ECC has urged its members to get up to speed with latest advances in renewables innovation by securing their tickets for the upcoming Green Home Festival, which starts a week today as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Organised by the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV)– the event will give environmentally-aware professionals a unique opportunity to learn about sustainable materials and methods, building greener neighbourhoods, retrofitting traditional buildings and much more.

The last few tickets are still available for the week of shows starting on Monday 8 August, which will deliver practical assistance and expert advice to help equip the construction industry with the necessary tools to turn Scotland into a net zero nation.

 “We hope that as many members as possible will book their place at these events and interact with the industry experts who are giving up their time to discuss new technologies and ways of doing things that will benefit both the sector and the consumer.”

The five-day event, which will be opened byScottish Government Minister Patrick Harvie, will see the delivery of 12 in-person and virtual presentations on green topics, targeting homeowners, professionals, housing associations and local authorities.

Topics of particular interest to the construction industry include:

• Retrofitting a tenement – how renewable renovations can reduce heating costs and cut carbon emissions in Scotland’s traditional buildings
• Building green neighbourhoods – how off-site manufacturing can play a key role in delivering higher performing buildings
• Improving energy efficiency – a tour of a site to see a real-life example of the fabric-first approach to improving the energy efficiency of homes
• Using sustainable materials – circular, sustainable and homegrown materials such as insulation and their positive impact on a building’s embodied carbon profile.
• Taking the Swedish view – how an award-winning Stockholm housing company uses renewable technology to improve energy efficiency.
• Transforming a listed museum – how the Burrell Collection enhanced its environmental performance by replacing power, heating and lighting systems.
• Leading from within – a call to designers, engineers and managers to lead by example and help build a more sustainable and healthy environment.

Live sessions will take place at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) at 10 Charlotte Square in central Edinburgh, with six other sessions available online via webinar.

One of the organisers, Gordon Nelson, Scotland Director of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “Tickets for the Green Home Festival are going fast and we have been encouraged by the interest shown by the construction industry, which shows the level of awareness by the sector of its vital role in the transition to net zero.

“The events will also help householders understand the new technology and we are aiming to make this inaugural event an annual occasion that will help to build a long-term legacy and demonstrate our commitment to greener, low-carbon solutions.”

Co-organiser John McKinney, secretary of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, said: “We are really looking forward to sharing ideas through the Green Home Festival and we hope that as many people as possible will take the opportunity to book their place at some, or all, of the events.

“The climate emergency, net zero and soaring energy prices are the driving factors behind this event, and our aim is to engage the public and businesses in the global challenge, offering demonstrations and hands-on guidance.”

Full details, including how to book tickets for each event, are available on the Festival’s website at greenhomefestival.co.uk.

The festival is the latest in a string of practical and constructive initiatives launched by the CICV since its creation at the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

Made up of 29 trade associations, professional services bodies and companies, it has maintained a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, producing animations and posters, hosting webinars and maintaining close dialogue with Scottish Government ministers.