Welcome to the October edition of theNBS.com eNewsletter

In this issue read about the implications of the Employment equality age regulations, the use of straw bale construction, and changes to masonry product standards. You can also find out about new books from RIBA Publishing and register for your free copy of RIBA Product Selector.

theNBS.com has relaunched!

theNBS.com home page NBS's website, theNBS.com, has been relaunched with a brand-new look. Responding to user feedback, we've made it easier to find the information you need, whether on our range of products and services or on the world of architecture and construction.

Topic areas
Our new topic section highlights key areas in contemporary construction, bringing together expert-written articles, lists of recommended resources, and contact details for key industry organisations in one easy-to-find place.

Free information
We've also added a lot more information to aid you in your work, with a library of authoritative technical articles, a directory of trade organisations and a comprehensive annotated guide to architecture, construction and engineering on the web. Plus, for the first time, you'll find here extensive reading lists on important construction topics, and a comprehensive glossary of green building terms.

Why not take a look at theNBS.com now?

Older workers, one year on

It has been a year since the Employment equality age regulations came into force; their goal was to aid in removing age barriers to employment and progression in work. This article looks at recent research, commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), into the phenomenon of older workers.

Straw bale construction

Now that the rather satirical huffing and puffing references to the 'Three little pigs' have come and gone, straw bale construction has come of age. Projects in the UK involving straw bale have evolved from smaller utility and out-buildings to large dwellings and local amenity buildings. In response NBS has introduced a new work section, F42 Straw bale walling systems. Peter Lloyd, a recent NBS Technical intern, and Charles Stirling, NBS Technical author, welcome straw bale walling to the mainstream.

Please set your clock to 'British Green Time'

Turning the clocks back causes a surge in Britain's greenhouse gas emissions and adds millions of pounds to power bills, according to new study results from Cambridge University engineers.

The study found that darker evenings cause domestic consumers to use an extra 5% electricity. It estimates that remaining on BST all year and perhaps renaming it Energy Saving Time could also prevent 104 deaths and 450 serious injuries on the roads each year by decreasing the amount of driving in the dark.

Read more on Energy Saving Time >>

Reducing the Carbon Footprint in the Built Environment – seminar with reduced delegate rate for readers of NBS eNews

Reducing the Carbon Footprint in the Built Environment seminar There are many exciting schemes in development that are looking at the impact of energy demands within buildings and built environments. This is particularly relevant to large buildings and building developments that require their own private power network. This event from the Institution of Engineering and Technology, sponsored by NBS, is divided into two separate streams, covering EU energy performance and renewables in a built environment.
This all-day seminar will take place on 11 December 2007 at The IET, Savoy Place, London.

The IET are offering NBS eNews readers their member's delegate rate of £275+VAT. However if you register before 16 November 2007, the rate is further reduced to £225+VAT. To register, please contact Rebecca Booth by phone on 01438 767 672, by fax on 01438 765 659 or by emailing rebecca.booth@theiet.org. For more information and to register visit www.theiet.org/carbonfootprint.

R.I.P. British masonry product standards

R.I.P. British masonry product standards 1 July 2007 was a momentous day for the clay brick industry and specification writers - it marked the end of the confused transition from BSs to BS ENs for masonry units. We outline the changes.

New books from RIBA Publishing

Keep up to date with the latest design and construction reading with these new releases from RIBA Publishing. All books featured are available to order from RIBA Bookshops.

Green Guide to the Architect's Job Book - a highly readable and green process map through the complexities of design and construction.

Before you Build: A Step-by-Step Guide to Extensions and Renovations - a step-by-step guide for home owners to the processes you need to go through before you build.

Sustainable Architecture aims to provide architects with the inspiration they need to deliver sustainable buildings.

Architectural Insitu Concrete provides the reader with in-depth technical guidance and practical information on the mechanics and fundamentals of how to achieve a fine architectonic concrete finish.

Most popular NBS articles - October

Find out what NBS users are reading. Each month we round up the most popular technical articles on www.thenbs.com.

CDM Regulations 2007 - What changes have the contract publishers made?
The introduction of the CDM Regulations 2007 has meant that amendments are needed to almost all contracts. NBS Technical Author Roland Finch explains what the various publishers have been doing to address CDM.
Read more on CDM Regulations 2007 >>

Part M: Access Statements
The consideration of disabled persons' needs required under Part M of the Building Regulations has been assimilated by the construction industry since 2000. There are, however, interrelated issues which might be overlooked, but which may have an impact on both the construction phase and subsequent operations and service delivery.
Read more on Part M: Access Statements>>

Specifying colour
There is a veritable rainbow of standards for the generic specification of colour. John Gelder, Content development manager, looks for the pot of gold.
Read more on specifying colour >>

Preliminaries and contemporary procurement
With the construction industry adopting design and build, partnering, or PFI procurement for certain sized projects, NBS is consulting with subscribers to understand and formulate proposals that address the particular challenges associated with these procurement routes.
Read more on preliminaries and contemporary procurement >>

Specifying for sports
Though most fabric and services systems and products can be used in facilities of all types, some are specific to a particular facility. So where does a specifier go for neutral authoritative technical information on systems and products pertaining to sports facilities? John Gelder, NBS Content development manager, provides a starter for ten.
Read more on specifying for sports >>

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