Get green in a FLASH

25 August 2011

The Institute for Sustainability’s FLASH+ programme, to be launched at the first of a series of conferences on 27th September 2011, aims to help the FM sector learn which green design and technology solutions really do deliver, and contribute to the estimate £200 billion low carbon market.

With targets for low carbon in new and retrofitted buildings already set, there is a massive drive for innovation and delivering practical solutions at scale - applying anything from renewable energy technologies to insulation and smart control systems. Many pilot projects are in place but the big question remains: what works and what doesn’t, and where can you find independent evidence?

The FLASH+ network is being coordinated and managed by the South East Centre for the Built Environment (SECBE) and partnered by the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM), the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and Constructing Excellence, Construction Industry Council (CIC); it is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

SECBE’s Head of Market Development, Tina McGeachan, says: “There’s almost a tidal wave of new technology flooding into mainstream building and construction, but the problem is knowing how effective it really is. The industry’s emphasis has now turned decisively to making sure that buildings perform as intended and that innovation really does contribute to achieving carbon reduction goals. This programme will give access to a huge knowledge base and cutting edge demonstrator projects. FLASH+ aims to cut through the ‘greenwash’ and help smaller companies to identify opportunities, and provide reliable solutions to grow their business in today’s difficult marketplace.”

The programme and conference are free and aimed at facilities managers, architects, planners, designers, builders and engineers.

Through the opening conference, site visits, seminars, workshops, online material, including case studies and project reports, plus regular online newsletters, delegates will be briefed on the realities of low carbon design and build. The aim is to help businesses understand the importance of performance of newly designed or adapted buildings and how to measure effectiveness. “This knowledge gives companies a much better chance of selling low carbon solutions,” says Tina. “We’ll also be helping them understand financing opportunities including the Government’s Green Deal.”

Speakers at the launch conference, to be held at the Stanhill Court Hotel, Charlwood Surrey, include Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs at the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), Robin Roberts, Property Services Director, at Worthing Homes and Bill Bordass, of the Usable Buildings Trust. View full conference programme at www.secbe.org.uk/flashplus

Speaking about the FLASH+ launch conference Stella Okeahialam MBE, Programme Director at the Institute for Sustainability said “Leading experts in sustainable construction and building performance will explain the importance of designing and delivering buildings that meet the Government’s carbon and energy reduction targets.

“Guaranteed and proven building performance will enable property investors and owners to join the green building and retrofit ‘revolution’ with confidence. It also provides a huge business opportunity for the built environment sector” Stella added.

Admission is free but delegates must register first by contacting Tina McGeachan at SECBE on 0118 920 7204 or by e-mail Tina@secbe.org.uk.