A Northamptonshire business has received funding from the
Sustainable Construction innovation Network (iNet) to help develop
a new and clean way to heat buildings.
Cool Planet, based in Higham Ferrers, provides renewable energy
solutions and systems to domestic and commercial clients across the
UK.
Steve Gray who runs Cool Planet, believes that ground sourced
energy is the best way to heat buildings. He said: "Ground
Source energy is a proven, reliable renewable energy solution
suitable for many applications. We are committed to finding new,
innovate ways to improve efficiency and energy savings in buildings
while striving to reduce initial capital costs. The iNet grant will
enable us to design and develop an integrated solution, which will
lead to reduced costs for consumers."
Barrie Billinghay, Business Adviser at the iNet, has been
working with Cool Planet to secure the funding. He said: "The
Sustainable Construction iNet is there to support innovative ideas
and products across the whole industry sector. We were very
impressed with the development work Cool Planet is undertaking to
make this technology more accessible to ordinary households.
"We want all companies based in Northamptonshire that work in
the construction sector and the domestic market to develop their
ideas, and bring their products to market."
To qualify for an Innovation Support Grant, the applicant must
be based in the East Midlands and operating commercially in
construction or an associated industry sector such as mining,
quarrying, waste management, energy or water supply. They must also
require technical or consultancy assistance for their idea, product
or process and expect to protect or create jobs as a result.
The Sustainable Construction iNet is funded by East Midlands
Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development
Fund (ERDF). The aim of the iNet is to share expertise and
stimulate the research and development of new products, services
and processes.
Businesses wanting to find out more about the Sustainable
Construction iNet and the grants available should telephone 01604
892836 or visit www.eminnovation.org.uk.