Not-for-profit technology advisors Energy Systems Catapult have acquired ‘key parts’ of the Active Building Centre.
The ABC was launched four years ago under the government’s Transforming Construction Challenge. With initial R&D funding now completed, integration with the Catapult will boost the deployment phase as the unit accelerates active building technologies in the UK.
ABC says it has partnered in delivering over 100 evidenced schemes together valued at £300 million, promoting the uptake of active, energy-responsive buildings. Capital projects covered include work with the Welsh government to upgrades to commercial buildings and housing developments with local authorities.
The move to Energy Systems Catapult will accelerate ABC’s task of transforming construction with lower-carbon buildings along the lines of active energy principles. The transition aligns with a key Catapult focus in driving innovation to decarbonise energy systems across homes, buildings and sites.
“Energy Systems Catapult exists to accelerate innovation and transform the UK energy system towards Net Zero,” said Guy Newey, CEO Catapult. “Perhaps the hardest challenge we face is how to decarbonise buildings.
“We are excited to bring expertise, insights and experience from the Active Building Centre into the Catapult fold – boosting our efforts to drive world-leading Net Zero innovation across buildings and sites.”
Key areas of focus over the next few years will include:
Building on the ABC Blueprint – a guide to achieving net zero in the built environment – particularly around applying active energy approaches in non-domestic building and sites (public sector estates and commercial sites, etc).
Supporting innovators to develop, test, and launch interoperable zero carbon energy solutions for both new and retrofitted homes.
Key staff from ABC taking up similar roles within Energy Systems Catapult this month, including five Wales-based employees.
For more on the ABC, look here.
