Domestic sewage systems – an ecological perspective

Wetland reedbeds for ecological sewage treatment

2015 saw changes in the guidance for discharges from septic tanks and other domestic sewage treatment systems in England. At first glance the new rules route homeowners directly into conventional solutions and don't take account of more eco-friendly options. Reed bed designer and environmental consultant Féidhlim Harty takes a closer

Are we ruled by natureless economists?

Paris climate protection agreement

The US Supreme Court stopped President Obama's climate protection plan following proceedings by 27 Republican-governed states and business associations (ZEIT ONLINE, 10 February, 2016). Majority leader in the US House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy called Obama's initiative an unlawful misuse of power and a risk to energy security and jobs.

Penarth eco-refurbishment

Penarth eco-refurbishment

The UK government is already legally committed to an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050, (from 1990 levels), and has accepted since the Paris climate deal that eventually there’ll have to be a 100% reduction. Architect Nigel Humphrey wanted to ensure that the refurbishment of his own home reflected