazing and framing experts. This is what differentiates the cheap salespeople that flog rubbish double glazing around the streets, and the experts who are usually in great demand and have a waiting list.

They will measure up the window gap, and fit the new double glazed window into the old frame, if it is in good condition. Sometimes a whole new frame will be needed. This includes the cable system that makes the window go up and down, which is called a sash system.

Double glazing will increase the energy efficiency of your home, prevent draughts, and also increase security. Good quality double glazing will also increase the value of your home – but low quality double glazing will reduce it!

Photos and Images of double glazing

Double glazing sash windows

Above: you can see how the framing is made and then glued to the glass. The double glazed unit is factory made as usual. The fancy framing to match the old style property is actually fake!

Double glazing sash window frame closeup

Above: close up of the curved wooden detailing on the glass – can see the back of the matching other side piece through the glass.

Double glazing sash windows

Above: general view of this fantastic looking old style window, with the latest high quality double glazing. Not brass window locks – security is a big issue these days and these windows come with high quality locks including bolt locks on the inside of the frames, and side limiters so you can open the window a small distance in hot weather.

Double glazing security locks close up

Above: nice looking brass locks give authentic traditional appearance and are very safe and practical too.

For more details on energy efficiency ratings etc, see our DIY Building Glazing ratings and details advice >

And our DIY Building advice on types of window frames >

Friday and Saturday it is open 10am to 6pm, Sunday is 10am to 5pm.

Main sections are:

Interiors - furnishing, furniture, lighting, carpets, wallpaper, paint etc – but grand
Build - for self builders and DIY buildings and DIY builders
Kitchens - your dream kitchens and mastering the culineray arts – chefs available – sponsored by Miele
Bathrooms - styles, fittings and finishes, all the latest energy and water saving devices
Gardens - big and small – grow your won
Food - kitchens live!
Village - full size buildings to explore
Technology - home tech including AV audio visual, security, 3D and more

Crest roofing and tiling display at the Grand Designs 2009 show

Eco Heat underfloor heating at the above show

British Eco wind turbine at the above Grand Designs show.

See Grand Design 2011 NEC >

The New Products section of the show is based on three main themes with a ‘path’ or ‘trail’ to guide a visitor through the vast show. This is a great idea as these shows can be like going to disorganised shopping malls, with no shops just hundreds of stands.:

• Design trail
• Innovation trail
• Eco trail

Where?

NEC (National Exhibition Centre)
Birmingham
West Midlands
B40 1NT

DIY Building went to the 2009 show, here are some Grand Designs Show photo pages >

Insulation is less of a concern in the summer, obviously, so that is a good time to fit it. But if you haven’t it is not too late.

Modern insulation standards are very high. In the UK, BREEAM standards cover all aspects of building homes and offices. So if you buy a new build, or newly converted, property you should have excellent insulation.

We have an advice on DIY Building – Insulation >

Wall insulation - pictures - from our Ebook

Sound insulation is controlled under the ‘robust details’ standards.

See advice on DIY Building sound insulation robust details >

If your property is older than 2000 or so, ie, a typical renovation, conversion or older property, it is most likely the insulation is bad. This is because it is an ‘invisible’ feature so developers can save money by fitting low quality basic insulation. This means higher fuel bills and also more noise pollution.

Noise nuisance is an all year round problem – either you make the noise – young children, music, parties, trombone practice – or your neighbours do – but you ALL get to hear it!

This is true of all old buildings, not just cheaply built modern properties. Desirable Edwardian and Victorian houses are usually ’single skin’ – one layer of brick, without even a cavity wall double layer structure.

Loft and attic insulation

Loft spaces (attics in the USA) are another huge source of lost heat (is that gramatically correct?). Most of your expensive heat escapes through the ceiling into the roof space and hence the outside.

It is cheap and easy to lay rolls of loft insulation so get to it!

If you are short of cash, there might be grants for loft insulation, so call your local Council. It must be done anyway, as it will immediately save money on heating.

See DIY Building on Lofts, attics, an dother extensions to the home >

Loft attic stairs can be noisy!

