Bioeconomy Cluster Builder in association with Construction Scotland Innovation Centre
According to the UK Green Building Council, construction is responsible for 45% of total national CO2 emissions. In order to achieve Net Zero by 2045, the industry must explore multiple avenues to decarbonise the design, construction and operational phases of the built environment.
Biotechnology, and the wider bioeconomy, offer an array of opportunities to develop sustainable bio-based materials and processes that can improve environmental performance, increase efficiency and even create value from waste. Furthermore, harnessing natural biological processes in both construction and day to day operations allows buildings to work in harmony with their environment and users.
Join this webinar to learn about the ever expanding library of biomaterials and processes that will support the development of a more sustainable, low carbon construction industry. Hear first-hand about cutting edge research and manufacturing that will help deliver the built environment of the future.
Speakers include:
Dr Meng Zhang, Associate Professor in Microbial Biotechnology - Hub for Biotechnology in Built Environment
Dr Meng Zhang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Sciences in Northumbria University. She is currently co-lead in the Living Contruction research group in Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment. Her research focuses on applying microbial biotechnology to the built environment, particularly in the living construction which aim to develop design methods and processes which embrace the complexity of biological systems and digital fabrication. The key to her research is seeing growth as a manufacturing process, producing materials’ properties which are enhanced as a result of the use of these biological system through sensing, responsive of living cells.
Professor Rebecca Lunn, BAM Nuttall Research Chair in Biomineral Technologies for Ground Engineering - University of Strathclyde
Prof Becky Lunn (MBE, FREng, FRSE, FICE) is the Royal Academy of Engineering and BAM Nuttall Research Chair in Biomineral Technologies for Ground Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. Her research focuses on the development of low carbon technologies to strengthen soils and to form injectable barriers to inhibit subsurface flow. She applies her research in civil engineering, nuclear decommissioning, nuclear waste disposal and geological carbon storage. She is an experienced advisor to Government, including past membership of the UK Committee on Radioactive Waste Management and the Scottish Government Working Group on Geothermal Energy Production. She was Vice Chair of the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Energy Enquiry, ‘Scotland’s Energy Future’, which reported in June 2019.
Scott Simpson, CEO and Founder - IndiNature
Scott is the innovator entrepreneur who developed IndiNature's natural fibre insulation products and leads the company. While working in community development with people in poor housing conditions, he was motivated to improve the health of people and the planet by focusing on a sustainable built environment. After completing an MSc in Architecture (Advanced Environmental and Energy Systems) and researching natural bio-based construction materials in the lab, Scott rebuilt his family home with them in Scotland using skills gained as a builder in Vancouver. Finding gaps in the market, he brought together co-founders to develop and manufacture the world's best sustainable construction insulation on an industrial scale - and set up the UK’s first dedicated natural fibre insulation factory.
Agenda
10.00 - Welcome and Housekeeping
10.05 - Bioeconomy Cluster Builder Introduction
10.15 - Construction Scotland Innovation Centre – Overview of Industry Challenges
10.30 - Guest Speakers
11.15 - Workshop Breakout Sessions
- Materials of the Future
- Building Operations and Waste Management
11.55 - Feedback and Next Steps
12.00 - Close
The Bioeconomy Cluster Builder (BCB) is a three-year collaboration between the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC), Innovate UK KTN and Scottish Enterprise. The project aims to grow the Scottish bioeconomy by raising awareness of the applications and benefits of biotechnology and supporting the development of new value chains and markets for bio-based products. Using the extensive networks and knowledge of the three partner organisations, we connect the right people and resources to deliver innovation support and signposting to funding opportunities. To find out more about the project and our planned activities, or to get involved, please visit our website: https://www.bioeconomybuilder.com/how-can-i-get-involved
Privacy Notice
The BCB is an ERDF funded project. Information you provide as part of the registration process for this event may be shared between the partner organisations and our funder. You can find full details of the BCB privacy policy HERE.