Low-carbon construction advice

A consortium led by Salford University has secured a three-year £6m grant to help construction firms develop environmentally friendly building methods.

The university’s Centre for Construction Innovation is involved in a partnership with Central Lancashire University, Liverpool University, Urban Vision and the Building Research Establishment.

Each partner contributed £1.5m to the project with the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) matching a further £1.5m, alongside a £3m grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The investment will be used to offer small and medium-sized businesses in the north west access to advice on issues surrounding low-carbon construction. A government body called Business Link will act as the first port of call and will direct business to relevant members of the consortium for specialist advice.

The members hope that their expertise will reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment, which they claim is responsible for 45 per cent of UK carbon emissions.