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Ecobuild 2008 - zero carbon in a day
Ecobuild returns to Earls Court (26-28 February 2008), double the size with more than twice the number of exhibitors, more free seminars and a whole series of impressive attractions linked to the key themes – zero carbon, water management and renewable energy.
With zero carbon legislation looming, Ecobuild's Road to zero carbon and Zero carbon house attractions will be crowd-pullers and particularly interesting ones too. The Road to zero carbon – realised as a series of external wall elevations – shows how different combinations of superstructure, insulation and cladding can contribute to a low carbon outcome.
Streetscene at Cityscape 2008 which, along with Ecobuild and Futurebuild is one of the three events happening concurrently at Earl’s Court, will be the largest indoor representation of landscape design and public realm in the UK. Designed by landscape architects Whitelaw Turkington and constructed by Skanska McNicholas, this stimulating display will underline the importance of quality public space in supporting successful, sustainable places.
If water management is top of your agenda, be sure to visit SoH2O - Ecobuild's integrated water management installation. The complex challenge of managing water in the built environment is revealed and demystified at SoH2O which provides an integrated approach to water efficiency and flood risk through the use of the latest design solutions and innovative products.
If you're looking for more sustainable construction methods and materials, head for Natural materials live. This feature offers visitors the opportunity to try out natural building materials and techniques and see for themselves the results that have brought about the recent resurgence in ‘natural building’, not just for housing but for commercial buildings too. aterials live are Jackie Abey and Jill Smallcombe who, since 1999, have worked together using natural building materials and methods on a variety of projects including the Eden Project, Sustrans cycle routes and Somerset College of Arts and Technology.
Other important attractions at Ecobuild 2008 include Solar city and the Eco Paints Pavilion. Solar city allows visitors to explore many of the leading options available for renewable power and heating amongst the vast array of products showcased in Solar city, including the latest from Dulas, Riomay, Baxi Heating, Viessmann, Applied Energy Products, Kingspan Hot Water, ICB and Solar Century.
Meanwhile, the Eco Paints Pavilion brings together expert advice and a wide range of products to provide a valuable educational and specifying resource. Comprising a series of supplier showcases – including Ecos Organic Paints, ICI Paints and Bluebell - and demonstrating the breadth of products available and applications possible, experts in natural paints and coatings will be available throughout the three days to answer your questions and help with specific challenges.
To help encourage new innovations, as well as up and coming eco-entrepreneurs, Ecobuild’s newest initiative is Green Shoots. Sponsored by Burdens, Green Shoots is dedicated to promoting innovative products from small and emerging businesses.
Look out also for the political keynotes – Yvette Cooper MP, Minister for Housing will be speaking – and the debates and discussions featuring well-known names such as Janet Street-Porter and Wayne Hemingway certain to give a lively and spontaneous edge to your Ecobuild experience.
Ecobuild takes place on 26 – 28 February 2008. Entry to Ecobuild and all its attractions, seminars and keynotes is free. Register at www.ecobuild.co.uk