NorthWest Construction Hub
The Centre for Construction Innovation North West is leading a consortia project that is develop and implementing an in depth new initiative that is embeds sustainable consumption and production across all aspects of construction activity. This project builds on support available to the construction sector by the provision of new and additional activity to support resource efficiency and sustainability, in particular focusing on construction SMEs in the North West region. The partners that have been assembled to deliver the Construction Knowledge Hub possess a wealth of knowledge, ranging from expertise embedded within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to the brokering and provision of bespoke business support that will increase knowledge levels and build capacity (at all levels) within construction sector SMEs throughout the North West.
The Project is Main Objectives are to:
promote knowledge transfer between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Industry to develop innovative products, services and construction practice(s) to reduce waste and carbon emissions; and to create new "green jobs" on construction;
- build capacity within SMEs so that they become more profitable, more productive and economically stable;
- assist local construction enterprises to adopt sustainable approaches in design and delivery; helping to embed principles of recycling, waste management and carbon reduction in all aspects of design, procurement, construction and demolition;
- help to minimise waste, maximise recycling and reduce carbon emissions at all stages of the construction process.
CCINW is the Accountable Body, co-ordinating the input of partners (including the University of Liverpool; UCLAN; Urban Vision; and BRE) to produce a holistic “knowledge net” that will help construction SMEs to perform better. Companies accessing the “knowledge net” can initially be referred by Business Link. Following this initial referral, they will be directed to CCINW who will determine the type (and intensity) of assistance that is required. Companies will either be supported by CCINW directly, or will be directed to other members of the project consortia (including Business Link) where they will benefit from in depth assistance e.g. to improve their environmental performance and reduce the use and waste (including CO2) of energy and resources.
By adopting and formalising a partnership way of working that promotes effective and integrated account management between partners, the project will ensure that construction SMEs in the North West can become more competitive and resource efficient. This is particularly relevant in the current economic climate, where the construction industry and SMEs in particular are feeling considerable pressure. This project will assist them to adapt, and to innovate, allowing them to perform better, and to meet new standards (e.g. the Code for Sustainable Homes).
The project will increase knowledge levels and build the capacity (at all levels) within construction sector SMEs throughout the North West through the establishment of knowledge transfer pathways between HEIs and industry, the development of innovative products, services and construction practices that reduce waste, reduce energy use and embedded energy use and hence carbon emissions. The project will build the capacity of the region’s construction SMEs, ensuring that they become more profitable, more productive and economically stable, through the adoption of a sustainable approach to design and delivery. The embedding of the principles of recycling, re-use, effective waste management, and carbon reduction in all aspects of design, procurement, construction and demolition will help to minimise waste at all stages of the construction process.
The project services to SMEs
- Helping SMEs working in construction to improve their environmental performance and reduce waste, including reducing CO2 emissions
- Helping SMEs in solving issues facing their business throughout Business improvement group using Action learning techniques
- Helping SMEs to perform better and to meet new standards for sustainable housing and construction
- Helping increase knowledge transfer between HEIs and construction sector at all levels and builds the capacity of SMEs via face to face assistance and group assistants
For further information please contact Tony Baldwinson at tony.baldwinson@ccinw.com