AN ENGINEERING firm has been shortlisted for an innovation prize after helping develop a pioneering approach to new home foundations.
Drakelow-based Roger Bullivant Ltd and the University of Nottingham are in the running for the innovation and sustainability accolade in this year’s Lord Stafford Awards for their System First (SF) project.
SF uses a piled modular foundation structure in place of traditional trenching, providing the same level of structural support but from 90 per cent less concrete.
Highly insulated flooring ensures heat loss through the floor slab is minimised, lowering overall energy requirements and minimising carbon dioxide emissions.
The piles also serve as heat exchangers which, when combined with solar roof panels, allow heat gathered during summer to be stored and used in winter, further boosting energy efficiency.
“It is quite a simple principle and, when you combine this with the effectiveness of the system, means it has the potential to be successful overseas in developing economies like China and India.
“Our short-listing for this award provides clear recognition of all the effort that has been put into this project and strengthens the ties between ourselves and the university.
Two PhD students worked at Bullivant during SF’s development, adding commercial experience to their own education.
Papers on the research are set to be published, increasing the university’s profile in the academic community.
Awards patron Lord Stafford said: “The awards provide an opportunity to showcase how the region has forged ahead in terms of innovation and collaboration, linking businesses with our world-class universities to encourage knowledge transfer and deliver innovative products, processes and services.
