Somerset College

A £750,000 project aimed at boosting sustainable construction and green technologies among South West construction and related SMEs, has just signed its milestone 70^th member – the Federation of Master Builders.

It’s a sign, believes Trevor Payne of the Knowledge Exchange at Genesis (KEG) project, that the sustainable agenda is becoming more mainstream in construction, and KEG is coming into its own. 

The £750,000 KEG project is led by Somerset College, Taunton, from its landmark sustainable building the Genesis Centre. KEG is funded by the South West European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the South West Regional Development Agency, the College itself as project lead in the region, plus Weymouth College, City of Bristol College and City College Plymouth. 

Its remit is to sign up a targeted 75 members and measurably expand their knowledge and application of sustainable construction and environmental technologies. 

Trevor Payne, Knowledge Broker for KEG, is well on target with 70^th and newest member Ron Willers, Regional Director - South West, of the Federation of Master Builders. 

“My members are looking to us for guidance and advice about the Green Deal, about new technologies and more. Becoming a member of KEG means we can pass on information and support available, it’s real knowledge exchange,” explains Ron Willers.

 The focus of KEG is on providing tangible assistance of all kinds, making sure members gain knowledge and have the right advice on environmental technologies and sustainability in construction. The project helps them identify their needs and how to address them - either through the member network, or directly through training at the colleges. 

For Trevor Payne, this is one of the hallmarks of KEG’s success to date. “Some members are really open to giving advice and sharing knowledge with others, and this is a very valuable resource – amongst others,” he said.

 The KEG membership consists of wide ranging renewable technology, construction or construction related businesses - architects, consultants, developers, builders and more. As well as gaining knowledge of sustainable construction and environmental technologies, benefits also include:

• Networking with like-minded companies who can help or do business with each other
• Being put forward by KEG for sustainable construction projects
• Promotion through the KEG website
• Being linked to educational establishments which helps raise their profiles
• Being kept up to date on briefings, seminars, events

"This country has been slow to change but there’s no doubt the sustainable agenda is becoming more mainstream in construction, and KEG is coming into its own,” says Trevor.

Caption: Trevor Payne of the Knowledge Exchange at Genesis (KEG) project, right, with 70^th and newest member Ron Willers, Regional Director - South West, of the Federation of Master Builders.