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Renewable Technology

One of the areas of sustainable construction that has gained the most publicity in recent times has been the use of Renewable Technologies. Rising energy costs, a dependence on importing traditional fuel sources and a drive to reduce CO2 emissions have led to micro-generation of energy becoming a feasible solution.

Legislation Drivers

The UK signed up to the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and pledged to cut CO2 emissions by 60% on 1990 levels by 2050.  In 2008 those targets rose to 80% reduction on 1990 levels through the Climate Change Bill.

One of the key areas in meeting these targets is the generation of energy, and especially electricity. The UK is still dependant on fossil fuels for the majority of its' energy usage which is a huge contributor to the carbon footprint of the country.

Legislation such as the Merton Rule have led regional planning authorities across the UK to insist on a percentage of renewable energy on many new-build housing projects.

Economic Drivers

The biggest change is yet to come. From April 2010 the UK will introduce a 'Feed in Tariff' which will pay individuals and organisations a set amount per kWH of electricity generated by renewable energy. This will see the initial payback period for installation of renewables plummet to a few years instead of decades!

A feed in tariff was introduced in Germany in 2000 and now 14% of the total electricity generated in Germany is from renewable sources. Most experts think that the same is possible in the UK, in fact a report by Ernst & Young in December 2008 titled "The Renewable energy country attractiveness indices" rates the UK as joint fifth in a list of countries in terms of their attractiveness to renewable energy investors.

EH Smith have partnered the market leaders in each of the following areas. Please click on the links below for product information:





  • Wind Power - Electricity from the wind 

If you have any queries on Renewable Energy, please contact us