A new Chair in Energy appointment by the University of St Andrews heralds a groundbreaking era in battery technology research, crucial for addressing the climate emergency. The University of St Andrews, in partnership with the Faraday Institution, is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Venkataraman Thangadurai as its new
ACS Stainless Steel Fixings (ACS) has collaborated with Tenmat – a leading manufacturer of passive fire protection materials and components – to set a new standard for masonry support. In a bid to help developers, contractors, architects and specifiers create safer and more sustainable buildings, the pair have formed a
Andrew Scott Limited is delighted to have successfully completed and handed-over the brand new £100m Manufacturing and R&D Centre in Newport for their client, Trebor Developments. The 210,000sqft development represents a multi-million-pound investment by international high-tech manufacturing and research & development company, KLA Corporation. The new building, for up to
Square Mile Farms are bringing farming back into the heart of the city through the stunning location of Devonshire Square. A vibrant five-acre square home to some of London’s most exciting restaurants and businesses, located a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street and Spitalfields Market. From late June through to July,
Nick Parsons, Executive Chairperson of AKW Holdings Group, Clare Hayward MBE DL High Sheriff of Cheshire and Cllr Simon Whittaker, Mayor of Middlewich opened a new AKW manufacturing facility in Middlewich, Cheshire. AKW, one of the UK’s leading providers of accessibility solutions, is pleased to announce the opening of its
Loughborough, UK: Energy engineering solutions provider BRUSH Group has opened a multi-million-pound world-class transformer test cell facility at its transformer manufacturing facility in Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK. The facility, housed in a huge former workshop at the firm’s iconic Falcon Works in the Leicestershire town, will put newly built power transformers
The UK faces several challenges in achieving its net zero ambitions by 2050. Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), Carl Perrin, highlights three of them and what we, at Coventry University Group, are doing to ensure a cleaner tomorrow. The UK is committed to achieving net zero carbon by 2050. This statement has
Wales & West Utilities commissions study on hydrogen infrastructure to determine the viability of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles to UK consumers. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been selected by Wales & West Utilities (“WWU”) to lead a study exploring how hydrogen refuelling stations can be integrated into the UK’s
Adaptavate, a global leader in the development and industrialisation of low-carbon and carbon-negative construction materials, has announced the production of the world’s first carbon-negative technology to produce plasterboards. The leap from producing low-carbon construction materials to now providing an additional carbon-negative product comes through the incorporation of char – produced
Start-ups tackling some of the world’s biggest sustainability challenges have the chance to supercharge their business and pilot their technology with Amazon, as part of the third edition of the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator. The 15 starts-ups from across Europe will benefit from a four-week programme featuring expert-led workshops, specialised mentorship,
A new Chair in Energy appointment by the University of St Andrews heralds a groundbreaking era in battery technology research, crucial for addressing the climate emergency. The University of St Andrews, in partnership with the Faraday Institution, is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Venkataraman Thangadurai as its new Chair in Energy. Professor Thangadurai, who joins St Andrews from the University of Calgary in Canada, has been awarded a Faraday Institution Adjunct Professorial Fellowship. The Faraday Institution Adjunct Professorial Fellowship programme is designed to enable universities in its community to attract leading battery scientists to the UK or promote new people to contribute to fields related to energy storage research. Professor Thangadurai’s research interests involve the design and preparation of novel solid electrolytes exhibiting fast oxide ion, lithium ion, and sodium ion conduction and mixed ionic-electronic conduction based on inorganic crystal structures. His work primarily explores novel solid electrolytes, electrode materials, and interfaces to enhance battery performance, safety, and longevity. By addressing key challenges in energy storage, his research aims to facilitate the adoption of more efficient and sustainable energy technologies, contributing significantly to the advancement of renewable energy systems and electric vehicles. The newly created position of Chair in Energy at St Andrews will see Professor Thangadurai bring his extensive expertise to the University’s School of Chemistry. His leadership will significantly enhance the St Andrews research capabilities and contributions to sustainable energy solutions, the development of technological spin-out opportunities and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs). This strategic appointment aligns with St Andrews dedication to advancing global energy sustainability through cutting-edge research and innovation. Professor Thangadurai’s research will look to the future of battery technology, playing a critical role in combating the climate emergency by enhancing energy storage solutions, essential for integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the power grid. Speaking about his appointment, Professor Thangadurai said: “I am delighted to be given this opportunity to continue my research at St Andrews, working with the world’s leading researchers in battery and renewable technologies. The support of the Faraday Institution in making this role a reality shows the commitment to the development of next generation of battery technologies so we can make a real change in the world, playing our part in tackling the climate emergency that impacts us all. The work we will continue and develop at St Andrews will ensure safe, sustainable, renewable energy solutions for generations to come.” Professor Thangadurai, will also work with colleagues from the School of Chemistry, including Professor John Irvine CBE, as part of the Faraday the NEXGENNA research project into sodium-ion batteries. The Faraday Institution’s NEXGENNA project is accelerating the development of sodium-ion battery technology by taking a multi-disciplinary approach incorporating fundamental chemistry right through to scale-up and cell manufacturing. Its aim is to put on the path to commercialisation a sodium-ion battery with high performance, low cost, that has a long cycle life and is safe. Professor Thangadurai will deliver the keynote address at the 24th International Conference on Solid State Ionics in London on Friday 19 July. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ACS Stainless Steel Fixings (ACS) has collaborated with Tenmat – a leading manufacturer of passive fire protection materials and components – to set a new standard for masonry support. In a bid to help developers, contractors, architects and specifiers create safer and more sustainable buildings, the pair have formed a joint venture to create a new iteration of Intex™ 4-in-1 Masonry Support system – the first combined masonry support system combining four critical components in one easy-to-fit design. Ahead of launch – and in a bid to give the industry confidence in the product – ACS invested £65,000 in advanced testing of Intex™ something that recently culminated in certification from Kiwa, a renowned global leader in Testing, Inspection, and Certification. The Kiwa mark solidifies the product’s credentials and will help developers secure warranties in the future as ACS managing director David Flannery explained: “Intex™ is a game-changing product for the sector; combining masonry support, cavity tray and wall ties, in one, with an added intumescent cavity fire barrier mechanically fixed to the cavity tray for exceptional fire protection. “It has been created to overcome challenges around cavity congestion, incompatible parts and incorrect installation. Intex™4-in-1 Masonry Support is over 40% faster to install than traditional methods such as masonry support, cavity tray, cavity fire barrier and wall ties which means significant labour cost savings – with projections of 29% cost savings on labour and 4% overall. The product is ergonomically designed, making it easy for installers to handle and fit, with the added bonus of reducing deliveries and storage space onsite by up to 32% as well as reducing congestion by up to 60%. This gives complete peace of mind that components are compatible and every one of them is doing its job.” The news comes a year after Intex™ was first launched to market and specified on several schemes, including residential projects in London. ACS has since invested £350,000 across R&D, now collaborating with Tenmat to evolve the product and share best practice. Each business has a longstanding track record, with ACS celebrating its 40th year in business and Tenmat bringing 100 years’ experience in working with advanced composite materials for safety critical applications. Mark Davies, Sales Director of Tenmat added: “Unlike many new product development projects, where there are often challenges and setbacks to overcome, the two teams came together and maintained open and honest communication to keep a focus on the end goal. “Intex™ 4-in-1 Masonry Support system represents an industry first of utilising compact, low profile intumescent materials to provide an integrated cavity barrier solution to a masonry support bracket and cavity tray. “We are delighted to partner with ACS to bring this product to market having both identified an acute need for something new and innovative. Intex™ 4-in-1 Masonry Support system and its Kiwa certification will help the industry and represents a market-first for utilising compact, low profile intumescent materials to provide a pioneering solution.” David concluded: “This partnership was born not just out of respect and shared expertise, but of a real desire to assimilate our collective experience to take the industry forward. “We each bring different skills, experience and strengths to the partnership which makes for a great synergy; our two teams are united by a shared focus on innovation and developing solutions that simplify complex industry challenges with advanced composite materials for safety critical applications.” Find out more about Intex™ 4-in-1 Masonry Support System here: