Suppliers, builders and tradespeople

Many DIY stores and builders merchants are now stocking at least some sustainable products, such as energy saving light bulbs, FSC timber, natural paints and wood treatments, and natural insulation products. By asking them if they stock what you need, even if they cannot provide it, your question may encourage them to do so.

GreenSpec: a website aimed at the construction industry but contains a lot of useful and interesting information for householders as well. The site gives information on ‘green' products and materials, allowing you to compare and contrast and find those that suit you, and information on suppliers and installers and craftspeople.

The Green Register: This is an online register of construction professionals with environmental credentials, from architects and structural engineers, to plumbers and carpenters and general builders. It is searchable by area. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0117 3773490

Association of Environment Conscious Builders (AECB): The AECB directory of members includes not only builders, but all professionals associated with the construction industry, all of whom have an interest and expertise in sustainable materials and methods. The website also contains fact sheets, campaigns, training and useful books. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0845 456 9773

Dorset Centre for Rural Skills: DCRS promotes rural and sustainable building skills and runs training courses on such things as straw bale building, lime, cob and rammed earth. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01747 811099.

The Green Directory: This directory can be found on the web or as a book and contains listings of everything from environment centres to renewable energy suppliers. Call 01268 468000 to order a copy.

The Ecos Trust has a mission of making sustainable building the norm. The trust runs events and seminars, produces publications, and has put together a comprehensive directory of sustainable products, suppliers and organisations for the South West construction industry and home living. Telephone 01458 259400 or emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Low Impact Buildings Group in Glastonbury is part of the Transition Glastonbury initiative. It brings together ecologically aware local builders and self-builders interested in developing low cost, low impact solutions to support local people interested in creating sustainable buildings to live and work in. For more details call Anthony Ward on 01458 835997 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.