Investing in local sustainable construction solutions

A free one day course for small construction firms is to be held on the 17 April 2008 with the aim of demonstrating how being sustainable can benefit the bottom line as well as the environment.

The day, hosted by Exmoor National Park Authority at the Lowtrow Inn, Upton, will cover Environment and Sustainability one of the three components of the ‘Essential E’ an industry supported education and training package. This brand new course is specifically tailored to small (less than 5 employees) construction firms and covers business skills, environment and sustainability issues and health and safety. The day will be delivered by Tim Simmons, Sustainable Construction Manager at the Genesis Project, SCAT, who has authored the Environment and Sustainability module based upon evidence, gathered on industry needs and existing education and training provision.

The day also includes a lunchtime forum to identify barriers and opportunities for sustainable construction within the local area. Chaired by Charles Couzens (Director of the ECOS Trust) and Colin Savage (Exmoor Rural Housing enabler and author of ‘Affordable Rural Housing; lowering the costs’) the session will provide vital evidence for a mutli-million pound funding bid for Western Somerset which if successful will provide further support to the local sustainable construction industry.

“We can’t escape the daily messages of the need to become more sustainable – particularly in the construction sector with the drive for zero carbon homes by 2016, the requirement for energy performance certificates for all buildings over 1000m2 and the Code for Sustainable Homes which will form the basis of revised building regulations” said Dan James, Sustainable Economy Officer for Exmoor National Park Authority, “however it isn’t always clear cut what effective actions small firms can take which are beneficial to their business as well as the wider environment. We’re confident this day will prove an invaluable opportunity for firms to get ahead of the game and make financial savings too.”

The day will also give participants the opportunity to meet with other key players in the industry from suppliers to those delivering the multi-million pound regeneration works at Project Taunton.

To book a place (on a first come first served basis) or for further information please call Dan James on 01398 322234 or email dtjames@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk.