Climate Energy, the carbon reduction agency based in Essex, has launched SustainaBuild, a three-year, £2.2m project that that aims to stimulate low carbon economic growth in the East of England.
By using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Climate Energy will provide free support to 180 small and medium sized construction sector businesses in the East to diversify, up-skill and collaborate in order to deliver the work required to implement the Green Deal, due to launch in October this year.

At least 20 jobs will be created through the scheme and a further 20 will be safeguarded in the East of England's construction sector.

SustainaBuild will include the low carbon retrofit of a sheltered housing block to showcase best practice to the construction sector. In addition, small and medium sized businesses will be supported through a series of workshops, one to one consultancy and access to a comprehensive online portal with case studies, best practice guides, forums and partnership and mentoring opportunities.

The project will be led by the Climate Energy Group with project partners, Hertfordshire County Council and B3Living (formerly Broxbourne Housing Association), supporting the delivery.

Managing director of Climate Energy, Andrew Holmes, said: 'Whether you're a plumber, builder, surveyor, roofer or involved with any other trade in the construction sector, Green Deal offers something for everyone, and SustainaBuild will enable businesses in the area to be fully prepared for its launch.'

If you are a small or medium sized business in the East of England and would like to participate in SustainaBuild, please contact Sarah McCusker on 0208 633 9810 or sarah.mccusker@climateenergy.org.uk.