TPI March 2021

Business & market news

Low carbon smart pipes will contribute to construction sector decarbonisation

Low carbon smart pipes for use in large- scale buried infrastructure projects are to be developed in a new partnership between the University of Birmingham and specialist manufacturing company Aquaspira Ltd. Funded via a grant from Innovate UK, the £269,000, 9 month research programme has the potential to make a significant step-change in helping the construction sector achieve government decarbonisation targets. The programme is led by North West firm Aquaspira and will support the development of composite plastic and steel drainage and storm water pipes, incorporating high levels of recycled material. Sensor technology built into the pipes will detect and report changes in environmental conditions, enabling

infrastructure problems to be rapidly identified and rectified. Experts at the University of Birmingham’s School of Engineering will work with Aquaspira on the development of the sensing technology and the pipes will be tested at the University of Birmingham and National UKCRIC Buried Infrastructure Facility. The announcement comes as part of the UK government’s unveiling of a multi- million-pound investment to support businesses across the country pursue clean growth projects. The Sustainable Innovation Fund, delivered through Innovate UK, is a main part of the £1.25bn investment package announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in April to help businesses innovate during the Covif-19 pandemic.

Professor Nigel Cassidy, professor of Geotechnical Infrastructure Engineering at the University of Birmingham, said: “Innovation is at the heart of the nation’s recovery from the COVID epidemic and we are delighted to be partnered with Aquaspira in this exciting and innovative project.” The grant will significantly accelerate Aquaspira’s research and open up future avenues for new products that will contribute to increasing the efficiency of the UK economy. Neil Wallace, managing director of Aquaspira Ltd, said: “At this difficult time, the grant will help our business to continue to innovate, grow and create jobs in the North West.” Aquaspira www.aquaspira.com

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