https://acsstainless.co.uk/products/4-in-1-masonry-support-system/intex-4-in-1-masonry-support/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Andrew Scott Limited is delighted to have successfully completed and handed-over the brand new £100m Manufacturing and R&D Centre in Newport for their client, Trebor Developments. The 210,000sqft development represents a multi-million-pound investment by international high-tech manufacturing and research & development company, KLA Corporation. The new building, for up to 750 staff, has been designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating, reflecting KLA’s commitment to its environmental goals, and will include offices, cleanrooms, storage and support facilities. Inside of the building façade will be three floors of high-quality working environments, providing staff with modern workspaces, flexible breakout areas and a staff restaurant. With staff wellbeing a priority, the new building includes a gymnasium and a footpath to support employee fitness and health. There is ample secure cycle storage and shower facilities for those who take part in the company’s Cycle Scheme or just cycle to work to keep fit and do their part for the environment. In addition to the recent practical completion, there were sectional completion dates that Andrew Scott achieved throughout the project: During the project, Andrew Scott Ltd partnered with Avena to launch a PPE waste recycling initiative on site. As a result of this, 174kg of textiles were diverted from landfill, saving 82.72kgCO2e. The site also received 45/45 on its recent Considerate Constructors Scheme visit, demonstrating the positive contribution to the local environment and social and economic well-being of the local community. Mark Bowen, Managing Director of Andrew Scott, said “We are delighted to handover this prestigious project on time, to our client Trebor Developments and KLA Corporation. The completion of this new Manufacturing and R&D Centre is a testament to the hard work, collaboration and vision of everyone involved in the project. We are extremely proud of what has been achieved and being a part of this remarkable facility.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Square Mile Farms are bringing farming back into the heart of the city through the stunning location of Devonshire Square. A vibrant five-acre square home to some of London’s most exciting restaurants and businesses, located a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street and Spitalfields Market. From late June through to July, Square Mile Farms will be creating an immersive urban farming experience, where it will grow a selection of fresh herbs and vegetables, sharing the harvests with the local community through a programme of events. Devonshire Square is home to a selection of wonderful restaurants with cuisines from across the globe. Square Mile Farms is collaborating with two of the restaurants where the chefs will be using the herbs to create classic Italian dishes and modern Indian street food. Enoteca da Luca’s executive chef Giuseppe Ferreri will prepare a classic dish from Liguria – Trofie al Pesto, utilising fragrant basil grown in the urban farm. Workers at Devonshire Square, and its visitors, will be able to sample the dish at aperitivo time (5-6pm) on Tuesday 2 July. Moving to a different continent executive chef Raju Ramachandran of Cinnamon Kitchen will be creating a range of inspired canapés incorporating freshly picked herbs including stir fried shrimp with red chard, thyme flavoured chicken tikka with coriander, and Indo Chinese stir fried chilli paneer in gem lettuce. visit the urban farm on 16July 12.30-13.30pm if you don’t want to be disappointed. Andy Booth, director of offices at Devonshire Square, says: “Nuveen is delighted to partner with Square Mile Farms to provide a new urban farm for the City of London this summer. Devonshire Square is a green oasis in the heart of the City, and this concept adds another dimension to the garden aesthetic that makes the Square such a tranquil haven for workers and visitors. Seeing locally produced goods, grown and harvested has multiple benefits, from educating children, and learning opportunities for local people, to being used as ingredients for our varied restaurants ” During the summer there is a huge outdoor screen in one of the Devonshire Square courtyards which will be showing all the big sporting events which of course includes Wimbledon. We can’t promise a Briton in the final, but we can promise ice cream from Cinnamon Kitchen. During Wimbledon matches visitors will be treated to a deliciously refreshing lemon basil ice cream using organic lemons and basil grown in the urban farm. Patrick Dumas CEO of Square Mile Farms says “There can be nothing more satisfying than freshly grown produce, harvested by hand, that you have watched grow and flourish in front of you. Joining together to enjoy the bounty and sharing the experience has long been part of the human experience. Our indoor community farm represents a significant step towards sustainable urban living and community engagement”. As well as the restaurant collaborations Square Mile Farms will also be hosting walk in workshops, running cooking demonstrations and sharing with the local community and schools to show how we can all live more sustainably, while still being able to enjoy the food we love. Square Mile Farms will be growing 10 different crops using its advanced hydroponic growing systems, delivering fragrant flavours, all grown ultra-locally. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nick Parsons, Executive Chairperson of AKW Holdings Group, Clare Hayward MBE DL High Sheriff of Cheshire and Cllr Simon Whittaker, Mayor of Middlewich opened a new AKW manufacturing facility in Middlewich, Cheshire. AKW, one of the UK’s leading providers of accessibility solutions, is pleased to announce the opening of its sizeable new showroom and manufacturing facility in Middlewich, Cheshire. AKW is proud to continue investing in British manufacturing and the 26,000 sq ft facility will produce accessible bathroom and kitchen products from across the company’s portfolio. In addition, the site includes offices and a large bathroom and kitchen showroom and client assessment centre, to enable Occupational Therapists, contractors, and other specifiers in the North West to experience AKW’s product range in situ and receive product training as needed. Following the acquisition of Contour Showers Limited in 2022, it quickly became clear that the existing Contour facility in Winsford would not be able to meet AKW’s manufacturing requirements. A new production site in Total Park, Middlewich, was subsequently taken on under a long-term lease and the layout amended during construction to suit AKW’s needs. Located three miles from junction 18 of the M6, AKW’s new facility is EPC A-rated and features roof mounted solar panels which will generate an estimated 15,000 kWh electricity per year for the site. Alongside AKW staff, all of the Winsford site’s employees have made the move to the facility and a fuel allowance, free transport service and hybrid working have been set up to make the transition easier. Nick Parsons, Executive Chairperson of AKW Holdings Groupcomments: “The opening of this showroom and manufacturing facility makes AKW the largest producer of bathroom and kitchen adaptation solutions in the North West. We are very proud of the reputation that AKW has built up over the years for providing high quality inclusive bathroom and kitchen solutions that stand the test of time. With the opening of the Middlewich facility, now even more installers, specifiers and end users across the region will be able to experience the exceptional AKW and understand why our strapline is ‘Life Made Better’.” To find out more about the new facility visit https://akw-ltd.co.uk/akw-opens-parsons-house/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Loughborough, UK: Energy engineering solutions provider BRUSH Group has opened a multi-million-pound world-class transformer test cell facility at its transformer manufacturing facility in Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK. The facility, housed in a huge former workshop at the firm’s iconic Falcon Works in the Leicestershire town, will put newly built power transformers through their paces before being shipped out to BRUSH customers. Key customer representatives joined BRUSH employees for the official opening of the test cell which features a high-voltage acoustic test area with 12-metre-high doors. From this new testing facility, BRUSH has the capability to conduct a comprehensive range of tests on its transformers, ensuring they surpass the high standards of performance the company’s customers have come to expect. With dedicated storage for up to four of BRUSH’s biggest transformer units, the facility allows the company to significantly increase its production capacity to meet the UK’s fast-growing demand for power transformers as the country gears up for decarbonisation. The test cell also enables BRUSH to offer the most comprehensive suite of routine and type tests for transformers up to 170kV, both new builds and retrofit units. Energy efficient by design, with a whole raft of health and safety features, the purpose-built, high-capacity space is both IEC (BSEN) and ENA compliant. Nicolas Pitrat, CEO of BRUSH Group said: “We’re seeing rapidly increasing demand for power transformers from all segments of our customer base in the UK, from power networks operators and renewable energy producers to public infrastructure providers and commercial developers. “Opening of our new world-class test cell here in Loughborough allows us to keep pace with that demand and play our part in the domestic supply chain, enabling energy producers and consumers to connect to the grid and accelerate towards net zero. “I’m really proud of what the team at BRUSH has achieved with this latest investment, and especially pleased with our team of new engineering apprentices who have come on board to support our growth including operating the new test cell.” The range of tests offered includes winding resistance, CT tests, core and frame insulation, capacitance and insulation power factor, short-circuit impedance, load loss / no-load loss, applied voltage, NVD bushing capacitance, impulse test, temperature rise test, hot spot measurement, SFRA, RSO, tank vibrations and sound levels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK faces several challenges in achieving its net zero ambitions by 2050. Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), Carl Perrin, highlights three of them and what we, at Coventry University Group, are doing to ensure a cleaner tomorrow. The UK is committed to achieving net zero carbon by 2050. This statement has been echoed repeatedly in recent years, yet there remain several serious challenges to this ambitious mission. To mark Net Zero Week and with a new Labour government coming into power, it seemed an appropriate time to explore some of these challenges and discuss how Sir Keir Starmer might go about addressing them in the months and years to come. The first is centred around energy and technology uncertainty. Concerns remain about the role of key energy alternatives like hydrogen. There are doubts around the removal of greenhouse gases and carbon leakage, and the pathway to net zero has been scrutinised with questions persisting over the mix of technologies and energy sources required to achieve it. Through our research into green battery technology, hydrogen power and future transport we are committed to working with partners to ease this uncertainty and deliver solutions to complex environmental concerns. Research is just one side of the coin, however, and we must continue to build partnerships in education, industry and policy to develop a positive narrative around green energy and emerging technologies. Net zero strategy The UK emissions trading scheme (EMS) is central to the net zero strategy but addressing carbon leakage remains a challenge. Policies like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) or a Mandatory Product Standard would certainly be a step in the right direction. They would help ensure the UK not only has optimal environmental policies for decarbonisation but is also putting in place preventive measures to ensure these emissions are not shifted elsewhere. These are steps we are taking within our university group through our Decarbonisation Strategy. As a document, this informs our net zero carbon response by not only providing a route map to reducing emission but also placing targets on our Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions in the years to come. Finally, to reach net zero carbon, electricity will have to get cleaner and there will need to be a lot more of it. Electricity demand is expected to rise as more systems including cars, buses and, in some circumstances heating, will be running on electrical power. Greenpower Park Located at the heart of the UK’s manufacturing industry, the Greenpower Park is a trailblazing centre of excellence for electrification, battery technology and manufacturing, and represents a perfect example of what must become the norm if we are to produce and deliver cleaner, more efficient electricity. As a university group, we’re incredibly proud to be directly involved in this ground-breaking location which seeks to foster the UK’s growing battery ecosystem by offering an all-in-one solution for battery research, industrialisation, manufacturing, testing, recycling and electrified logistics. Researchers at Coventry University Group are attempting to meet these three major challenges head on at a national and international level, helping communities and habitats to regenerate themselves by engaging with citizens, with businesses and with technology. Our commitment to creating better futures for the communities around us is at the heart of much that we do and it is imperative that we, along with our partners in academia, industry and government continue to address these issues and deliver innovative solutions for a cleaner tomorrow. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wales & West Utilities commissions study on hydrogen infrastructure to determine the viability of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles to UK consumers. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been selected by Wales & West Utilities (“WWU”) to lead a study exploring how hydrogen refuelling stations can be integrated into the UK’s existing gas network. The research, funded by Ofgem, will explore the potential of using the UK’s natural gas network – which provides energy to homes, businesses, and large industry – as hydrogen fuelling infrastructure in anticipation of increased demand for zero emissions vehicles. Specifically, the research will consider infrastructure solutions which increase the viability of hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). These low emission vehicles could be a sustainable alternative to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles, thanks to hydrogen having a similar refuelling process. The technology offers advantages for heavy-duty vehicles which typically have high daily mileage and limited refuelling windows. The study is part of a WWU initiative called HyDrive, which seeks to address the lack of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure across Wales and the south west of England. Costain’s researchers will consult key regional stakeholders to understand current road transport demands, model and forecast future demands on the network, and recommend potential locations where existing petrol stations could be converted to hydrogen refuellers. The report’s insights into the economics of implementing the technology, and how it will impact consumers in a future transition, will point the way for gas distribution networks to work with hydrogen producers and refuelling infrastructure providers to help deliver demonstrable long-term savings for consumers as part of the energy transition. Laura Hughes, energy sector director at Costain, commented: “Hydrogen will play an important role in the UK’s decarbonisation and energy transition ambitions. Through its HyDrive initiative, Wales & West Utilities is leading the way and our research will help improve understanding of the