A government agency has approved an additional £60m into its fund to help develop faster and greener buildings.

According to Construction News, the Technology Strategy Board said it is to invest the extra money in its Low Impact Building Innovation Platform which supports projects that can reduce construction times, improve quality and make buildings more energy efficient.

The scheme is expected to attract an extra £60m of investment from the industry as well as £30m more from government departments and other agencies.


Business secretary Vince Cable is quoted as saying: "The UK's new and existing buildings must adjust to a low carbon economy. Investing in energy efficient construction projects is important to help industry and government achieve our aims of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2025. I therefore warmly welcome the Technology Strategy Board's investment of £60 million in energy efficient technology alongside the private sector.

"The construction industry contributes almost £90 billion to the UK economy and supports around 3 million jobs. We are well placed to take advantage of new and emerging energy efficient technologies, commercialise them and then export them across the world."

The Technology Strategy Board is sponsored by the department for business, innovation and skills.

(JP/MH)