As part of the Swansea Bay City Deal-funded “Not Business As Usual” initiative, Gower College Swansea students were introduced to the future of sustainable construction in an engaging, hands-on learning experience at the University’s SA1 Swansea Waterfront campus.
The event immersed students in practical exercises with eco-friendly materials, like locally sourced timber and sustainable insulation, illustrating how these resources can lead the way in creating a net-zero construction industry.
Through active demonstrations, learners gained insight into the best practices for installing these materials and explored their role in reducing the environmental footprint of buildings.
The “Not Business As Usual” project, designed in collaboration with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC) and School of Architecture, Construction, and The Environment, seeks to inspire environmentally conscious builders, architects, and industry professionals. The project provides a foundation of skills and knowledge that equips students to lead the construction industry toward a sustainable future.
Gareth Evans, Head of CWIC, said:
“Hosting an event that introduces students to sustainable construction materials through hands-on, practical learning is an investment in the future of both our industry and our planet. By giving students direct experience with eco-friendly materials and building techniques, we inspire a new generation to innovate responsibly, prioritise sustainability, and contribute to a world where construction meets the needs of today without compromising the resources of tomorrow.”
Jane Lewis, Partnership Manager of the Regional Skills Partnership said:
“Developing the future workforce for the construction industry is so important and projects like this one give students and opportunity to learn how our new homes and buildings will be built in future, using sustainable materials and innovative technology. The City Deal Skills and Talent programme has supported a number of projects that will offer experience to individuals of all ages an opportunity to understand what the future workforce will look like and how we can work together to meet our net zero targets. Congratulations to you all and we hope to continue our partnership working into the future.”
With Swansea Bay City Deal funding, CWIC and UWTSD offer specialised training to deepen participants’ understanding of sustainable construction in areas across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire, and Pembrokeshire.
Training Highlights
Developed by UWTSD’s School of Architecture, Construction, and the Environment, the training sessions cover the following key topics:
- Sustainable urban drainage and catchment hydrology
- Building envelope design
- Modern Methods of Construction
- Passive solar design
- Building physics & performance
- Renewable heat and mechanical ventilation
- Sustainable construction materials
- Geological Information System
- Environmental systems for construction surveying
- Innovative digital tools in the built environment
The sessions are open to a wide audience, including industry tradespeople, building professionals, construction students, A-level students, individuals not in employment, education or training (NEET), and community groups. Attendees may participate in as many of these sessions as they wish.
