Last week saw the tenth incarnation of Ecobuild- the event dedicated to all aspects of sustainable construction. While the majority of the products on display are aimed at those undertaking building-scale projects, there are of course always standout items that may be of use in the live entertainment industry. With that in mind, we've picked out a few that caught our eye during our trip last week....

 

Easily the stand-out product - or at least that with most potential is the 'eco-board' (above). A sturdy sheet that looks to all intents and purposes like good old wood is in fact made from agricultural harvest waste. This waste is often burned, but in this instance is formed into solid 1220 x 2440 sheets. Since they scorch rather than burn, even untreated they are inherently 30-minute fire-retardant. There is, however, a treated fire retardant line, which is currently 120 minutes, with further official certification expected this week. The product is allegedly carbon-negative to produce, which doesn't happen often in the manufactured timber industry.

 

A variety of fine or rough finishes is available - with the fine version easily aesthetically suitable for set applications such as floors. Sample packs are available from the eco-board website - these comprise a selection of the different products available. The homogenous construction consistency means detailing and profiling are eminently achievable. 100% formaldehyde-free, recyclable, flexible and lighter than other particle boards, there's every chance that this board could be finding its way into a set near you soon....we've made it one of our 'good things'!

 

If you're cycling to work, or looking to encourage your staff to, Cycle-Works manufactures one of the widest, most flexible and innovative range of bike storage options we've seen. From individual lockers to street stores (right), wall mounts and double-deck system, you won't have an excuse for lack of storage ability. See the full range at www.cycle-works.com.

 

On the subject of travel, myPTP claims to be 'a multi-modal personalised travel plan for organisations'. Developed by Liftshare, the car pooling network, the system should seamlessly calculate journeys across all forms of transport, including bikes. The details for each journey calculation include times, number of changes, petrol cost, CO2 emitted and calories burnt. So, no excuses....

 

Waste, and what to do with it, was a big feature at Ecobuild this year. ReNEW (or more accurately the Resource Innovation Network for European Waste) comprises a network of organisations working together to develop innovations to recover valuable materials from waste. Very much a fledgling initiative, and with strong Northern Ireland and Germany foundations, the scheme offers workshops, debates, networking events and site visits to make new contacts who could be either clients or collaborators.

 

Notable for their work included Goldfinger Factory, an upcycling production and learning hub working with some of London's less well-off communities to produce a variety of high-end commercial fit-out products, as well as retail furnishings. The bar on the right featured at Secret Garden Party last year. They will take on office clearances to provide raw materials for their work, and offer waste transfer notes to help you comply legally.

 

If you're seriously into construction, one of the most useful resources on show was the ongreening platform. A member of both the UK and US Green Building Councils, the platform exists to promote green building practices across the globe. Available in English, Spanish, Italian, Arabic and Chinese, it claims to be the world's largest source of information on green building products. The ability to check a products compliance with BREEAM, LEED, Green Star and other schemes is extremely helpful.

 

Lighting-wise, there didn't seem to be anything too revolutionary on display this year, although PhotonStar's fire-rated downlights still look very impressive, with a shallow depth meaning they'll fit into even the narrowest ceiling voids - and they all come with a 5-year guarantee.

 

And finally, if you've got a press night to attend, why splash out on a new frock when you can rent one? Rentez-vous (slogan: Live Fashion, don't own it) hire out designer clothing for a week at a set 15% of the retail price. What's nifty about Rentez-vous is that it can also be used as a channel for emerging designers, allowing them to test designs as well as sell them on to any impressed customers!

 

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Pictures: Eco-boards, Cycle-Works, Goldfinger Factory