After our recent blog regarding the state of London’s air quality, I thought I would find out how bad our problem is in relation to some places around the world.

In La Oroya, Peru, lead, copper, zinc and sulphur dioxide poisoning caused by heavy metal mining and processing is harming the world every day. Lead is seen as the biggest problem because of the effect it has on children. 99% of the children who live there have blood levels that excess acceptable limits and Neurologists at local hospitals state that even newborn children have high blood lead levels, inherited while still in the womb. A poly-metallic smelter seems to be the main problem which is owned by Missouri-based Doe Run Corporation. In 1999 a survey showed the World Health Organization (WHO) limit was triple what it’s supposed to be. Lead will continue to contaminate the environment for centuries to come. Activities are now underway to curtail emissions and clean up contamination.

Once a major Soviet industrial centre, Sumgayit, Azerbaijan, had more than 40 factories manufacturing industrial and agricultural chemicals. When fully operational 70-120,000 tonnes of harmful emissions were released annually. A continuing lack of pollution controls, dated technologies and the improper disposal and treatment of industrial waste are but a few of the problems that plague the city. Cancer cases in the area are 22-51% higher than the average in the rest of Azerbaijan and a high percentage of premature births and genetic defects are just a few of the symptoms the people there still face. Reports show only 20% of the Soviet Era factories are still operational and with the closure of the rest of them a matter of time, the biggest problem a head will be the clean up of the years of pollution and chemical waste left behind.

The last 2 big polluters, both come from China, the first is in Tianying, the city accounts for over 50% of China’s lead production. Due to poor technology, illegal operation and a lack of any proper legislation there is a severe lead poisoning crisis. The average lead concentration in both the air and soil is between 8-10 times higher than national standards, but in some cases can be as high as 24 times higher. The health impacts are vast, anything from lower IQ’s and stomach pains to kidney malfunction and brain damage. There have also been reports of numerous premature births and undeveloped infants.

Then onto Linfen, the heart of China’s enormous growing coal industry, China’s state Environment Protection Agency says that Linfen has the worst air pollution in the country, the World Bank says that 16 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world are Chinese, which really is saying something about the state of this city. The reason for this is due to rapid development, ridiculous faith in the industry and the development of hundreds of unregulated coal mines, steel factories and refineries. All those factors have lead to growing cases of bronchitis, pneumonia, and lung cancer.

According to a spending watch dog, after £265 million of tax payer’s money was spent to meet the climate change target, it looks likely we will miss our target.

The money which was used to fund wind, wave or solar sources to generate  more electricity doesn’t seem to be enough to match the 10% target set by the last goverment in 2000.

A report from the National Audit Office said the target is likely to be missed this year, despite direct government grants of £265 million to help energy companies develop the new technologies.

This set back has cast further doubt over the Government’s ability to meet a legally-binding EU target, which is to generate 15% of all energy from renewable sources by 2020.

The latest available data from 2008 shows that only 5.5% was obtained from renewable sources.

Amyas Morse, head of the NAO, pointed out that the Government will have to increase the amount of renewable energy in this country seven fold on 2008 levels to meet the 2020 target.

“At present the 2020 target looks optimistic,” he said.

The Government has been under heavy criticism from Environmental groups for their disappointing performance especially due to the amount of finances they have used from the tax payers.

The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) insisted the UK are confident of hitting their target and also confident about cutting green house gas by 34 per cent by 2020.

The latest figures show the UK has cut greenhouse gas emissions by 28% since 1990.

Geoff Cooper, chief executive of Travis Perkins, has said there could be further consolidation in the building materials sector after his firm said it planned a £553m takeover bid for heating and plumbing specialist BSS, reported by Building.co.uk.

Cooper said that although corporate activity in the sector was subdued, economic conditions were ripe for further takeovers.

“We haven’t seen a move towards consolidation yet, but it would be quite normal to see consolidation in an industry as it recovers from recession,” he said.

“We think that the construction industry is in the middle of a trough and there will be a gentle recovery from here, and believe we can get the benefits of the recovery,” he added.In a statement to the City, the £3bn-turnover firm said both companies had agreed on a strategy for the takeover that hinges on cost savings and efficiencies. The purchase will also boost Travis’ heating and plumbing business.