Glazing and double glazing

Double glazing is another must-have, but this is expensive. See our DIY Building advice on windows and glazing >

Energy efficiency and greening the housing stock

Lack of insulation is a major problem with housing in the UK or anywhere else. The existing housing stock is so poorly insulated, that is where the money should be spent.

New build homes with high insulation and building standards are a very small part of the picture, under 1% of housing stock. Even less now there are fewer new houses being built due to the recession (the company that runs this website stopped building eco houses in 2007 due to banking failures, not lack of demand).

We will be adding more posts about Autumn, Fall and Winter jobs such as how to prepare your garden, guttering, roofing, walls, water inress, damp, mould, etc.

Reference:

Visit website for insulation and building standards at BREEAM >

Building a Greener Britain (improving the UK’s housing stock) (pdf) >

Make the most of this weekend and the most of your home at The Homebuilding & Renovating Show, Surrey!

When?

THIS Weekend!
Join us Saturday 10am – 5pm &
Sunday 10am – 4.30pm

Where?
A venue close to home: Sandown Park Race Course, Esher KT10 9AJ
Easy access by car, rail or air.

Why?

NOW 200 companies! 50 more expert companies to compare than last year

Save Money by comparing 1000s of products and services

Gain confidence when you Ask an Expert for free advice

Make the most of your plans -
Ask an Architect for FREE

Unmissable seminars to help you plan your project

Must see masterclasses
to help you stay on time and on target

Discover Tricks of the Trade with the
DIY Doctor

Discover eco-efficient products and
new technologies

How?

Book Now! The Box Office closes at 3pm on Friday – book now to get advanced tickets for ONLY £5!

Tickets are £8 on the door, and all under 16s go in free

Dates are Tuesday 01 March to Thursday 03 March 2011.

There are 1300 exhibitors, all sorts and sizes, since everyone does green certified materials and processes these days. This is a fun show and well worth traveling to.

It has over 130 seminars on:

• Future energy
• Energy in buildings
• Sustainable architecture
• Regulations
• Many more

Also installations on Solar, Water, Refurbishment and Remodeling etc.

It says 600 speakers – which seems amazing – with Professor Brian Cox, human rights campaigner Bianca Jagger,
Baroness Susan Greenfield, Construction Advisor, Paul Morrell.

Plus 596 others!

Get your tickets for Ecobuild here >

Small green roof

That time of year again, the Big Green Home Show in Swindon off the M4. Many exhibits, seminars, Expert Alley (Ask The Experts) where you can get answers to your home renovation questions.

Dates: Fri 29 to Sun 31 October 2010
Where:
The National Self Build & Renovation Centre, Swindon
Open from 9.30-17.00.

Car: M4 at junction 16, signposted Swindon West, Wootton Bassett. Down A3102, signposted Swindon, go left after 200metres.

Of course you should take public transport to Swindon centre then get out there on a Bus, which is easy.

Suitable for all DIY and professional builders, the exhibition centre is worth a visit if you have not been before – it is huge with many excellent permanent installations showing foundations, water recycling, walls, roof, even an old house being renovated.

Topics include:

Eco Technologies
Sustainable Building
Energy Efficiency
SAP Assessor & Code for Sustainable Homes
Environmental Buildings
Plot/Property Searching
Design, Planning & Building Regs
Building Control
Builders Merchants
Buying Materials
Planning
Mortgages & Finance
Insurance & Protection
Eco Project Management
Self Build
Building Work Guarantees

You can get tickets from here:

Big Green Home Show 2010 >

See also our Green DIY Building advice >

David Snell DIY building expert

David Snell is a Contributing Editor to Home Building & Renovating Magazine, and he and some other experts are giving some talks at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre off the M4 in west Swindon.

So if you are worried your new extension might fall foul of some local Inspector, you’d better get over there. Very easy to get to, it is just off Junction 16 (I think) at west Swindon; just head towards Swindon from the motorway and look out for it on the left about 50-100 yards from the motorway roundabout.

Saturday 24th, 10am to 5pm. No charge. For more details see Building and DIY regulations seminars >

Building DIY com also has a lot of information on this, see

DIY and Building finance, regulations >

and

Starting a DIY building project >