Ecobuild is one of the biggest events for sustainable design, construction and the built environment. Here is a preview of the offerings from a selected few exhibitors...
Sustainability is moving up the environmental agenda and this year's Ecobuild exhibition - to be held at the Excel exhibition and conference centre in London between March 1 and 3 - reflects the increasing importance of ecological and energy saving solutions in the building services arena.
Ecobuild is described by its organiser as the most effective marketing platform for suppliers of sustainable and innovative construction products and services, attended by the most influential individuals and organisations in design and construction.
This appears to be borne out by the figures. Since its launch in 2005, Ecobuild has almost doubled in size every year to become, arguably, the biggest event in the world for sustainable design, construction and the built environment.
Its organiser boasts: 'Combining a huge product showcase - over 1,000 suppliers of sustainable and innovative construction products - with an information programme comprising more than 100 conference and seminar sessions, delivered by 600 expert speakers, plus dozens of interactive and educational attractions, Ecobuild is a compelling proposition for exhibitors and visitors alike.
For exhibitors, it's a trusted source of high quality contacts and access to the most valuable projects across the UK and further afield... For visitors, Ecobuild is the industry's major showcase of sustainable products and materials, an unequalled opportunity to discover new suppliers and contacts. It's also the definitive source of information about design and construction, where learning meets practical application, and puts them both alongside suppliers of products and solutions.'
There will, indeed, be plenty to see, hear and do at this year's event. More than 130 free seminars complement the exhibition's dozen or more hands-on attractions and live demonstrations that take place on the exhibition floor.
Among the topics planned are:
• Humanity, technology and sustainability in the workplace
• Taking advantage of feed-in tariffs
• Assessing the impact of the Renewable Heat Incentive
• Making micro generation work: solar thermal heating
• Impact of the Green Deal on the micro-generation market
• Specifying air source heat pumps, mini and micro CHP and ground source heat pumps
• Specifying solar PV and BIPV
• Energy efficient cooling systems
• Exploiting MCS qualification
• Effective micro-generation control
• CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme.