£10m Competition For Companies To Make Buildings Greener

A competition for companies to improve the green credentials of buildings across the UK has been announced at an Expo underlining the vital role of science and innovation to the economy.

The Prime Minister announced the national challenge 'Retrofit for the Future' in a speech to business leaders and young entrepreneurs at the event.

Run by the Technology Strategy Board, the competition will encourage companies to bid for a share of £10m in government funding to develop innovative solutions to improve the environmental sustainability of existing buildings, dramatically increase performance and reduce costs.

The competition will consider what works and could be used effectively to 'retrofit' buildings including homes to create a minimum of 50 new prototype technologies. Those that are successful could then be adopted by the Government through public procurement to help meet climate change goals.

The Prime Minister joined Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills John Denham and Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson at this evening's Expo Building the Britain of the Future which will showcase the science and innovations behind industries that will be key to the UK's future economic success and creating the jobs of the future.

It will focus on six key strategic sectors - clean technology; advanced manufacturing; healthcare and biotech; high value-added services including Information and Communication Technologies (ICT); creative industries; and education.

Lord Drayson said: "Low carbon technology is just one of the areas in which Britain will need to succeed if we are to emerge from the downturn stronger, build a new economy and create the jobs of the future.

"Today's challenge to companies across the UK underlines the opportunities that exist in responding to global challenges like climate change. And by showcasing the key industries that will build a greener, healthier Britain for the digital age, we underline just how important science and innovation are to the economy and future job creation."

(JM/CD)