EPIC Centre - Who will build our greener homes?
An environmental expert says plans to make all home carbon neutral
by 2016 will fail unless the government addresses the issue of a
shortage of skills in green-building technologies.
Dr Nick Cheffins, Project Director of the EPIC Centre in
Lincolnshire, says a lack of certified courses teaching low-carbon
building means those in the construction industry won’t have the
necessary skills to meet government demands.
“In the future there is going to be a much-increased demand for
these skills in the industry in response to government and planners
requirements,” says Nick. “We are trying to develop a pilot project
to see how a construction activity like the EPIC Centre can share
best practice.”
Students from Lincoln and Grantham colleges have been invited to the
EPIC Centre - Lincolnshire’s newest eco-friendly conference and
exhibition centre, tomorrow (Wednesday) for a lesson in ‘green’
building.
Construction students will be taught eco-friendly building methods
by visiting the site of the EPIC (Environment, Production,
Innovation and Contemplation) Centre which is due for completion in
May 2008.
Dr Cheffins says this visit will be the first of many, aimed at
encouraging qualification authorities to start producing
certificated courses and qualifications in sustainable and
low-carbon building.
Steven Shepherd, Head of Construction at Grantham College, is keen
for all students to become more environmentally aware.
“As well as teaching construction students the practical skills
involved in eco-friendly building, this project can be an advantage
across the college by teaching all students to be environmentally
aware with events about the environment following the project,” says
Steven.
“The project also aims to spread awareness of building this type of
low-carbon project to businesses and across the community. The
students taking part can help the project access employers.”
Students visiting the site tomorrow will take a site tour and have
the opportunity to understand why certain materials are used.
Subsequent visits will look at energy generation such as biomass
systems.
Email:
jez@shootingstar-pr.co.uk
Arundel Jones Associates Ltd
Hill Farm, Linton Hill, Maidstone, Kent ME17 4AL
Tel : 01622 745333
news@buildingdesign.co.uk
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