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Grant helps heat up cool Northamptonshire business

A Northamptonshire business has received funding from the Sustainable Construction innovation Network (iNet) to help develop a new and clean way to heat buildings.

Cool Planet, based in Higham Ferrers, provides renewable energy solutions and systems to domestic and commercial clients across the UK.

Steve Gray who runs Cool Planet, believes that ground sourced energy is the best way to heat buildings.  He said: “Ground Source energy is a proven, reliable renewable energy solution suitable for many applications. We are committed to finding new, innovate ways to improve efficiency and energy savings in buildings while striving to reduce initial capital costs. The iNet grant will enable us to design and develop an integrated solution, which will lead to reduced costs for consumers.”

Barrie Billinghay, Business Adviser at the iNet, has been working with Cool Planet to secure the funding. He said: “The Sustainable Construction iNet is there to support innovative ideas and products across the whole industry sector.  We were very impressed with the development work Cool Planet is undertaking to make this technology more accessible to ordinary households. 
 
“We want all companies based in Northamptonshire that work in the construction sector and the domestic market to develop their ideas, and bring their products to market.”

To qualify for an Innovation Support Grant, the applicant must be based in the East Midlands and operating commercially in construction or an associated industry sector such as mining, quarrying, waste management, energy or water supply. They must also require technical or consultancy assistance for their idea, product or process and expect to protect or create jobs as a result.

The Sustainable Construction iNet is funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The aim of the iNet is to share expertise and stimulate the research and development of new products, services and processes.

Businesses wanting to find out more about the Sustainable Construction iNet and the grants available should telephone 01604 892836 or visit www.eminnovation.org.uk.