EEDA - East of England Development Agency

Regional centres help business go green

16 October 2009

Businesses across the East of England are being supported in their attempts to cut their carbon footprint with the help of two new Pathfinder Innovation Centres for Sustainability.

With the support of £2.2 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which is managed by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), the two centres in Cambridge and Bedford will showcase real life functioning examples of low energy building developments and low carbon initiatives for both new and existing buildings.

David Morrall, European director, EEDA said: “As we move towards a low carbon economy new business opportunities are emerging for the region and the European Regional Development Fund is assisting many companies to develop greener processes and products for this expanding market.”

Project leader, Esin Esat, director of sustainability at Bedford College, explained: “This is a unique project with representation from academia and public sector organisations across the whole of the East of England.  It is the first time a joint initiative of this nature has been developed to enhance low carbon developments and business activities.”

Built to BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) standards of excellent and very good, both centres will demonstrate first-hand the positive effects of using low carbon technologies for small businesses and sustainable techniques for the construction industry.

Esin continued: “Strict government targets on the reduction of carbon emissions and the wider use of renewable energy means that the construction industry and small businesses can’t ignore these issues any longer. Businesses will be able to see how sustainable techniques such as insulation, maximising natural light, heating and ventilation can minimise energy consumption.”

As well as the construction of the centres, the project will also create a virtual hub to help raise awareness of cost efficient low carbon technologies and to assist businesses develop tailored solutions for their individual needs.

At a total cost of £5.6 million, the project will take three years to complete and aims to provide assistance to 215 businesses, help 13 new business start-ups, create 51 jobs and safeguard 75 others.

In addition to Bedford College, the project will be delivered by six further partners across the region all contributing financial assistance and providing expertise including: Cambridgeshire County Council, Prospects College (Essex), Lowestoft College, West Suffolk College, Renewables East and Consign.

 

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