Building the circular economy

by Will Myles Partner (Business Investment)

The construction sector is one of the high impact and high potential areas where intervention can support the circular economy.

This month we’ve heard exciting news about two building material companies we have supported through the Circular Economy Investment Fund (CEIF). They are Kenoteq , a CEIF recipient of £998,977 in January 2021 and IndiNature who were awarded £803,000 in July 2020.

Both pieces of news demonstrate backing for innovative approaches in creating circular construction materials that can create jobs and grow the economy.

Kenoteq - new certification

Based in East Lothian, Kenoteq is a sustainable materials firm with a flagship product called the K-BRIQ. K-BRIQ is a low-carbon alternative to traditional clay bricks made almost entirely from recycled construction and demolition waste. Construction waste contributes over a third of global landfill content. The K-BRIQ offers a 95% reduction in embodied carbon compared to conventional bricks

The British Board of Agrément is the UK’s leading construction approval body, and have just provided certification for K-BRIQ.

This certification means construction projects can confidently include K-BRIQ in specifications. Kenoteq has also secured certification for the K-BRIQ in the United States, and they are working towards European approval.

Kenoteq has begun commercial production of up to two million bricks per year, with the capability to double this output to meet growing demand. The company also has plans to scale with further manufacturing facilities in the UK and internationally.

IndiNature - Ofgem support and award nominations

IndiNature use hemp fibres to create zero waste insulation material. The Borders based business has just been nominated for Manufacturer of the Year at this year's UK Green Business Awards. We’ll be watching the awards with interest.

One of their products IndiBreathe Flex insulation has become the UK’s first and only natural fibre insulation to receive an Ofgem Innovation Uplift for lofts.

This means IndiBreathe Flex is now fully approved for ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, which both help to support people to upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes.

ECO4 primarily supports low-income households and vulnerable groups, while Great British Insulation Scheme offers insulation grants to a broader range of households.

The application for ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme was sponsored by Scottish Power. IndiBreathe Flex is safer for installers and occupants with superior heat retention compared to traditional glass fibre products.

This article is intended to give an example of the circular economy in action. They are not an endorsement of the company, organisation, individual, or product described.