The Technology Strategy Board (TSB) is broadening its remit to call on property owners, developers and large commercial tenants to apply for funding to improve workplace energy efficiency.

Up until now the agency’s Low Impact Buildings programme has focused on supporting technology innovators, but it is now targeting developers and landlords directly.

Ian Meikle, who leads the programme said: "We are targeting major developers, major contractors and large property owners or large tenants. We don’t want technology providers to apply for the funding, but the people with purse strings to apply."

Working with suppliers

The AIMC4 initiative has been given as an example of this approach. It has received £6.4 million from the TSB to research, develop and pioneer the volume production of low carbon homes.
 
The project is led by a consortium of developers, including Stewart Milne Group, Crest Nicholson and Barratt Developments, together with concrete suppliers and research institutions.

Mr Meikle explained: "The closer you get to the supply chain, the better the outcome. By collaborating between themselves and with their suppliers, the partners in AIMC4 have totally improved their product."

Funding applications

The TSB can award funding of between £1 million to £10 million to interested parties as part of the Low Impact Buildings programme.

Companies should contact the Modern Built Environment Knowledge Transfer Network to register an interest.

Posted under Energy Efficiency
and Environmental Technologies and Renewable Energy
and Construction on 22 February 2012