Designed to inspire, inform and engage the South-West on achieving long-term environmental and social sustainability for the built environment, the series launched with its inaugural event back in November.

Bradfords Building Supplies will host the latest in its ‘Building Sustainable Communities’ event series on the 26 May, giving insight into the future of building in context of sustainability.

Designed to inspire, inform and engage the South-West on achieving long-term environmental and social sustainability for the built environment, the series launched with its inaugural event back in November.

This addressed the national and climate change context, showcasing what could be achieved for both new build projects as well as the huge task of retrofitting existing homes to improve their energy efficiency in support of the drive to achieve net carbon zero.  

Bradfords’ forthcoming event will focus on the support available in meeting these challenges, as well as some practical examples of how to build sustainability into construction projects.  Selected suppliers will be in attendance to showcase developments and options available to support sustainable building.

‘Building Sustainable Communities’ will take place at Somerset County Cricket Club, with satellite events at Bradfords’ branch in Ross-on-Wye and also Redruth Rugby Club, to help expand its reach across the region.

Created in partnership with TrustMark, the event is sponsored by Marshalls, a provider of sustainable natural stone and hard landscaping products.

A programme of speakers will include:

  • TrustMark on the latest updates on government grant schemes and how to access them, plus trade accreditation requirements and support for SME trades in carrying out retrofit work.
  • The National Custom and Self-Build Association on redefining self-build and support for self-build projects including mortgages and tax relief.
  • HSBC’s Sustainable Finance Team on how banks and financial institutions are gearing up to support the move to the low carbon built-environment, including loans to improve properties’ EPCs.
  • Galion Homes on its holistic approach to sustainability, including the practices that trades, housebuilders and developers can adopt and include in their projects.
  • SE3 Design, a PassivHaus accredited architects to look at the challenge of improving energy efficiency through the lens of the PassivHaus philosophy.

“The time for action on climate change is now and we understand our responsibility to help educate our communities and constructors on the challenges that lie ahead, as well as inspiring them with ways to approach their projects from an environmentally responsible perspective,” said Giles Bradford, Head of Sustainability at Bradfords Building Supplies.

“Our first Building Sustainable Communities event introduced the ‘why’ and ‘what’ when it comes to building sustainably, but now it’s time to move on to the ‘how’. We will address common perceived factors that prevent both homeowners and the construction industry from taking a more sustainable approach to their building projects and look at what practical support is available.”

Simon Ayers, Chief Executive at TrustMark, added: “We’re all aware of the enormous challenge that we face to improve the energy efficiency of our homes and in particular, the need to help homeowners and the supply chain understand how this can be achieved.

“It’s important to build understanding about the level of support that is available through government funding schemes and the requirements for tradespeople to attain appropriate accreditation to carry out works to the necessary standards. We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Bradfords to help move closer to that goal.”

Chris Griffiths, Head of Product Sustainability at Marshalls, said: “We’re really pleased to be sponsoring this event alongside likeminded suppliers who are also taking great steps to make the construction sector more sustainable.

“There’s no doubt that the climate challenge is well underway and we find that the more we talk to people, the more we learn – it really is a space where collaboration isn’t just desirable, it’s essential. Having this sort of focus from Bradfords is really positive.”

Additional event sponsors include ROCKWOOL, the UK’s leading manufacturer of sustainable non-combustible stone wool insulation, and Xtratherm, a leading UK insulation provider who supply a range of bio-enhanced insulation for walls, floors and roofs.

Also sponsoring are Polypipe Building Products, the UK’s leading manufacturer of residential plastic piping systems, and Polypipe Civils & Green Urbanisation, manufacturer of innovative water management solutions with integrated green assets that help mitigate the risks of climate change and deliver resilient and biodiverse landscapes. Both are part of the Genuit Group plc.

The event will run from 6pm and will be accessible via live online streaming. For more information about the event, including online access, visit www.bradfords.co.uk/buildingsustainablecommunities