RECOGNITION AWARD FOR INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY

Brett Martin was recognised for its innovation in sustainable technology and building materials. Brett Martin launched BioPlus, its first Bio-based Polycarbonate glazing product in May 2022, which replaces over 70% of the fossil-based material with bio-circular materials, mostly sourced from used cooking oils. The raw material production process reduces carbon emissions by 84% and Brett Martin extrudes the product with 100% renewable energy in a mass balanced process, certified by ISCC Plus.

The highly regarded RISE Awards take place annually, bringing together academia and industry to celebrate those who are making an impact on the way we build and live in the future with new sustainable technologies, products and initiatives. The awards showcase exemplar case studies from the built environment sharing emerging best practice in research, innovation, sustainability and enterprise for new and innovative products, technologies, processes, projects and schemes.

Brett Martin’s winning poster was titled ‘Delivering a lower carbon reality for sustainable construction’ and details how the company has taken actionable steps towards reducing carbon emissions and creating sustainable materials through its BioPlus range.

Brett Martin is pleased to have been recognised for its contributions towards sustainability within the built environment and strives to continually innovate to produce ecological practices for the industry.

To find out more about Brett Martin visit: www.brettmartin.com

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IRELAND: Local authorities could receive €100m to pay off debts if they build modular homes

Government will give local authorities €100m to pay off debts if they build modular homes for housing in the next two years

Construction will have to begin in 2023 or no later than 2024 with use of ‘accelerated’ delivery

The Government will give the country’s local authorities €100 million to pay off debts if they build modular homes for housing in the next two years.

To qualify, the Department of Housing states that lands where debts will be covered have to be suitable for the “immediate development” of social housing.

Construction will have to begin in 2023 or no later than 2024 with use of “accelerated” delivery.

The move by Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien comes as it emerged this week that there is a record 11,397 people in emergency homeless accommodation, including 3,480 children.

Councils who take part in the scheme will be given access to two sources of funding totalling hundreds of millions of euros to cover outstanding debts.

It is known that local authorities carry more than €300 million of such debt.

It is also understood that around €100 million is being made available to deal with these debts and another €125 million being made available for buying more land for housing.

The Government hopes to deliver an average of 10,000 newly-built social homes every year up until 2030 but it is feared it will miss these targets this year.

It is believed Government’s preference is to use modular or quick-build techniques whenever possible to speed up the building process.

It is also understood that the Government might consider giving tax breaks to developers to encourage them to invest more in housing but this move could be resisted by the Department of Finance.

 

Source: Irish Mirror

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Polystyrene and Luxury Buildings

Luxury bespoke homes are those that stand out from the crowd – a place that is truly unique and the team behind Agilitee have made their name in providing impressive houses on the market.

However, from the outside you would not be aware that the buildings all have something in common – they were built using Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF).

Unlike many firms, project management-led construction company Agilitee specialises in using insulated concrete formwork, which uses a polystyrene formwork system to create highly insulated concrete houses.

“The decision to focus on this way of working was made because it is likely to form the beating heart of the construction industry in years to come,” said managing director Chum Narayan.

The company, which has a large portfolio of builds from residential to commercial, is keen to hear from architects, building designers, developers and builders who are interested in working with them and using this product.

“If you want your next project to be built to the highest standard with sustainability and energy efficiencies in mind then reach out to the team today.”

Working across the South of England, the Agilitee team specialises in a project-led approach, involved throughout the development ensuring the client gets what they want.

The company was named Homebuilder of the Year 2022 – South England in BUILD’s Homebuilder Awards 2022 – which highlights the best of the best within the homebuilding industry.

What makes ICF so special?

Widely used in Europe and North America, the modern construction method – integrating insulation materials like polystyrene, into the concrete formwork – is relatively new to the UK.

 

Energy efficient

Constructing using ICF ensures an airtight envelope and reduces the amount of energy required by up to 70 per cent compared to traditional methods creating much more sustainable longer-lasting buildings.

They are more energy efficient, thereby reducing ongoing costs of heating and cooling. It also helps reduce moisture and mould because of the airtightness of the system.

Those working or living in the properties will also have a more comfortable experience as it increases acoustic insulation, keeping out unwanted noise.

Agilitee has experience with many brands of ICF but prefers to use JACKON by BEWI. Mr Narayan said it was due to its strength, insulation quality, cost and cost-effectiveness. “We are finding that ICF has become the future of construction due to its many advantages,” he said.

