University of Ulster

1. University of Ulster N.E.E.S. Project Cross Border Cooperation in Europe 2013 Conference Trim, Co. Meath, 13th June 2013

2. The University of Ulster • Over 25,400 students, 1,180+ of whom study via distance learning • International students from more than 80 countries studying in Northern Ireland and overseas • 140,000 alumni in 121 countries worldwide • Over 3,000 staff spread over 4 campuses

3. Overview of NPP • Northern Periphery Programme 2007 - 2013 • European Regional Development Fund, INTERREG IVB • Part of the European Commission’s Territorial Cooperation Objective • Aims to help peripheral and remote communities develop their economic, social and environmental potential through transnational cooperation

4. Northern Periphery Programme

5. NEES Project Partners Rep. of Ireland • University College Cork • South Kerry Development Partnership • Clar ICH • Northside Community Enterprise Northern Ireland • University of Ulster Scotland • Glasgow Caledonian University Sweden • Umea School of Architecture Greenland • ARKTEK

6. The NEES Project • Promotes products and services that improve the energy efficiency rating of domestic buildings • These products primarily make use of renewable or recycled materials • The services are based on natural processes, which originate and are normally accessible in the Northern Periphery region • Conducting viability assessments for mainstream commercialisation

7. Identifying Best Practice • Resource Efficiency • Environment and Health • Sustainability • Enterprise • Scalability

8. Advanced Timbercraft Ltd • Newtownabbey, County Antrim • Use timber as their base material which is insulated using cellulose and/or hemp and/or sheepwool with external liners made from wood wool or wood fibre • Materials are recycled and biodegradable • Contribute to energy efficient buildings

9. ECOCEL • Based in Cork • Cellulose fibre insulation which can be used in attics (new and retro-fit), timber frame walls and sloping ceilings • Recycled content is 82 – 85% • Effective as a thermal insulator

10. Mud and Wood • Skreen, County Sligo • Earthbuilding, timber-frame and straw-bale construction • Cob, timber and straw bales are 100% recyclable and 100% biodegradable

11. Locate Architects • Dunblane, Scotland • Use locally sourced, reclaimed timber • Preservatives / insecticides are not used to treat wood • Superior thermal performance than metal or concrete

12. Anú Green • Based in Cork • Complete green roof system • Can improve heating and cooling by 30-90% • Fully biodegradable or fully recyclable

13. Wetland Systems • Ennis, County Clare • Natural sewage treatment option • Contribute to energy saving by providing zero energy sewage treatment

14. Example of NEES Output • Submitted evidence on behalf of NEES project partners to the UK’s All Party Parliamentary Group for Excellence in the Built Environment’s (APPGBE) Inquiry into sustainable construction in January 2013

15. Invited to present evidence at UK Parliament Buildings, London on 15th April 2013 Evidence Submission

16. NEES Findings Barriers • Knowledge transfer • Organisational and business skills • Traditional craft and trade skills dispersal • Technical issues • Planning and building regulations, standards • Lack of accreditation; SME support • Logistics • Local materials supply market • Long supply chains • High cost of transport

17. NEES Recommendations • Knowledge transfer • Regional knowledge exchange hubs • certifiable educational programmes • Policy Changes • Emphasise sustainability in conjunction with energy efficiency • Tax or Rate Relief • Locally Sourced Materials • Develop supply of locally sourced materials

18. Stuart Thompson Research Assistant T: +44 (0)28 701 23922 E: s.thompson1@ulster.ac.uk Room L240, Department of Business and Enterprise, Coleraine Campus, Cromore Road, Co. Londonderry, BT52 1SA www.business.ulster.ac.uk