hurdles which need to be overcome to make hydrogen-powered vehicles a reality. “Costain has a rich catalogue of expertise in this field and a deep understanding of how to handle hydrogen safely. This will ensure the report is grounded in practical implementation and ultimately delivers robust, actionable findings”. Matthew Hindle, head of net zero and sustainability at Wales and West Utilities added: “HyDrive is a hugely important initiative for us as we seek to reduce carbon emissions across Wales and the south west of England. Having successfully trialled a hydrogen van earlier this year, one of the challenges was the lack of hydrogen refuelling in the area. The trial required us to set up a bespoke hydrogen refuelling eco-system and clearly highlighted the need for permanent infrastructure if FCEVs are to become a reality. HyDrive will help identify the ways in which our extensive gas network could support hydrogen refuelling in the future. “For this project we were seeking a partner who could demonstrate an immediate, detailed understanding of our requirements, complete with a relevant portfolio of experience. Costain ticked all boxes. The lack of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is not confined to our region and we’re optimistic the project will produce a model which can be used by the broader industry and accelerate the sector’s complicated but pressing road to net zero.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Adaptavate, a global leader in the development and industrialisation of low-carbon and carbon-negative construction materials, has announced the production of the world’s first carbon-negative technology to produce plasterboards. The leap from producing low-carbon construction materials to now providing an additional carbon-negative product comes through the incorporation of char – produced by the pyrolysis of ligno-cellulosic materials. This locks the CO2 sequestered by plants into a stable state, and subsequently into the board, preventing it from being released through decay. Incorporating char makes the current technology to produce Breathaboard genuine permanent carbon-storage, as an alternative to plasterboard which absorbs and stores more carbon than it produces. Importantly, this has been quantified by Adaptavate’s independent, industry verified carbon calculation tool to the latest EN 15804+A2 standard. Adaptavate’s innovative technology allows for CO2 savings through both its product formulation and manufacturing methods. The company repurposes ligno-cellulosic wastes, combining them with minerals and a small amount of water to create a flat board material. Unlike conventional board production, this process requires no natural gas and can absorb low concentration CO2 in the curing process, which can be sourced from industrial emissions during the curing stage. Tom Robinson, founder and CEO at Adaptavate, says: “Our new carbon-negative and carbon-storing technology marks a significant milestone and step forward not only for Adaptavate, a business I founded a decade ago, but also for the global construction industry as a whole. Plasterboard is one of the most heavily used construction material after cement and steel, in an industry that produces around 40% of the world’s carbon emissions. As a former builder, the potential impact of putting carbon storing building materials in the hands of every builder, architect and developer around the world as a drop-in solution is massive in our global endeavour to decarbonise construction. This announcement demonstrates with a real-world example of how we can do this and have a successful business on a global scale.” The development of this new climate-positive technology and the pilot line for the board’s production has been made possible by UK Government grants (Innovate UK), and investment from a group of climate-focused businesses dedicated to accelerating carbon removal within the construction industry, including Counteract, Perivoli Innovations, Low Carbon Innovation Fund 2 (LCIF2), and SEMIN Group. Jeff Ive, CTO at Adaptavate, says: “The production of full-sized permanently carbon-storing plasterboard is a major step forward for Adaptavate and the scale up of our regenerative material solutions. We have brought together a systemic solution for carbon dioxide removal that is required on a global scale, and matched it with a product that is used on a similar scale. With our licencing business model, we aim to deliver these systemic innovations at a rate that the planet needs them. The innovations’ development is thanks to the expert international team we have at our Bristol headquarters. With their knowledge, skills and dedication we have produced a game changing carbon-storing product with a comparable performance to the incumbent. The past few years of innovation in this space have been exciting for us, and we can see that this core technology has some important attributes that could be well used in a diverse product portfolio.