 

Quicker builds

It is easier and quicker to build using ICF, as it saves steps in both the exterior and interior construction process. This could cut several months off construction time.

Rather than framing walls with studs, they are created using insulated concrete blocks that go together more like Lego. Being light and flexible it also lends itself to most styles of property design.

“Building regulations are on a path of improvement with the main goal of becoming ‘Future Homes Ready 2025’,” said Mr Narayan. “Building using ‘Jackon ICF’ enables Agilitee to reach and surpass these targets today.”

 

About Agilitee

Established in 2013 by Mr Narayan, the company has been involved in traditional, modern and luxury homes and is a member of the Federation of Master Builders – the UK’s largest trade association.

Its approach to business focuses on continuous improvement and innovation and it works hard to ensure the latest construction techniques, products and materials are applied to its projects in the most practical, efficient and commercial manner.

The team’s other specialism is in basements, with the firm providing the perfect solutions to ensure that these valuable spaces are as safe and secure as possible.

The team has become certified installers of waterproofing systems such as Triton, Delta and Sika as well as an experienced installer of cast concrete flooring systems.

“This commitment to growth in terms of what the team offers has been vital to securing success over the last few years,” said Mr Narayan.

“It’s a unique combination of skill, experience and commitment that forms the heart of what the Agilitee team is able to offer their clients.”

 

CLICK HERE To find out more about Agilitee and to get in contact with the team

 

Source: Kent Live

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FUEL OF THE FUTURE

Founder and CEO, Tim Davies

Importance of Global Net Zero underlined as KPMG Private Enterprise names HiiROC Global Tech Innovator 2022.

In November, HiiROC was named winner of the KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator award at the final event in Lisbon, Portugal, overcoming fierce competition from over 1,100 applicants across 22 countries and jurisdictions during the national stages.

Tim Davies, HiiROC’s Co-Founder and CEO, said:
“It is such an honour for HiiROC to be selected as this year’s KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator winner. The competition in the global finals was really impressive, and we’re thrilled to be recognized among such an amazing group of brilliant innovations and entrepreneurs. We sincerely thank KPMG Private Enterprise and our KPMG Private Enterprise UK team for their support at every step in the process. We’re ready and eager to take the next step forward for our company.” Davies continued, “The award is a great reflection of the amazing team at HiiROC, so we are applauding their work as much as possible.”

Conor Moore, Partner and Global Leader, KPMG Private Enterprise Emerging Giants, said:
“Last year was the competition’s inaugural year in which the bar was set incredibly high! With even more companies competing this year, I think the standard has risen to yet another level. We were so excited to be able to bring 22 future tech titans to the finalist stage and capture the world’s attention. These tech entrepreneurs are the builders of the future that should applauded and supported.”

Warren Middleton, KPMG Private Enterprise, Emerging Giants Leader in the UK, said:
“Hydrogen is the new green fuel of the future. We saw the potential in HiiROC immediately. We couldn’t be more excited about the recognition they have received today, and the opportunity to help them showcase their brilliant innovation, to continue to grow their business and transform the global energy system. As with all of the finalists in the competition, HiiROC is a modern success story of entrepreneurialism, innovation and ambition.”

 

HiiROC WEBSITE

 

HiiROC Background

HiiROC has developed and patented a new process for creating hydrogen: Thermal Plasma Electrolysis (TPE). Using a fraction of the electricity and cost of water electrolysis, HiiROC produces hydrogen without creating CO₂ – unlike steam methane reforming. TPE is an electrically driven process using a plasma torch to decarbonise hydrocarbons, releasing the valuable, high energy density hydrogen and solid carbon black. HiiROC was founded in 2019 in the UK to commercialise its technology, with development and assembly facilities based in Hull, UK, where there is ready access to engineering expertise.

During 2020 and 2021, HiiROC raised £30m from investors including Melrose, Wintershall Dea, HydrogenOne, Centrica, VNG, Hyundai, CEMEX and Kia. HiiROC is fully funded to commercialisation, with a series of pilots planned for 2023 across a variety of key hydrogen sectors: these include industrial decarbonisation, blending to the grid, transportation and power generation. Enquiries about commercial opportunities have come from across the globe in an increasing range of sectors.

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Transforming the Approach to Affordable Housing

New design guide to transform Scotland’s approach to affordable housing

A new catalogue of net zero carbon building designs could provide a significant boost to Scotland’s affordable housing sector, as part of a standardised approach for local authorities and housing associations to adopt across a range of future developments.

