About the AECB
AECB, the Sustainable Building Association, is a network of individuals and companies with a common aim of promoting sustainable building. It brings together builders, architects, designers, manufacturers, housing associations and local authorities, to develop, share and promote best practice in environmentally sustainable building.
The AECB was established in 1989 to increase awareness within the construction industry of the need to respect the environment.
The AECB is run by its members and is an independent, not for profit organisation. We promote excellence in design and construction, rather than gimmicks and green accounting tricks. The AECB's standards and advice are founded on a detailed and realistic understanding of the performance of buildings, constructed and refurbished in the real world, for real users.
AECB in video: listen to our CEO in conversation
Part 1 - AECB's role in Carbonlite
Part 2 - AECB's Current Projects
Part 3 - AECB's Future Plans
What do we do?
The AECB's three main roles are
- To provide a forum for members and others to discuss, test and share principles and methods of sustainable building
- To draw this experience together into rigorous standards, and to assist members and others to apply these standards
- To inform and lobby the construction sector and government so that sustainability of building is improved across the board
Discussion and sharing take place on the AECB's busy web forum on all aspects of building and sustainability, at regular local group meetings, discussions and study visits, at the annual members' conference, on study tours, and by personal networking between members.
The Association's annual conference is a key event in the sustainable building calendar, featuring top level debate, and presentations from the leaders in the field from the UK and internationally. Discussion and networking also take place at the regular meetings of the growing network of local groups.
The AECB draws on the collective learning of its members, and of the international sustainable building community, to develop standards and guidance that deliver buildings with genuinely improved environmental performance. These rigorous, tested and workable standards for sustainable building are published through AECB's CarbonLite, which also offers certification of buildings to these standards.
We have a suite of three standards for low energy building design: the AECB Silver Standard, Passivhaus Standard and Gold Standard. There is also an AECB Water Standard. CarbonLite offers regular training courses in designing to the standards, and study tours visiting state of the art buildings and meeting their design teams. The training offers first-hand insight into best practice nationally and internationally. AECB members also have access to supporting materials via the website.
How is the AECB run?
The AECB is run by its members and is an independent, not for profit organisation. The AECB is run by a Board of Trustees elected at each Annual General Meeting. The Board is responsible for the overall running of the AECB, including the appointment of working groups and the employment of officers, staff and contractors.
The Association is a Company Limited by Guarantee and not having a share capital (incorporated on 19th January 2005). The Company Registration Number is 5336768 and the registered office is 30 Linden Road, Earby, Barnoldswick, Lancashire BB18 6XR.
How can the AECB help me find services and products?
To find an AECB member to provide sustainable building design, construction or building materials, see our directory of members.
The AECB is open to all interested parties who support the aims of the organisation; the AECB is not an accrediting body and membership does not imply any level of either a trade, professional or environmental competence. The entries in the AECB directory of members offer tips on looking for a suitable contractor or supplier; it is the responsibility of prospective employers/users to properly check the professional standing of a company and the suitability of a product.