What kind of expertise is needed for low energy construction

The construction industry is responsible for 40% of European Union (EU) end-use emissions but addressing this is problematic, as evident from the performance gap between design intention and on-site energy performance. There is a lack of the expertise needed for low energy construction (LEC) in the UK as the complex work processes involved require ‘energy literacy’ of all construction occupations, high qualification levels, broad occupational profiles, integrated teamworking, and good communication . This research identifies the obstacles to meeting these requirements, the nature of the expertise needed to break down occupational divisions and bridge those interfaces where the main heat losses occur, and the transition pathway implied. Obstacles include a decline in the level, breadth and quality of construction vocational education and training (VET), the lack of a learning infrastructure on sites, and a fragmented employment structure. To overcome these and develop enhanced understanding of LEC requires a transformation of the existing structure of VET provision and construction employment and a new curriculum based on a broader concept of agency and backed by rigorous enforcement of standards. This can be achieved through a radical transition pathway rather than market-based solutions to a low carbon future for the construction sector

Predation and Competition Within an Assemblage of Larval News (Triturus)

The impact of crested newts (Triturus cristatus) on the smaller-bodied palmate and smooth newts (T. helveticus and T. vulgaris) was studied during the larval stages using a combination of field and laboratory experiments. In pond enclosures T. cristatus larvae had no effect on the two smaller species over the first four weeks of development. By eight weeks, however, T. cristatus had achieved a size advantage which enabled it to eliminate T. helveticus and severely reduce T. vulgaris by predation. In laboratory trials under food-limited conditions, T. helveticus and T. vulgaris were slightly smaller when raised with T. cristatus, suggesting that this predatory effect was complemented by interspecific competition during early development. Predation of the smaller species started when T. cristatus reached a threshold size of c. 27 mm. No reciprocal effects on T cristatus growth or survival were observed. Although T. cristatus may be a significant predator of congeneric species in natural ponds, other factors, such as differences in microhabitat selection, higher-order predator-prey interactions, and the occasional desiccation of pond habitats may facilitate coexistence between the species