The energy-efficient design and performance standards have been created by the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator (EHD) programme. The catalogue covers different housing typologies, such as flats, houses and cottage flats, which combine fabric-first energy efficient standards, renewable energy technology, and modern methods of construction – also known as offsite manufacturing.

The £1m EHD programme – involving partners from the City of Edinburgh Council, Offsite Solutions Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University, the University of Edinburgh, Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) and Scottish Futures Trust – is trialling the new approach for high-performing affordable homes.

The first pilot project of the EHD in Granton includes the creation of 75 net zero carbon ready one, two and three-bed flats being constructed by offsite construction specialists, CCG (Scotland), and is funded by the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme and the City of Edinburgh Council. The first homes designed using the performance standard are expected to be completed in the summer of 2023 and once occupied, will be monitored to test the approach in the guide.

With the new design and performance standards, the programme hopes to inform new build developments across the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal[1], providing a route map to net zero carbon homes that utilise offsite manufacturing. While the guide recommends common parts, including floorplans and zero gas heating systems, elements such as the external materials and appearance of homes can be customised to ensure buildings remain in keeping with local surroundings.

 

Ainslie McLaughin, Chair of the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator Programme Project Board, said:

“Our ambition is to reduce the carbon footprint of the housing sector by designing new homes that ultimately consume less energy. Affordable housing plays a significant role among many communities and we want to create homes that are better suited for future generations. The flats we are delivering in Granton will be highly energy efficient and will also encourage residents to make low carbon lifestyle choices in relation to services like transport and travel.

“A key output of the pilot project is the evidence we will collect on the performance of the homes. Not only will it inform the next stages of building work here in Edinburgh and the City Deal but it could also influence future designs and procurement practices across all of Scotland’s affordable housing.”

Sam Hart, Head of Modern Methods of Construction at BE-ST, said: “We are facing a climate emergency and need to rapidly transform all aspects of the built environment to reduce its carbon footprint. Compared to carrying out the majority of works on site, offsite manufacturing is proven to be more accurate and more efficient, while also reducing waste. This programme is helping to provide local authorities and developers with information about what zero carbon looks like in practice, as well as building evidence to support offsite specialists and other supply chain partners.”

Nicola Jackson, Chair of Offsite Solutions Scotland, added: “With advancing building performance requirements and increasing levels of technology required to be integrated in new homes to improve operational performance, we can better assure this is delivered through manufacturing homes in a controlled, dry factory environment to improve build quality. Offsite Solutions Scotland members have come together as a network of leading offsite timber manufacturing companies to deliver pilot projects as part of the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator programme. This will support the development of a new delivery model for net zero affordable homes using offsite manufacturing.”

 

CLICK HERE For more information

 

 

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Kingspan KoolDuct and Kooltherm Pipe Insulation installed on low carbon training centre

Kingspan Kooltherm Pipe Insulation and The Kingspan KoolDuct System have been fitted as part of a new training school developed by Nuenta and Ecoforest, supporting installers to make the transition to new, low carbon heating approaches.

The state-of-the-art Ecoforest UK training school in Cannock was officially opened at the start of July. The facility is one of eight around the world and offers a 2-day training course where attendees have the opportunity to get hands-on with a range of technologies including inverter driven ground and air source heat pumps. The centre also provides online courses discussing a range of topics including the environmental and economic benefits of the low-carbon approaches.

In addition to showcasing the latest developments in these technologies, the training courses also emphasise the importance of maximising system efficiency to deliver truly low carbon buildings. This has been put into practice for the facility’s specification, which features leading passive solutions including Kingspan Kooltherm Pipe Insulation and The Kingspan KoolDuct System.

 

Craig Baker, Technical Director at Nuenta commented:

“We are delighted to be able to open the facility, helping to address the urgent need for installers trained in the use of low carbon technologies. The Kingspan Technical Insulation products installed in the centre help to showcase best practice and are also helping to reduce operational costs for the school.”

 

The Kingspan KoolDuct System is fabricated from pre-insulated panels and offers a number of benefits over conventional lagged sheet metal alternatives. It is formed from lightweight, insulation panels which can be quickly and easily fabricated into ductwork and installed in long-runs. Ductwork fabricated from the system can also achieve air leakage rates which are a fraction of those of typical rectangular sheet metal ductwork. This highly airtight design, in combination with the premium performance insulation core within the KoolDuct panels, is expected to minimise the energy demand of mechanical ventilation systems within the centre.

