Eighty people from Co. Tipperary and the surrounding region are taking part in an innovative programme to increase their skills and knowledge in the field of sustainable buildings. Tipperary Institute, in partnership with KOMZET in Germany has secured support under the Leonardo da Vinci Programme to send eighty people for two weeks of training in an expert institution in Germany.  The training will provide skills and information to the participants in the field of sustainable building, timber frame construction and sustainable building practices.

 

Ciaran Lynch, Director of the Rural Development Department in Tipperary Institute stated “While the construction industry is currently suffering a significant downturn it also provides an opportunity to make plans for the future. Changing building regulations and demands from consumers for buildings which have a low carbon footprint will require those in the construction sector to increase their knowledge and skills in these areas.” 

 

In facilitating the CESBEM (Competence Enhancement in Sustainable Building through European Mobility) programme, Tipperary Institute is adding another element to its well established work in the field of sustainable and renewable energy, including its Advanced Certificates in Renewable Energy and Domestic Sustainable Energy and its Certificate in Building Energy Rating.

 

A total of 40 participants have completed the training in Germany so far (the first group completed training in September while the second group travelled in early October).  A further two groups of 20 will depart in November and February.  Prior to departure, the participants followed a 40 hour programme of Language and Cultural training delivered by the Business Department at TI, so that they can better experience and engage with the German culture and region in which they are staying.

 

Participants on the CESBEM programme pictured during their recent visit to Biberach, Germany

 

Gerhard Lutz, Head of KOMZET stated “We enjoy sharing our knowledge of energy efficient timber buildings. These buildings are ideally suited for sustainable buildings due to the used materials, their good insulation and the possibility of prefabrication. We hope to be able to pass on our experience in modern timber building systems to the participants of the CESBEM programme.”

 

A mid term evaluation of the project was completed with the first participants on the 21st of October.  The feedback from the participants has been very positive.  Paul Lawrence noted “the two weeks in Biberach were most informative and very useful.  The content, presenters and the facilities were second to none. The topics covered, the technologies discussed and the site/factory visits were excellent.  From the perspective of my own business, I was exposed to a number of construction techniques, products and services I would hope to explore and incorporate into my work.…I would like to thank and compliment the Tipperary Institute, the Kompetenz Centrum and the Leonardo da Vinci programme for a very rich educational and cultural experience.”

 

Participants on the CESBEM programme pictured at TI following their recent awards ceremony

 

Further details of the CESBEM programme are available at http://amergin.tippinst.ie/CESBEM.html.  The programme is fully booked for this year. Tipperary Institute hopes to run another programme next year, subject to funding being available.