This paper describes the current government activities relating to Photovoltaics in buildings as implemented in tbe DTI New and Renewable Energy Progranune. To set the context the paper starts with a brief review of the overall prospects for renewable energy in global, European and UK contexts. This is based on work previously undertaken for the DTI1. For comparison, the current state of deployment of renewable energy in the UK is reviewed. This then leads into a brief description of the UK government's programme on new and renewable energy.

BSRIA are currently conducting a research project aimed at promoting identification and amelioration of plant oversizing, with particular emphasis on providing assessment of potential energy savings achievable through the application of remedial measures. The objective of the project is to update existing BSRIA guidance, which will provide building operators with information on how to identify excess HV AC plant capacity and how to enhance the performance of such plant.

This paper summarises the planned redevelopment of Webber's Yard industrial estate on Dartington Estate in Devon. It discusses the needs of different stakeholders involved in the project and outlines how the design team responded. It argues that this approach to building design and development is particularly sustainable and could be used as a model for the development of other light industrial estates.

Over the last 15 years, active desiccant systems have become a common component of HVAC systems in commercial buildings needing lower-than-usual humidity levels. Ice arenas, supermarkets and refrigerated warehouses all contain refrigeration systems which cool air more effectively when most of the building's moisture load is removed by an active (heat-reactivated) desiccant system.

Welcome to the 'Blue Pages'. This is where guest editors from the Editorial Advisory Panel for Building Services Engineering Research and Technology address current developments in building services engineering practice and research. The articles are very short, on one theme of current interest, and do not go through the longer refereeing process for conventional research papers. This is to encourage consultants and contractors to discuss their latest developments in a non-commercial manner. Academics will also be asked to outline current research areas in universities and colleges.