Kingspan Kooltherm Pipe Insulation was fitted on pipework across the facility. The product provides one of the most thermally efficient pipework insulation solutions, helping to ensure the desired level of thermal performance could be achieve with a minimal thickness of insulation. The product also holds Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold certification, recognising it as having best-in-class low VOC emissions.

To further raise system performance, Kooltherm Insulated Pipe Support Inserts were also installed on the project. These help to effectively isolate the system pipework, limiting thermal bridges at the support, which can account for a significant amount of heat loss from heating and domestic hot water pipework. The inserts also help to ensure the continuous vapour barrier is carried to the support systems.

Both Kooltherm Pipe Insulation and The Kingspan KoolDuct System are available with free BIM product objects which can be freely downloaded from bimstore.co.uk. Additionally, both products are supported with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which are available to download from the Kingspan Technical Insulation website, providing in-depth lifecycle information about the products.

The Centre also features a range of technologies from Zehnder.

 

Chris Kemp, Business Development Manager at Zehnder Group, added:

“The creation of the new Ecoforest training facility in Cannock has been a fantastic joint project to work on and we’re all delighted with the results. Not only has it provided new installers the opportunity to get trained on the ComfoAir Post, it showcases the benefits of the products.”

“We all know that efficient and environmentally friendly heating and ventilation is vital for the future of the sector. Government has very ambitious targets of achieving some 600,000 new heat pumps to be installed across the UK every year. We are currently suffering from a massive skills shortage in our sector and this goes a small way in starting to address that need.”

For more information:

Tel: +44 (0) 1457 890 400 

Email: info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk

WEBSITE

 

 

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US-BASED MODULAR BUILDING SPECIALIST ANNOUNCES UK EXPANSION

Global modular building specialist, Volumetric Building Companies (VBC), has announced ambitious plans to expand in the UK.

 

VBC is on track to become a $1bn modular construction company over the next three years and is now targeting the UK build-to-rent, affordable housing, student accommodation, and hotel sectors.

 

This follows VBC’s merger with Polish modular manufacturer Polcom earlier this year to extend its reach into Europe, and strategic acquisitions, which include the assets of the modular business Katerra, to facilitate efficient servicing of projects across the US.

 

Led by Vaughan Buckley and headquartered in Philadelphia, VBC is one of the world’s largest modular businesses. It offers advanced steel-framed modular and innovative timber construction technologies. Both solutions are highly efficient, cost-effective and have significantly less environmental impact than in-situ construction.

 

With proven capabilities in the multi-occupancy residential and hotel sectors worldwide, VBC uses a technology-enabled design and engineering model and precision manufacturing to deliver higher quality, highly sustainable offsite building solutions which reduce build programmes by up to 50 per cent. This approach is helping to address the chronic undersupply of housing globally.

 

Andy Smith, UK Director of VBC, “Residential – both build-to-rent and affordable housing – is one of the fastest growing segments of the offsite sector, driven by the high cost of private rental, the lack of affordable housing, and changing demographics. There is a critical need to increase the housing stock in high density urban areas and to radically improve the productivity of UK construction.”

“We now have a dedicated management team in place in the UK and there are plans to have an offsite manufacturing facility for VBC here, in addition to our existing and extensive modular production resources in mainland Europe.”

“Our aim in the next three years is to secure a strong order pipeline in our target sectors in the UK – student accommodation, build-to-rent, affordable housing, defence, custodial, and hotels – and to raise the profile of VBC here, ahead of our expansion into Western Europe. We are already in advanced discussions with a number of hotel groups, private developers, major contractors, and social housing providers.”

“VBC has the resource and proven expertise in the industrialisation of construction, using a Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) approach and data intelligence to drive continuous improvement. We have dominated the hospitality and affordable housing spaces in other countries with our innovative timber volumetric and steel-framed offsite solutions. We also manufacture ‘components’ inhouse – such as bathrooms and cabinets for kitchens and bedrooms – giving us complete control and security of supply for fixtures, fittings and finishes from design to manufacture, installation and handover.”

 

Vaughan Buckley, CEO of VBC said, “VBC is set to become the leading provider of optimised, cost-effective, sustainable solutions for modular buildings around the world. We have tremendous capabilities in the engineering and delivery of advanced modular solutions and buildings which are fully finished and even furnished offsite. Having technology-led production facilities on multiple continents, we are now well placed to drive change, transform construction, and address the housing crisis in the UK, Europe, US, and globally.”

