Lightweight versus Heavyweight Construction - which works best for the environment?

A half-day seminar in Manchester (venue tbc)
23 April 2008 - 9am to 2pm

As the effects of climate change start to be felt, is it better to build lightweight framed construction with insulation infill or heavyweight masonry construction with thermal mass? Or is there a hybrid system out there that combines the best of both worlds?

This half-day seminar will explore the pros and cons of both types of construction, using case studies and post-occupancy data to illustrate both approaches. Anne Thorne architects will discuss their Angell Town Estate project in south London using data from the work they have been doing with the MSc in Environmental Design and Engineering department at the Bartlett comparing the refurbishment part of the scheme (masonry) with the newbuild (timber frame). IES systems will use their software to demonstrate the performance of two buildings of similar form and size but different construction types to illustrate the differences between lightweight and heavyweight construction under the same environmental conditions. There will also be presentations from a contractor and an engineer with experience at the cutting edge of building physics to share their experiences and opinions on the subject.

This seminar has already been held in London (twice) and Bristol and has proved extremely popular on all occasions; places are limited so please book early. Cost: £75 for Green Register members, £95 for non-members (to include lunch).

As a special discount, anyone attending the Sustainable Building and Services course (see below) in order to gain membership of The Green Register can attend the Lightweight versus Heavyweight seminar at the reduced member rate.

Sustainable Building and Services

A two-day course in Leeds (venue tbc)
24/25 April 2008 - 9am to 5pm

We are holding our next two-day Sustainable Building and Services course in Leeds (venue to be confirmed) on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 April 2008 (from 9am to 5pm on both days). This is the course which qualifies you to become a member of The Green Register. The Sustainable Building and Services course is always extremely popular and feedback is always very positive; on the most recent course held in Bristol 100% of attendees rated the course overall as "Excellent" or "Very good" - below are some of the comments we have received about the course:

"Great course! All speakers very knowledgeable and enthusiastic!"
"Straightforward advice and practical solutions"
"Overall a great two days full of inspiration and ideas"
"You have hit exactly the right balance of technical content and clear presentation"
"Excellent background, well rounded - but not overly evangelical!"
"Great for networking"
"Thank you, excellent course!"

This two-day course provides an ideal, compact opportunity for delegates to learn about the essential issues surrounding sustainable building practices and to network with like-minded individuals across a range of disciplines. Membership of The Green Register has been growing rapidly over the last few years and benefits of membership include discounted course rates and a dedicated online register that is regularly accessed by potential clients. Course attendance costs £280, and membership costs from as little as £45 per year.

If you would like to book on either/both events, please call 0117 377 3490 or email mail@greenregister.org.uk