Talk with Build It’s eco-expert

At Build It Live visitors can book a one-to-one meeting with Build It’s eco-expert, Nigel Griffiths, a consultant working mainly on energy efficiency policy and evaluation. Nigel is also the author of the Haynes Eco House Manual and the director of the Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance, a collaborative not-for-profit organisation, acting as a council for sustaining and improving traditional buildings in the UK. His focus is on high-quality research, education and policy development.

Nigel will be available through the weekend at all of our shows, to discuss all aspects of sustainability, from renewable energy to environmentally friendly building techniques. Bring your house plans, designs or ideas along and Nigel will share his wealth of knowledge with you.

Make sure you head to the Ask Our Experts lounge early to book your slot with Nigel as these sessions book up quickly!

Find out about our other industry experts here.

If you are interested in using eco-friendly building techniques in your next project, but can’t wait until the next show, then why not check out some of the articles on the Build It magazine website? Find out more about green building techniques and be inspired by some of our featured eco homes.

Sustainable Building Zone powered by the School of Natural Building & Straw Works

The School of Natural Building & Straw Works are coming to Build It Live North West to share their expertise and knowledge about designing and building with natural materials, such as straw. As well as seeing live demos, learn more about the processes including how natural building can help mitigate against climate change and how to design a natural self build.

Sessions last about 20 minutes and there is plenty of time to ask questions. If you’re interested in building with straw or other natural materials, pop along to pick up some top tips for your project! Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. Below is the timetable which runs each day. (Build It Live North West only)

Daily Demos and Talks

11:00 Demo: How to build a strawbale wall

Discover the basics of how loadbearing buildings are constructed, plus see how a strawbale can be split in half!

By the School of Natural Building

12:00 Talk: Building with Straw & Natural Materials

A look at the 4 ways of building with straw and natural materials with a focus on self-build, airtightness, speed and cost, including EcoCocon straw panels and loadbearing techniques

By Straw Works

13:00 Demo: How to build a strawbale wall

Discover the basics of how loadbearing buildings are constructed, plus see how a strawbale can be split in half!

By the School of Natural Building

14:00 Talk: Building with Straw & Natural Materials

A look at the 4 ways of building with straw and natural materials with a focus on self-build, airtightness, speed and cost, including EcoCocon straw panels and loadbearing techniques

By Straw Works