Green build NEWS

The Scottish government is funding the development of sustainable domestic construction by sponsoring two fellowships at the Saltire Foundation. 

The foundation discovers and nurtures next generation business leaders and Holyrood hopes that its help will inspire Scottish companies which have developed new green technologies to expand across the UK and internationally.

Housing minister Keith Brown said: “The Saltire Fellowships are a world class initiative combining the best of business teaching with very practical experience.
 
“This is an excellent opportunity to work with them towards the common purpose of helping Scottish companies to create a vibrant, low carbon house-building sector which will create jobs and stimulate wider economic growth.”

The government aims to eliminate fuel poverty by 2016 and national records show that nearly half a million more homes will be needed by 2033, making this initiative is well timed.

The two chosen fellows are both from Glasgow and will undertake a demanding eight month schedule including studying at internationally renowned Boston business school Babson College and a three month commercial project. Mike Brooke and Craig Findlay will be working with either sustainable building firm CCG or family-run business Springfield Properties.

CCG, which has the technical and intellectual means to solve complex issues through its newly established IQ-Lab, will want its Saltire Fellow to create a more effective marketing strategy.

Springfield Properties, which has developed a new build system to deliver highly energy efficient homes, is looking to find new ways to bring these technologies to market profitably and to encourage consumer enthusiasm.
 
Sandy Kennedy, chief executive of the Saltire Foundation, said: “The involvement of Saltire Fellows in such an important sector …demonstrates that government does not necessarily have to do everything itself, but can be more effective by enabling professionals within different sectors to help achieve mutually desirable aims.”