Pictured above: Simon Tilley, Hockerton Housing Project (centre)
gives a tour of the Hockerton Housing Project
Nottingham's Hockerton Housing Project (HHP), the UK's first
earth sheltered, self-sufficient, ecological housing development,
played host to over 35 East Midlands construction professionals for
a guided tour organised by the Sustainable Construction Innovation
Network (iNet).
The iNet, which is funded by East Midlands Development Agency
(emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), invited
delegates with an interest in renewable and sustainable
construction technologies to view the 25 acre site and gain a
valuable insight into sustainable living, renewable energy systems,
rainwater harvesting programmes and non-CO2 emission dwellings.
The tour of the HHP provided an opportunity for the group to
witness how a completely self-sufficient house operates and the
impact of renewable technologies on the lives of the inhabitants
together with discussions on the benefits of utilising such ideas
on future developments.
Charles Meynell, senior business advisor, Sustainable
Construction iNet said: "The tour of the Hockerton Housing Project
provided a fascinating insight into renewable energy sources for
housing projects. HHP has been in existence for 12 years and many
of the sustainable technologies included are still not regularly
utilised as modern construction techniques. By facilitating this
tour, and indeed other similar events, we hope to offer innovation
advice and support to SME's across the East Midlands and hopefully
inspire them to implement these ideas into their construction
projects."
Over the past 18 months the Sustainable Construction iNet has
helped more than 35 businesses in the East Midlands region with
targeted funding support to improve their products, processes or
services to become more commercially viable in the construction
industry, and more than 150 with specialist advice & guidance.
This financial year a further 30 SME's are expected to benefit from
iNet Innovation, Advice & Guidance, plus a further 100+ SME's
with supplementary assistance. It also aims to run 12 - 15
events throughout 2010 and expects to see upwards of 1500 firms
utilising the network.
In 2011 the iNet moves to its new headquarters building in
Daventry, a purpose-built business incubation hub featuring
best-practice design & with sustainability. Interested parties
should contact the iNet on info@construction-inet.org.uk or
telephone 01604 892326.