East Midlands construction companies looking for financial help, support or advice on how to ‘go greener’ by using sustainable resources are encouraged to attend the Application of Renewables in Today’s Market event.

The free all-day event will take place at Loughborough University on 12 November, from 9.30 am until 4 pm.

The event will showcase the latest products and innovations in renewable applications, featuring key-note speakers from two government agencies: the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) and Summit Skills.

Experts and Innovation Advisers from the Sustainable Construction Innovation Network (iNet), Building Research Establishment (BRE) and representatives from both Northampton and Leicester Universities will offer advice and details of grants available to help encourage sustainable developments.

Topics to be covered include; how to create energy from waste; innovations in low and zero-carbon technologies and potential applications of renewables in new, commercial and domestic buildings.

Introduced by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda), the Sustainable Construction iNet has a number of roles, including helping companies create and safeguard jobs. The iNet focuses on a number of key themes in delivering support to businesses.  Not only does the iNet promote resource efficiency, it encourages businesses to introduce innovative, sustainable construction processes into new-build and refurbishments as well as renewable energy products.

“The East Midlands has traditionally a very strong construction sector,” says Charles Meynell, Senior Innovation Adviser at the Sustainable Construction iNet. “However, in the midst of a serious economic downturn that is having a particularly savage effect on the construction sector, it is vitally important that builders and organisations throughout the supply chain continue to innovate and invest in research and development.

“Not only do we offer specialist advice and information, we can also provide funding programmes to support innovation in the construction sector to increase productivity, long term sustainability and business growth.”

The iNet offers financial support through two schemes; the Innovation Support Grants offering up to £10,000 and the Higher Education Collaboration Grant, offering up to £50,000.

To qualify for an Innovation Support Grant (ISG) the application must be operating commercially in construction or an associated industry sector such as mining, quarrying, waste management, energy or water. They must also require technical or consultancy assistance for their idea, product or process and expect to protect or create jobs in the East Midlands as a result.

The Higher Education Collaboration Fund (HECF) provides grants for companies to access the support and expertise of the region’s universities. The fund requires two or more East Midlands higher education institutions and one or more construction companies, employing fewer than 250 people, to work together towards a commercial goal that will ultimately deliver competitive advantage.

The partnership created as a result of the HECF may also enable the applicant to bid for even larger sums from the European Union and other sources.

Businesses wanting to find out more about the Sustainable Construction iNet and the grants available should visit them at the Code for Sustainable Homes breakfast briefing or telephone 01604 892020 or visit www.eminnovation.org.uk.

-ENDS-

Issued on behalf of the Sustainable Construction iNet by Lava. For further information contact Matt or Lindsey at Lava on 01522 842 800 / matt@lavapr.co.uk / lindsey@lavapr.co.uk

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Notes to editors

About East Midlands Innovation

• East Midlands Innovation is the Regional Science and Industry Council which was established in 2005 by emda.
• East Midlands Innovation’s principle responsibility is to take the lead for emda in implementing the Innovation Strategy and Action Plan for the East Midlands with the aim to grow a long term, sustainable, innovation-led economy.

About the Sustainable Construction iNet

The Sustainable Construction iNet supports businesses in a number of ways:

• iNet advisors offer assistance in researching, developing and implementing new services, products and processes
• Develop skills and knowledge in a specific subject area
• Facilitate networking contacts through sector specific events
• Provide access to dedicated grants to help make innovation happen.

About emda

East Midlands Development Agency (emda) is one of nine Regional Development Agencies in England, set up in 1999 to bring a regional focus to economic development.

Ten years on, independent evaluation shows emda has:

• Had a significant impact on the region’s economy
• Generated economic benefits that substantially outweigh its overall costs
• Put back over £9 of economic output (or GVA) into the regional economy for every £1 it spends
• Produced more than £1 billion in economic benefits per year
• A wider impact on people, places and businesses in the East Midlands that cannot be captured by figures alone.

emda is committed to supporting the region through the current downturn and has put in place a range of measures to provide real help during these challenging times.

Over the long term, emda’s aim is to deliver the 2006 Regional Economic Strategy (RES) by working in partnership with public, private and voluntary organisations.  The RES highlights the themes of productivity, sustainability and equality and sets out key priorities until 2020 to ensure the vision for ‘a flourishing region’ can be achieved.

For more details visit www.emda.org.uk