Cooper said: “It’s a great strategic fit for us and creates the largest plumbing and heating trade and retail distribution business in the UK.”

He expects Travis Perkins to make a formal off for BSSm which has a turnover of £1.4bn, in under a month’s time, with a final shareholder decision in the next quarter.

Kevin Cammack, an analyst with Cenkos, said: “It makes a lot of sense for Travis Perkins, but I’m not entirely sure why BSS is so keen to lose its independence at that price, given it has seen a significant turn in trading fortunes over the past six months and has no need of help. I would have thought BSS could eke out a better price than this.”

Meanwhile, Charlie Campbell, a Liberum Capital analyst, described the deal as “surprising but positive”. He said: “We liked Travis shares before the deal and like them more now, not least because the company’s fortunes become less tied to the macroeconomy.”

The world cup is fast approaching so I thought I’d try and find out what South Africa have done in order to lower the environmental impact of the tournament.

An estimated 2.8m tonnes is likely to be released due to the world cup, that’s roughly equivalent to 6,000 space shuttle fights, three quiet years for Mount Etna, or 20 cheeseburgers for every man, woman and child in the UK. An estimated 1.2 million people will see matches live, so that works out at a massive carbon cost of 2.3 tonnes per spectator.

With the support of Global Environment Facility (GEF), the city, Pretoria has launched two projects to help reduce emissions and raise awareness among South Africans and visitors.

In 2008, South Africa began work to update public transportation systems in seven of the nine cities where football matches are being held to lower the potential emissions caused by transportation. The biggest improvements have been the creation of a rapid transit system of buses and the improved infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.

The plan for South Africa is to maximise the potential of the international investment by leaving a legacy for more extensive improvements of public transport in their cities.

Another big step towards lowering emissions comes from the installation of solar panels and efficient light on the streets, stoplights and billboards in the six cities hosting the event. They are also pushing very hard on creating awareness of climate change and how to prevent wasted energy to the public.

When the competition is over an analysis will be conducted regarding the ecological projects that were introduced relating to the World Cup to determine what was successful and what wasn’t.

On June 9 2010 Scotland has announced they will reduce 20M tonnes of waste to zero.

The Scottish Government’s zero waste plan was released by Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead.

The document by the Scots speaks of a complete stop on all reusable waste or recycling being landfilled by 2020.

They have also set 2 new targets on all of Scotland’s waste, one being a 70% target for recycling and secondly, a maximum of only 5% sent to landfill, both have a target year of 2025.

Mr Lochhead said: “We can’t go on as business as usual because we can’t afford to and because resources are finite.

“We are taking decisive action and setting ambitious targets, this includes a new 70% target for all waste to be recycled by 2025.”

“The plan will help deliver progressive landfill bans, with the end goal of no waste with reuse or recycling potential being landfilled by 2020.”

BuilderScrap encourages moves such as this and hope the English Government looks at this complete stamp out of waste and inspires them to be so bold.

One of the largest offshore windfarms in the world will begin construction next year an energy firm has announced. The £2bn Gwynt y Mor windfarm will have 160 turbines about 10 miles away from the shore, near Colwyn Bay and Llandudno.

Work will begin the later part of next year, the windfarm is expected to begin generating power as early as 2013 but the RWE Innogy-led project is not expected to be completed until 2014. The project will also involve two other partners, Stadtwerke München and Siemens.

Some of the residents in Llandudno have tried to stop the project claiming it will destroy the resort’s view out to sea.

The government’s decision to grant planning permission was criticised by protesters who also said wind energy was unreliable.

There is a possibility that 1,000 jobs will be created regarding the construction and supply of materials.

Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan said: “This is excellent news. Gwynt y Mor will be one of the single biggest private investment projects ever seen in Wales, creating up to 1,000 quality jobs and contributing many millions of pounds to the regional economy of north Wales.”

“It will also become one of the largest offshore windfarm projects in Europe, able to provide enough clean, green electricity to power the equivalent of around 400,000 homes.”

