A million pound project to help West Midlands companies benefit from green technology has been launched by the University of Wolverhampton.

The Built Environment Climate Change Innovations (BECCI) is a three year regional project which aims to promote sustainable economic opportunities and growth by working with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to develop innovative climate change solutions within the built environment.

Specifically it will focus on products associated with the retrofitting of housing.

It will involve helping businesses develop new or improved energy efficient products, engage with housing providers in the region to support the use of more green products and give SMEs access to the latest information and knowledge on low carbon technologies.

There will also be a focus on new product theme groups supporting SMEs with introducing new technologies, linking with research studies on their development, progress and impact.

The project is being run alongside Coventry University and more than £500,000 of funding has been provided by the European Regional Development Fund.

BECCI will use the facilities of both universities to offer free support to at least 85 companies from across the West Midlands during the project.

Paul Hampton, Principal Lecturer and Head of Business Engagement and Employability in the School of Technology at the University of Wolverhampton said: “We are very excited about the regional impact of the project towards developing innovative solutions surrounding climate change.

“The project team welcome the opportunity to work closely with SMEs to help promote regional growth and employment opportunities.

“Regionally we have a wealth of manufacturing and technology based companies, and the BECCI project will help support SMEs participation in larger projects to become more active participants in the supply chain who can deliver energy efficient technologies products and services across the West Midlands.”

Norman Price, Deputy Chair of the West Midlands ERDF Local Management Committee said: “This ERDF supported project offers a real opportunity for businesses to learn about and get involved in the developing area of energy efficiency within the housing market. It is crucial that we support businesses to expand and break into developing markets which will help boost profits and improve the local economy.

“Local businesses can access support which demonstrates new techniques and products that can be applied in the housing market to improve energy performance and reduce costs and carbon emissions. Specialist help is also on offer to look into potential new business opportunities that are available to companies that can offer innovative products in this field. Growing market opportunities require new knowledge and approaches from suppliers. This project can help the ambitious”.

For more information contact Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre 01902 321272 or email:  [email protected]

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