SmartLIFE Low Carbon opened!

Greg Barker MP opens phase 1 of The Hive

The new £3.1 million SmartLIFE Low Carbon Centre at The Hive will help speed up growth of the low carbon economy in the East of England.

The Hive will eventually be home to three projects:

• SmartLIFE Low Carbon
• A SmartLIFE technologies expo
• The Future Business Centre.

To improve local workforce skills for both new entrants to construction industry and the existing workforce, CRC will offer qualifications in six technology areas: installation of photo-voltaic panels for electricity generation, solar thermal heating for hot water, ground and air source heat pumps for heating, rain water harvesting, advanced gas heating systems, and solid wall insulation.

Modules in low carbon technologies will boost traditional skills training. To reduce the impact of CO2 locally, homeowners will also be able to learn about sustainable refurbishment and retro-fitting of renewable energy systems to existing properties.

The SmartLIFE Low Carbon Centre is a joint venture between Cambridgeshire County Council and Cambridge Regional College that will support businesses looking to adapt to a low carbon economy.

It will teach the workforce skills needed for building low carbon homes and installing renewable energy solutions. It will deliver new jobs and reduce the impact of CO2 locally.

There will be about 1,221 m2 of skills and training facilities for low carbon qualifications in six developing technology areas. Training in traditional skills will be enhanced to incorporate modules in low carbon technologies to help re-skill our local workforce.

Organised events will be held for home owners, and others, to learn about sustainable refurbishment and retro-fitting renewable energy systems to existing properties.

There will also be about 250 m2 of dedicated business support facilities for low carbon enterprises. Events and advice will be available to help local businesses remain competitive in the transition to a low carbon economy.