The Technology Strategy Board (TSB) has announced funding for a new innovation platform to help UK businesses meet the growing global demand for environmentally-friendly buildings.

Over the next three years, £30 million will be allocated to the Low Impact Buildings Innovation Platform, which will support collaborative projects involving industry, academics, and research organisations to develop new products and services in the low carbon building technology sector. 

After an extensive consultation with both industry and academia to identify the major challenges to delivering low impact buildings, the TSB has drawn up the following target areas: 

Designing for future climate change.

Design and decision tools.

Management of building operations.

New components and materials.

Low carbon energy. 

The first funding round, which will have a budget of approximately £4 million, will focus on the development of materials and components that will reduce energy and water consumption. 

Welcoming the announcement of the imminent investment, junior housing minister, Iain Wright, said:  "Building the extra houses we need in this country and tackling climate change are two of the biggest challenges the government faces. The zero carbon agenda is vital to ensuring that the new housing we so badly need is built in a way that helps tackle climate change. 

"We have set ourselves and industry a huge challenge with the zero carbon house building standards, but this is a challenge that can be met. We want and need innovative designs, products and ways of working to meet that challenge. 

"This is why I commend the Technology Strategy Board for launching the Low Impact Buildings Innovation Platform, which I am sure will make a significant contribution to developing and disseminating the learning and knowledge we need on how to design and build zero carbon homes." 

More details about the funding scheme will be announced in due course. 

For the latest updates visit the TSB website (opens a new window)