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Nearly 50% of energy consumed in the developed world is consumed in buildings. Despite regulation intent, many new buildings are energy profligate. Thermal comfort standards are partly responsible for this increase in consumption. In this volume, Roaf et al. have described the evolution of current comfort standards and problems inherent in buildings they shape, and have discussed two new methods of regulating thermal comfort in buildings which recognize human adaptation and have potential for reduced energy demand. These new methods incorporate adaptation through a fixed heating and cooling threshold approach (similar to Japanese Cool-Biz) or through heating and cooling setpoints calculated based on outdoor conditions (using CEN standard equations). The impact on comfort and energy demand of these new approaches is investigated for a London office building. Variables such as future climate, future building upgrades, setback temperatures, internal gains and ventilation are also explored. Adoption of the new approaches gave a 50% reduction in heating and cooling energy for the simulated office. The new approach together with optimized setback temperatures, ventilation strategies and higher efficiency equipment gives predicted heating and cooling energy demand close to zero. Recommendations for future regulation, design and operation of buildings are proposed., INTRODUCTION The recent trend particularly evident in non-domestic buildings has been for increasing adoption of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, the trend being in part driven by the wide [...]

To purchase or authenticate to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9299.2008.00736.x Byline: GRAEME CURRIE (1), MIKE HUMPHREYS (1), DENIZ UCBASARAN (1), STEVE McMANUS (1) Abstract: Our study explores the possibility for the enactment of entrepreneurial leadership in the English public sector under the Labour government's modernization agenda. To substantiate our analysis, we draw upon data gathered from leaders in three public sector arenas - the National Health Service, secondary schools, and further education (FE) colleges. Our study proposes a definition of public sector entrepreneurship that extends beyond existing literature. In essence, we contend that public sector entrepreneurship is characterized by the combination of three distinct agencies: 'stakeholder', 'entrepreneurial' and 'political'. The public sector entrepreneur identifies market opportunities within the political landscape, optimizes the performance-enhancing potential of innovation for the public sector organization, and carries stakeholders in a way that both permits risk and recognizes the stewardship of public sector resources. Author Affiliation: (1)Graeme Currie, Mike Humphreys, Deniz Ucbasaran and Steve McManus are in Nottingham University Business School. Article History: Date received 26 January 2007. Date accepted 20 April 2007.