 

With strong financial backing and investment in place, VBC now has more than 500 employees and over 1.25m sqft of manufacturing space in the US and Europe. Its board has decades of experience gained from blue chip organisations including Google, BP, Harley Davidson, and PIMCO.

 

VBC also has more than 50 designers in its globally integrated multi-disciplinary design team and its highly innovative data-driven approach means its customers benefit from reductions in waste, faster design and build, and improved energy efficiency.

 

www.vbc.co

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Time for Timber

On Tuesday 1 November 2022, the Time for Timber team handed out trees at Manchester Piccadilly train station to raise awareness of its latest campaign to promote the use of timber as a low-carbon building material.

 

The UK has set itself ambitious targets of reaching net zero by 2050, and if the carbon output of the construction industry is not addressed, this goal will not be met. As such, the use of structural timber represents our greatest opportunity for transitioning to a much more carbon efficient method of construction.

 

The purpose of the tree giveaway was to increase awareness through the media and the public, that by planting and growing more trees, further carbon can be captured and stored. The timing of the campaign could not be more appropriate, coinciding a mere week before the COP27 Climate Change conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, where countries from around the world are coming together once again to try and form a plan to tackle climate change.

 

Andrew Orriss of the STA said: “It was genuinely refreshing to chat with members of the general public and to hear how many support methods that strive to reverse the negative impacts of carbon intensive methods of construction. Real action must be taken now if we are to stand any chance of combatting climate change.”

 

Time for Timber’s overarching cause, which was explored through the tree giveaway, is to educate and promote the use of timber as a construction material as it presents itself as a truly vital solution to the ongoing climate crises. If the UK is to build more homes, schools and offices in a way that supports the UK’s commitment to net zero by 2050, timber must be utilised in an even greater capacity.

 

Andrew Orriss said: “The Housebuilding industry has an enormous task to pick up the volume, and perhaps this is where the supply chain can help to alleviate some of the pressure. Furthermore, MMC/Offsite allows us to pre-manufacture elements of the house building process, contributing 55% to quality and speed, which was confirmed by Homes England. This represents a quick and efficient way of meeting these ambitious targets.

 

There is a real risk that if immediate change isn’t implemented, the net zero goal for 2050 will not be met, and the adverse effects of climate change will continue to worsen.”

 

CLICK HERE To find out more about Time for Timber

 

 

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Inspirational Modular Housing Development Completed

THE first large-scale affordable modular housing development in Scotland has been completed within budget and one month ahead of schedule.

Delivered by Riverside Scotland and Connect Modular, part of The Wee House Group, the ‘groundbreaking’ £9.8 million project will provide 63 low energy affordable homes in Dundonald in South Ayrshire.

The gold accredited Secured by Design development has helped to sustain 60 local jobs with the energy efficient new homes built offsite at Connect Modular’s manufacturing facility in Cumnock, Ayrshire.

The modular homes are 90% complete when they depart the factory with kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, and electrics installed, leading to a ‘significantly’ shorter build programme and earlier occupancy.

In comparison to a traditional build project The Wee House Company said that fabrication under factory conditions improves quality, reduces waste, negates the impacts of adverse weather, and allows for overlap of site preparation and build phases.

The work has also helped to inspire the next generation of construction workers after Hector Hodge became fascinated by works over the past year as he walked past the housing development on his way to nursery.

Hector was made guest of honour at a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the housing development. Hector’s dad, David; MD of Riverside Scotland, Diana MacLean; and Jennifer Higgins, MD of Connect Modular cheered Hector on as he cut the ribbon.

Hector Hodge ‘Something of a Site Mascot’ cutting the ribbon at the site opening

 

David said, “We live in the village and having a live building site on our doorstep has been a dream for Hector. A real highlight for Hector was seeing the modules arrive on a convoy of lorries and be craned into position. He was fascinated with the process! He is mad about diggers and it’s been a real joy to visit the site with him and watch him bond with the workers.

“We were honoured to be asked to officially open the new homes. It’s a lovely memory for Hector to look back on when he’s older, and possibly working in construction, having been so inspired by this development. These homes were much-needed in the village and its lovely to see new faces and welcome our new neighbours to the community.”