“In Wales we are ideally located to embrace the economic benefits of green technologies. Surrounded by wind, wave and tidal resources, we are in a prime position to be able to benefit from investment in the green economy whilst making a significant contribution to the [UK] government’s carbon reduction targets through safe, clean renewable means.”

Shadow Welsh Secretary Peter Hain said, “This £2bn investment in north Wales, which was previously opposed by David Cameron, is only happening thanks to the pioneering work undertaken by Ed Miliband when he was Labour’s Energy Secretary. Gwynt y Mor will be Wales’ largest wind farm, capable of powering around 400,000 homes, and preventing the release of 1.7m tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.”

After the announcement that the Government has given permission, contracts worth £2.2m have already been awarded to companies based in Wales. More contracts and jobs are expected to be awarded throughout the development and to provide maintance once complete.

UK Energy Secretary Chris Huhne said: “This is the first of what I hope will be many examples of how we can make the most of our island’s huge renewable energy potential.

“I want to make sure we grab all the opportunities the rapidly expanding renewables industry has to offer, and that wind power can come of age under this government.”

RWE has invested in other windfarms off the north Wales coast such as North Hoyle and Rhyl Flats.

Rhyl Flats, which was officially opened at the end of last year, is currently Wales’ largest wind farm.

We here BuilderScrap are truly excited by the action Wales has taken to become a more energy efficient country.

Another problem has occurred regarding the Olympics, as their plan to build a 130 metre-high wind turbine to provide 5% of the energy it needs to power the Olympic park have been cancelled, according to the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA).

The renewable energy was supposed to contribute to the commitment the ODA made. They said that they would deliver 20% of the park’s energy needs from renewable sources from 2014 onwards

Unfortunately David Higgins, Chief Executive of the ODA say it is “no longer feasible”.

Higgins said that construction of the turbine had become unfeasible due to new safety legislation, a “challenging” delivery timetable and the preferred turbine supplier pulling out all of this lead to the idea having to be scrapped.

The turbine was to be positioned in Eton Manor, the north of the Olympic park, it was intended to be the visible symbol of London 2012’s commitment to delivering a sustainable games.

Higgins, an Australian project management fixer, said: “We have a strong track record in sustainability and we remain committed to meeting the challenging renewable energy targets we have set ourselves,” he added.

“Our focus is now on researching a number of alternative renewable energy options across the Olympic park site to help contribute to these targets and complement the other state-of-the art new energy infrastructure we are building.”

On a more positive note the construction is due to be completed by the middle part of 2011, the ODA currently have 7,500 people working towards the goal.

Hackney council have also helped matter by proceeding with a plan to erect a second turbine on a nearby site at East Marsh. It is still early days any new construction will be the subject of a planning application.

London’s air contains particles known as PM10’s which are released by traffic and factories, this can lead to heart attacks, strokes, asthma and lung disease. The quality of the air has become so bad that the UK have been issued with a second written warning by Europe to clean the air or face £300m in fines.

A House of Commons environmental audit committee said that particle pollution has claimed the lives of over 4,300 people a year in London and has an annual cost of around £2bn.

London’s air pollution levels rank as the worst in the UK and also among the worst in Europe.

This move follows the start of legal proceeding against the UK from January 2009 for the failure to meet the air quality standards that were introduced at the end of 2004. The final act of the Labour party was to reapply for a time extension until 2011.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson has the statutory duty to produce a strategy for improving London’s air quality. Opposition parties have criticised Johnson for destroying the environment policies put in place by his predecessor, Ken Livingstone, for example his decision to delay phase 3 of Low Emission Zone (Lez), which fines the most polluting vans was seen as a backwards step.

His plan to abolish the western extension of the congestion charge zone by Christmas has also been scrutinized. Lez has been introduced to encourage the scrapping of high-polluting vans and lorries and replacing them with new models that meet the required emissions standards. The abolishment of this congestion charge will clearly lead to increased traffic which will make matters worse!

Simon Birkett, spokesman for air quality watchdog group the Campaign for Clean Air in London, said that Johnson’s draft proposals to improve air quality were “riddled with wishful thinking”.

