Interbuild – the UK’s largest building show – opened its doors today with botanist, author, broadcaster, and environmental campaigner, David Bellamy stepping in to support the show’s eco-theme.

As the exhibition’s VIP guest, Bellamy was on hand to officially launch The Village – a sustainable community showcasing leading examples of energy efficient construction including Interbuild’s very own Eco House.

Bellamy commented: “The construction industry may not be known for being the most environmentally sustainable industry in the world, but it has an important part to play in all our lives and those of our future generations.

“We can all make a contribution and it’s encouraging that the construction industry is doing its bit to drive that change. Our natural energy resources may be finite but I think what we witness here today at Interbuild shows that our commitment to sustainability is undiminished.”

Helping to point the way forward for sustainable communities of the future, The Village showcases the latest examples of modular, offsite build, together with innovate building materials and cutting edge production methods. As well as the Eco House, the area also presents an Affordable Home and offsite constructed supermarket and hotel rooms.

Lively debate

While The Village took a significant part of the lime light on the first day of the show, Interbuild was also encouraging lively debate with a raft of seminars, demonstrations and product launches proving that the construction industry is alive and well.

Maintaining the green theme, SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings), presented a seminar focusing on ‘Keeping in the heat’. Delegates learned how eco-insulation can help reduce heat loss through walls and ways to draft proof old windows.

Over at the Architects Forum, leading practices such as Brown Smith Baker Architects discussed the success of the construction industry in the West Midlands alongside the West Midlands Centre for constructing excellence (WMCCE).

Meanwhile, Masonry First – an organisation made up from the UK’s brick, block and mortar industries – presented a ‘Credit Crunch Saver’ seminar.

The show goes on

Tomorrow (Monday) is officially Press Day incorporating a morning Press Conference (10:30am) where Liz Peace, Chief Executive of the British Property Federation, will talk about the commercial benefits and implications of adopting a sustainable build programme in the UK. David Bellamy will also be giving a short speech along with the suppliers of The Village structures.

Interbuild’s new event director, David Pierpoint says: “The show has had a great opening day and its pleasing that we’ve seen a healthy mix of professionals such as architects, designers and engineers coming out in force.

“It really complements the traditional trade audience with electricians, plumbers and carpenters all keen to see the latest products that will be soon hitting the wholesalers’ shelves.

“Interbuild has always been about bringing all areas of the construction industry together to do real, live business and that’s more important in today’s climate than ever before.”

How to register for Interbuild

Interbuild 2008 takes place at the Birmingham NEC from Sunday 26th to Thursday 30th October. To pre-register for free or for further information about the show, visit: www.interbuild.com or text INTERBUILD to 80800 and save yourself the £20 entrance fee.

Email: victoria.toole@iasb2b.com