Jennifer Higgins, MD at Connect Modular, added, “We are thrilled to hand over this award-winning development ahead of schedule.Riverside Scotland’s willingness to embrace this evolution in construction on a large-scale project brings us a huge step closer to a housing stock that will achieve a Net Zero Scotland by 2045.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to welcome Hector and David to the site throughout the project. It’s wonderful to see how inspired and interested Hector is in construction. He struck up a real friendship with our site manager, Archie Stobbs and his visits always brightened up our day. You never know, our youngest ever apprentice may join us for real some day!”

Diana MacLean, MD of Riverside Scotland, added,“This nationally significant affordable housing scheme has raised the profile of offsite construction in Scotland and the rest of the UK.

“While we are a smaller housing association we have big ambitions which we are able to achieve by being part of the wider Riverside Group.

“By providing high-quality, low energy homes at speed and scale we are helping to tackle climate change, prevent homelessness for our veteran community and help these residents to live in affordable, warm homes during the largest cost of living crisis our nation has faced for the past 40 years.

“We are delighted that Hector could help to cut the ribbon during the completion ceremony. He has become something of a site mascot, and it’s heartening to hear that local residents have embraced the development as an important project for Dundonald.”

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Sunshine Energy System

New energy system set to reduce carbon emissions and provide homeowners with annual savings on their energy bills goes live in Nottingham

An award-winning community energy scheme in Nottingham has introduced a brand-new energy system, which predicts to reduce residents’ energy bills over the next year.

Trent Basin is a housing development currently made up of over 70 energy-efficient homes being built on the banks of the River Trent that form an active energy community. The scheme is being delivered by developer Blueprint alongside a joint venture between the University of Nottingham and SmartKlub who have formed Trent Basin Energy Services Company (ESCo) Ltd with a vision to push the boundaries of energy efficiency targets.

The new system transfers solar energy from the individual homes to an energy centre, which determines where the energy is best placed to be used – whether that’s in residents’ meters, to reduce their energy bills, or out to support the grid.

 

Mark Gillott, Professor of Sustainable Building Design at the University of Nottingham and a Director of Trent Basin ESCo Ltd, said: “At a time when energy bills are at the forefront of people’s minds, it’s never been more important to ensure that we’re utilising our energy as efficiently as possible. This is the first energy system of its kind in the country, providing a different way of generating, storing, and using energy within the built environment.

“A key component of the scheme is the innovative way we can manage energy assets – both financially and technically. This installation marks the beginning of a 12-month trial, during which time we’re aiming to reduce the energy bills of homeowners and show that a smart, local energy system works to not only reduce cost, but also carbon too.”

 

Earlier this year, the Trent Basin scheme scooped the Community Award at this year’s British Renewable Energy Awards 2022, celebrating community groups that have been active in delivering a renewable energy project or programme of installations in their local area. More recently, it was also Highly Commended in the Research with Impact – Institution category at the Green Gown Awards 2022, where it was praised for its environmental and social co-benefits.

 

Charles Bradshaw-Smith, Co-CEO at SmartKlub and Managing Director of Trent Basin ESCo Ltd, said: “My vision is to create a community energy model at Trent Basin that can be adopted by every housing developer across the UK. A model that not only delivers greener and cheaper energy to residents, but also supports the grid as it meets the massive challenge of supplying power to legacy housing neighbourhoods as they fit heat pumps and electric vehicle chargers over the next 20 plus years.”

 

So far, the scheme is estimated to have saved the equivalent of 34 tonnes of CO2 per year and benefited at least 262 people.  Nick Wood, who lives at Trent Basin, was drawn to the development for the opportunity to play his part combatting climate change.

He said: “When choosing to move to Trent Basin, the energy scheme was key in my decision-making process. Knowing that I’m not contributing to the ongoing climate crisis has made me feel like I’m doing my part and working with the University and SmartKlub has been a breeze – they’ve been there every step of the way. All this combined means we have a cheap, green, energy source that is produced locally and even my car now runs on sunshine!”

 

  1. Mark added: “While our vision is to enable all future housing developments to embrace renewables to lower their energy costs and carbon footprint, providing a no-hassle energy solution for homeowners and developers, it’s not just new builds where this concept could be used. There’s the potential for retrofitting these technologies into our existing housing stock too, which currently represents 22% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions, according to the London Energy Transformation Initiative.”

 

The Trent Basin community energy initiative has benefitted from £6m investment through two Innovate UK funded programmes – the Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) and Project SCENe (Sustainable Community Energy Networks). For more information, please visit: www.projectscene.uk/trentbasin/

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