“He continues deliberately to take backward steps on air quality, particularly in respect of transport. In that respect, for example, the removal of the Lez would be a double whammy because air quality will worsen and Transport for London will lose over £55m income.”

The UK failed in their attempt for a time extension; they have since reapplied and they are waiting a response. If the UK fails to make the appropriate changes to comply with the legislation, they could be taken to the European court of justice and face hefty fines.

The warning also forces Britain to clean up air quality in Gibraltar which is also non-compliant to the legislation and is classed by the EC as a British Zone.

Transforming the UK into a, mean, green, carbon saving machine isn’t going to happen overnight and it’s certainly not going to happen unless someone is willing to put their hand in their pocket.

The new Coalition Government is unlikely to fund it due to the deficit. Clearly renewable energy is the way forward to a low carbon future. Due to the world leaders failing to be able to reach an agreement on tackling climate change and with the continued strain on the economy the possibility of the private sector funding it doesn’t seem likely. In a new report from accountants Ernst & Young the suggested plans from the government may lead to the UK becoming an attractive place for green investment. The department giving the role of tackling climate change has already announced its first cuts.

Clean energy is crucial, the new Government intends on increasing the price of ‘dirty’ energy. “It’s a way of increasing the price of fossil fuel power generation. It’s a carbon tax, basically,” says David Kennedy, who is chief executive of the Committee on Climate Change. There is a proposal of making electricity companies which burn fossil fuels pay a minimum price for the pollution they create. Nuclear power seems likely to become one of the main sources of UK energy, in the past Liberal Democrats have openly opposed the proposal of new nuclear stations but have since decided not to block it. They have promised to support four new ‘clean-coal’ power stations, which deals with carbon dioxide by burying it underground. It appears all disagreements have been dealt with by both parties supporting every option for cleaner energy.

Regarding transport it seems aviation could be the worst affected, no extra runways and the possibility of a change in the way air tax is handled, not everyone have seen it as a negative – “We are quite supportive of the reform, so long as it’s revenue-neutral financially,” says Andrew Mconnell from Easyjet. Both parties have promised a network of electric charging points so to encourage a much greener road transport and also want to continue with the development of a high-speed rail network.

Greener homes and businesses account for just over 25% of emissions – and energy efficiency is the best way to reduce carbon emissions financially. Cash incentives will be offered for energy efficiency improvement in the home, which will be paid back using the saving in your energy bill. The Government aren’t prepared to pay for this directly though. The Coalition are also continuing the roll-out of feed-in tariffs – a way of selling electricity you generate from your own wind-turbine or solar panel through a smart grid.

Basically, there’s a lot of hype, lot of good ideas and a lot of excellent plans. There is only one problem, a pretty big problem to be honest; how the bill is to be paid for is yet to be announced. If only they could think of more ideas like BuilderScrap.

This week I’ve scoured the internet to find the most unusual building designs from around the Globe, it turns out I needn’t have bothered. All I have to do is look to our cousins from over the Atlantic; I have looked through a host of different building design and compiled my top 3.

Third place is located in Orlando, Florida; is this very appetising McDonald’s restaurant. This does the marketing for itself, anytime someone sees this they’re going to fancy a few French fries and maybe even a shake to go with that!

In second place we have Wonderworks another from Orlando, Florida. This design really turns things onto its head. The three story,  82 foot tall building has been flipped on its triangular top and squashed into the pavement. Inside things get even crazier with a hurricane ride which has winds of up to 65 mph, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake experience and a Titanic exhibit.

The winner caught my eye from the moment I saw it as it is very close to my heart. We all drink a little bit too much, as a collective nation we drink far more than recommended. John Milkovisch from Southern Pacific Railroad has the perfect way to reuse all the beer cans he drinks, he crushed the cans and used them to decorate his entire house it took him 18 years to complete. It may not be the most cleverly designed or particularly abstract in relation to shape. I just love wondering what was going through his mind when he first came up with this plan and obviously BuilderScrap loves any reuse or recycling building projects and this is certainly that. Sadly he passed away in 1988, thankfully a non-profit company has purchased his home and it is now classed as visionary art.

If you have any strange and wonderful architectural designs that you know of why not send them in.