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Low Carbon Innovation Programme

A three-month programme designed to help Lancashire construction businesses to understand the opportunities presented by the transition to a low carbon economy

Enquiry
Eco-I NW Innovation Catalyst funding logos which include: Eco-I North West, Centre for Global Eco-Innvation, European Regional Development Fund, Northern Powerhouse.

About the Programme

This is a historic programme that was funded by ERDF between 2014 and 2020. For further information about other business development opportunities please get in touch with us.

The Low Carbon Innovation Programme is designed for SME leaders interested in connecting with like-minded regional peers and industry partners to address the opportunities and challenges posed by the Net Zero Carbon agenda.

This cohort is for Lancashire SMEs in the construction sector

Industry partners The Fox Group and John Sisk & Son LTD will share good practice around their journey to Net Zero including their 2030 Sustainability Roadmap and the highlights/challenges associated with delivering this.

People in group discussion

What's Involved?

This fully-funded* programme includes three full day workshops (one a month). You’ll participate in a range of practical and interactive challenges and tasks to develop the tools and techniques to explore low carbon innovation and solutions for your business.

More about costs & eligibility

Session: Lancashire Induction

What to expect: Introduction to Net Zero principles and Government Legislation regarding energy efficient buildings and standards required from larger contractors (PAS 2035). An Innovation activity will help you to think differently and respond to the changes required to meet standards.

Session: Retrofit Construction Site Visit

What to expect: Lancashire City Council representatives will lead a tour round a low carbon retrofit construction site. They will showcase good practice around new build regulations and the impact on construction supply chain in regards to new legislation.

Session: Low Carbon Innovation Roadmap

What to expect: This final workshop gives you the opportunity to take a step back and draw together all the areas covered throughout the programme. With support from key stakeholders you will develop an individual roadmap taking into consideration the new legislation and standards required by large organisations.

Benefits to your Business

There is a real incentive for SMEs to dedicate time to think about eco-innovation within their business. The potential benefits include more efficient processes, cost-saving ideas and competitive advantage through innovation development. You will draw knowledge from the strong expertise within Lancaster University and external delivery partners; Fox Group, CITB, Lancaster City Council and John Sisk and Son Ltd.

Develop your leadership

Develop your own leadership through critical thinking, reflection, collaboration, generating greater capacity and confidence.

Understand challenges/opportunities for your business and sector

Gain support and guidance around the PAS Accreditation legislation and the changes needed to future proof your business

Join a peer-network

Build a network of like-minded SMEs who together can tackle the challenges and opportunities posed for the construction sector to reduce their carbon footprint and move to net zero operations in Lancashire

Access expertise and resources

Using proven management tools to develop a low carbon business roadmap.

''There is a real need for construction SMEs to ensure that low carbon processes and methods are incorporated into projects to ensure that buildings meet certain standards and are more energy efficient. Such changes will require construction companies to change the way they operate to procure supplies and construct builds to meet the net zero agenda.''

Enquiry
Nicola Roberts speaking at a workshop
Eco-I North West Partner Uni Logos: UoC, MMU, UCLAN, LJM, UoL

Our Eco-I North West Partners

This programme is designed and delivered by Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) and forms part of Eco-I North West, a £14m project led by The Centre for Global Eco-Innovation at Lancaster University and in partnership with the universities of Central Lancashire, Cumbria, Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores and Manchester Met.

Costs & Eligibility

This programme is fully funded and is available to businesses which are eligible under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) criteria, as follows:

  • Based in Lancashire
  • Employ fewer than 250 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
  • Annual turnover of less than €50 million (or the equivalent in GBP)
  • Received less than €200,000 of de minimis State Aid in the last 3 years.

Find out more about how and why Lancaster University and our funding bodies holds your information.

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