£5m centre helps Coventry University build for the future
A NEW £5m high-tech facility at Coventry University aimed at promoting sustainable construction will be operational from this spring.
The facility will showcase local businesses and test new, innovative environmental products and services for use in sustainable construction. Local businesses will be able to use the facilities which are based at the new Faculty of Engineering and Computing building.
The Sustainable Building Futures project is supported by just over £2.5m from the European Regional Development Fund, which is managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government. The funding was matched by Coventry University.
Communities Minister Baroness Hanham, said: “All industries must learn to adapt and develop new ways of working which are sustainable for the future and the construction industry is no exception. Offering support to businesses to achieve this is crucial and I am pleased that we are able to deliver this support through the new facilities.”
Firms will be able to test their own new products in a real environment. Specialist support is also available on the use of the new technologies.
Paul Fairburn, Coventry University’s director of business development, said: “There is a need within the region to help businesses working in the building technologies sector to modernise and develop new products in an innovative way. We must encourage and help businesses to take advantage of the opportunities that new technology brings.
“The best way to do this is through demonstrating the benefits and creating an environment suitable to test ideas. This new facility will allow us to do just that.”
