The University of Bath is testing a number of waste materials to assess their thermal performance as potential materials for insulating buildings.

The construction method used in the UK’s first commercially available straw eco homes has been recognised by industry for its energy standard.

Research from our Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering has resulted in the UK’s first affordable straw homes going on sale in Bristol this week.

While the UK is consumed by arguments about the cost of energy, fuel poverty and market failure, some have managed to sidestep these issues altogether.

A €1.6million research project is paving the way for the certification of straw bale buildings, setting recognised industry standards.

Recent tests on a low carbon house made of straw bale panels at have confirmed it is more than strong enough to withstand hurricane force winds.