Low carbon innovations to be showcased at Ecobuild

Peta Hodge

17th February 2010

Energy harvesting paving slabs, solar powered chain motors for natural ventilation systems and waterless radiators could all be part of our not-too-distant low carbon future.

These are three of the 20 new or near to market green innovations addressing the carbon reduction challenge that have won through to be showcased in the Innovation Future Zone at the Ecobuild event in Earls Court next month.

The paving slabs, which generate energy for lighting, signage and information displays from people’s footsteps, are the brainchild of London-based Pavegen Systems Ltd and work by converting kinetic energy from the footstep into electrical energy that is stored in a battery within the paving slab.

As well as reducing energy bills, Pavegen says the paving slabs have the advantage of being “a highly visual icon of eco-efficiency” with the potential to educate – as people walk over the slabs, they become aware of the energy that is being generated, because the slabs glow.

Solar powered chain motor developed by Dyer Environmental Controls

The stand-alone remote controlled chain motors developed by Stockport firm, Dyer Environmental Controls Ltd, can be fitted to any building envelope opening device – such as windows, rooflights or louves – to allow natural ventilation into buildings of all types.

Dyer Environmental Controls says the versatility of its product – the fact that it can be used in commercial and residential buildings, new builds and refurbishments – is among its attractions, along with its simple, DIY-style installation and minimal carbon footprint.

Jayhawk International's waterless radiator

The waterless radiator designed by Dorset-based Jayhawk International uses a superheat pipe radiator to significantly reduce the amount of water needed to heat homes and offices.

Heated water is passed from a hot water heating appliance through a 22 mm copper pipe at the bottom of each radiator. The superheat pipes are connected to the 22 mm copper pipes but have no water inside.

This means that instead of 50 to 100 litres of water heating 10 radiators in a typical three bedroomed house, you only need 15 to 20 litres of water to achieve the same results.

The built environment community is being encouraged to vote on which of these and 17 other innovations they feel will have the biggest impact on buildings of the future. They can do this in person at the show in Earls Court, or by visiting the website of the Modern Built Environment KTN, one of the organisations running the Innovation Future Zone .

The ultimate winner will be announced on the final day of Ecobuild, on March 4.