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Start-ups tackling some of the world’s biggest sustainability challenges have the chance to supercharge their business and pilot their technology with Amazon, as part of the third edition of the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator. The 15 starts-ups from across Europe will benefit from a four-week programme featuring expert-led workshops, specialised mentorship, a tailored curriculum and access to a network of entrepreneurs in the sustainability sector. This year, for the first time, they also have the opportunity to pitch their technology for a trial in Amazon’s European operations, opening doors to future partnerships and Europe-wide implementation, earning them up to €2m each. The 15 selected start-ups span a diverse range of geographies and demographics, headquartered across 10 countries and together employing more than 600 people. From tackling issues arising from fast fashion, to reusable packaging and AI, the start-ups are focused on scaling their business in one of three categories: circular economy, energy in buildings, and packaging. Since launching in 2022, the Accelerator has supported more than 25 start-ups across the UK and Europe, provided over US $1 million in grants and credits, and helped participating businesses increase total sales on average by 700% and raise over €18.7 million to date. This year, Dublin based HT Materials Science joins the Accelerator. Founded in 2018, the start-up has developed a simple retrofit solution that improves heating and cooling systems. The technology can be added to any existing commercial and industrial heating and cooling system, reducing energy consumption and enabling cost savings. “Building operations pose one of the most vexing challenges in the fight against climate change. Between 1990 and 2020, energy used for cooling tripled and will continue to increase as global economies expand and temperatures rise,” said Thomas Grizzetti, CEO of HT Materials Science, “Our Maxwell heat transfer fluids offer an immediate, cost-effective way to reduce the energy consumption of environmental and industrial cooling and heating systems by up to 15% while significantly reducing CO2 emissions. We believe Amazon’s Sustainability Accelerator Program will help us expand our reach to more clients and facilities around the world that can benefit from Maxwell.” In the UK, three start-ups join the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator: ACS Clothing, Cheesecake Energy and Breathe Batteries. Glasgow-based ACS Clothing works with renowned brands and retailers like The North Face and Timberlandto extend the life of garments via its cleaning and repair service. Cheesecake Energy, a University of Nottingham spinout, has developed a technology system that stores surplus energy generated by a solar power plant during the day, to provide access to renewable energy for the site during non-solar producing hours. Based in London, Breathe Batteries, has built a software that can be used in any lithium-ion battery to enhance its performance and improve the charging time and lifecycle. The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is a four-week programme designed to help start-ups navigate the challenges of scaling a sustainability business. Participants will meet and work with experts in Amazon’s Sustainability, Climate Pledge Fund and Climate Pledge Friendly teams, attend workshops, receive mentorship and €10,000 worth of AWS Activate Credits. For the first time this year, start-ups will have the opportunity to pitch to key decision makers for the chance to integrate their cutting-edge innovation directly into parts of Amazon’s business. During the four weeks, they will benefit from tailored support to help align them to Amazon’s needs and goals, following which they will pitch their pilots. Three start-ups will be selected to partake in an eight to ten week programme to scope their pilot with the intention to launch, earning them a potential contribution from Amazon of between €50,000 to €2 million, depending on duration and scope. “I’m so excited to welcome 15 ambitious start-ups to join the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator this year, including our first ever Climate Tech Pilot,” said Zak Watts, Amazon’s International Director of Sustainability. “The scope of businesses involved means we can support even more entrepreneurs to reach their potential. Not to mention the one-of-a-kind opportunity to test their technology directly with parts of Amazon’s business. It is our mission for the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator to be the best programme of its kind in the world for entrepreneurs to pioneer and scale cutting-edge sustainable solutions.” This year’s expanded Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is a partnership with EIT Climate-KIC, Europe’s leading climate innovation agency, and innovation strategy consultants Founders Intelligence, part of Accenture. The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator start-ups were chosen from hundreds of applications, with each of the selected start-ups bringing an innovative solution, strong sustainability credentials, and high growth potential to the table. The later-stage start-ups have moved beyond prototype testing and are working towards generating initial revenue and growing operations, having been selected from three key areas: circular economy, energy in buildings and packaging. Ezra Konvitz, Director & Head of Accelerators, Founders Intelligence: “We love finding the ways major companies can work with leading start-ups creating the future. The incredible start-ups and technologies that are part of the Pilot Challenge cohort give cause for hope – if we can help them find the best ways to work with Amazon’s scale we’ll achieve a game-changing impact.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
