Green tech to transform construction industry

The construction industry is undergoing a green revolution, with sustainable building practices becoming increasingly more important. Construction has a key role to play in contributing to a more sustainable future, and by integrating green technologies into construction projects, businesses are delivering benefits to the environment while also offering long-term cost savings and improved building performance.

A new generation of green technology is focused on efficiency and sustainability. It includes items and methods that construction professionals can use to lessen the use of energy, water and even materials.

Investment in new facilities

To help students learn more about renewable energy, eco-friendly construction and sustainable practices, Leicester College has invested in a new Green Technology Hub.

This allows the College to showcase a range of emerging green technologies to help students and employers learn green leadership skills and practical expertise. The new state-of-the-art green tech equipment in the Green Tech Hub includes air source heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage systems and EV charging stations.

Potential to become the mainstay of construction

Leicester College was supported in the fit-out of the new Green Technology Hub by local firm Lewin Electrical Services Limited. Talking about the growth of this new technology, Daniel Lewin, Managing Director of Lewin Electrical Services, says: “We’ve seen green technology coming in, from solar to installing car chargers and smart tech. It’s becoming more popular – particularly with home smart sockets and lamps.

“There are certainly opportunities to expand our client base by adding the installation of green tech to our offer, so knowledge of the equipment and keeping up with the pace of technological change is vital. The investment of time for learners is a challenge, which is why Leicester College’s new hub can help young workers to get up to speed. It’s a learning curve for everybody, but if managed properly, it could become the mainstay of everybody’s business in the future.” 

Working with Dan on the project was Jack Hine, a Leicester College student who is on his T Level work experience with Lewin Electrical Services. Jack comments: “As a younger guy, I was brought up with technology and am studying renewable energy as a subject in my T Level. There will be more on the course later on. 

“I’ve been learning about insulation, trunking and wiring, as well as other systems and techniques. I think that the adoption of new green technologies will help to expand the construction industry.”

Teaching a new generation of skilled workers

Nick Allen, Construction Area Manager at Leicester College, adds: “Green technology is already having, and will continue to have, an increasing impact on the UK construction sector. It’s vital that our students have access to this equipment to learn how to use the technology and understand the impact it will have when they get into the workplace.

“The new Green Tech Hub will provide students with a strong foundation to learn more about these technologies and incorporate that knowledge into their future work with employers.

“The UK currently faces a large green skills gap, so the development of our Green Technology Hub represents a step in the right direction by helping to provide a new generation of skilled workers who can take advantage of the career pathways in the rapidly growing UK green technology sector.

“As well as being the cornerstone for our new green tech courses, this new Green Technology Hub development will provide an excellent opportunity for our current students, adult evening learners and local employers who are looking to upskill their workforce.”

Find out more about the Construction courses available at Leicester College

The launch of the new Green Technology Hub at Leicester College supports the ‘becoming a green energy superpower’ mission, part of the Association of Colleges’ recent announcement of five targets that highlight the fundamental role colleges have in building brighter futures for their students, their staff, and their local communities.