The commercial benefits of installing innovative, environmental technology are to be discussed at a Nottingham business event. Green Roofs - The Only Way Is Up is being held at Crown Plaza, Nottingham on Tuesday 2 February. 

The free breakfast briefing, which is being hosted by the Sustainable Construction Innovation Network (iNet), has attracted construction industry professionals, facilities managers and developers from across the East Midlands; and Nottinghamshire businesses are being urged to act fast to secure a place. Registration begins at 8.15 am and the event will run from 8.30 am to 10.00 am.

"Green roofs are already well established in the rest of the world. Famous sites include Chicago City Hall, Australia's Parliament House and Kensington Roof Gardens," says Charles Meynell, Senior Innovation Adviser at the iNet. "In order to benefit both commercially and environmentally, we need to act now to help establish the East Midlands as a centre of sustainable construction in the UK. Nottingham already leads the way in developing green roof technology with industry leading research being undertaken at Nottingham Trent University."

According to Charles, it's not just large-scale developers that will benefit from the event. He said: "The benefits of green roofs are numerous and include improved attenuation, prolonged life for standard roofing materials and reduced sound transfer. Whether renovating a domestic home, or building a new 120,000 m2 retail outlet, green roofs can play their part adding value for developers and reducing the cost of utilities for end-users."

Specialists and Innovation Advisers from the Sustainable Construction iNet and Building Research Establishment (BRE) will offer advice and details of grants available to help encourage start-up businesses and established small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the construction sector.

Funded by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Sustainable Construction iNet has a number of roles, particularly in helping SMEs innovate and generate profits and jobs. The iNet focuses on a number of key annual themes in delivering support to those businesses through in-depth, sector specific advice.

As well as offering specialist advice and organising and hosting industry-leading events, the iNet also provides funding programmes to support innovation in the construction sector to increase productivity, long-term sustainability and business growth. 

The iNet offers financial support through two schemes; the Innovation Support Grant (ISG) offering up to £10,000 matched funding and the Higher Education Collaboration Fund (HECF), in collaboration with higher education institutions, which can offer larger grants for projects.

To qualify for an ISG, the applicant must be operating commercially in construction or an associated industry sector such as mining, quarrying, waste management, energy or water, or in professional services such as architecture or surveying. They must also require technical or consultancy assistance for their idea, product or process and expect to protect or create jobs in the East Midlands as a result. 

The HECF provides grants for companies to access the support and expertise of the region's universities. The fund requires two or more East Midlands higher education institutions and one or more SME construction companies, employing fewer than 250 people, to work together towards a commercial goal that will ultimately deliver competitive advantage. 

The partnership created as a result of the HECF must also enable the applicant to bid for even larger sums from the European Union and other sources.

Businesses wanting to find out more about the Sustainable Construction iNet and the grants available should visit them at Green Roofs - The Only Way Is Up, or telephone 01604 892836.