Owners and tenants should keep a watchful eye on the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of their commercial buildings. The last two years have witnessed a spurt of government activity on climate change and sustainability regulations. 2009 saw the introduction of energy performance certificates for all properties bought or sold and this year sees the beginnings of a carbon emissions trading scheme for commercial buildings (the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme). more
As we are blasted by arctic winds this week I am sure many of you are, like me, looking forward to an annual escape to sunnier climes in the coming months. more
Today is the tenth annual World IP Day. One of the aims of this day is to increase understanding of how protecting IP rights helps promote creativity and innovation. Many businesses do not appreciate how useful IP is in their industry and can often lose out if they do not identify the uses their business can make from it. more
The much publicised Digital Economy Act passed into law yesterday after it was controversially included in the pre-election scramble to enact legislation called the ‘wash up’. It includes well-publicised and contentious provisions designed to combat online piracy, including disconnection. more
Discrimination at work is a minefield for employers and the necessary level of religious sensitivity required can be difficult to ascertain. Common issues can come up in even the smallest of workplaces, such as acceptable alterations to uniforms, how food is stored in the kitchen and how to accommodate festivals and prayer times. more