A chance to learn about the merits of sustainable building materials such as earth, lime, straw, hemp and timber in relation to achieving more sustainable buildings. This seminar will not just focus on the sustainability credentials of these materials, but will examine how they measure up in terms of key construction criteria.
Sustainable construction is one of the most important agendas of our time. Based at Somerset College, the Genesis Centre is the sustainable construction resource and learning centre for the South West. This innovative centre is one of the most exciting developments in the Further Education sector today. The building serves as an active demonstration of how sustainable materials and technologies can be integrated into a contemporary, mainstream, building that addresses many of the issues the construction industry currently faces. These include energy management and CO2 reduction, waste management, water management and indoor air quality. Continuing professional development courses for construction professionals and people involved in self build or interested in sustainability in general are run from the Genesis Centre. Make your continuing professional development (CPD) both forward thinking and relevant to the present. Delivered from the Genesis Centre, the programme of sustainable CPD Modules consists of a variety of modules aimed primarily at those who commission, design, build and regulate our built environment.
This one day CPD course aims to help you understand both the advantages and the limitations of a range of natural materials. The course aims to empower those attending with the knowledge and confidence to specify ‘natural materials' such as lime, timber, earth and straw in appropriate situations and to raise awareness of the significant developments taking place that are radically changing opinions about the mainstream acceptance of these materials.
Find out what, if any, changes in working practices might need to be adopted to accommodate their use and gain an understanding of any maintenance issues associated with specific materials and any likely cost implications. Understand how specification and use of these materials relates to Regulation 7 (Materials and Workmanship) of the Building Regulations and the proposed Code for Sustainable Homes.
Tuition Fees : on enquiry
For further guidance and advice contact the Careers team on 01823 366 331, or email enquiries@somerset.ac.uk