East Border Region were delighted the Minister could take time out of his busy schedule to launch this exciting and innovative project. The SustainAndBuild.com pilot project which was funded through the European Union INTERREG Programme was created to act as a one-stop shop that brought together all aspects of planning, building and sustainability. The facility acts as a guide through legislation and provides a necessary step by step approach to benefit everyone, ranging from people looking to build a new home or extend an existing one to companies looking to relocate offices and make their organisations more eco-friendly.

Mr Joseph Birt, Project Co-ordinator gave an overview of the innovative site, “included in the site is up-to-date information on sustainable design, construction methods, best practice guides for renewable technologies and energy saving. It also acts as a resource to encourage and attract local inward investment into the East Border Region, identifying suitable business premises and office accommodation that already exists and provides clear and concise advice on how businesses can take a more sustainable approach and make them more environmentally conscious”.

Minister Gormley praised the website and the project promoters for their vision “Sustainability is about living responsibility within our energy limits and the Sustain and Build website project is without doubt a catalyst for sustainable development. This website has noted a large number of brownfield sites for development which represents an excellent building block for when the upturn in our construction industry comes. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the project promoters and East Border Region for having the vision to develop such a worthwhile, innovative project”.

Speaking at the launch Cllr John Farrelly, Chairman of East Border Region stated “what makes this project unique is that it is the first cross border website of its kind. The website actively brings together six Government Agencies from both sides of the Border providing information through video case lectures, case studies and audio advice. The recent phase II addition of a Schools and Education and Best Practice section adds to the value of the site and provides a valuable new resource to Schools in ensuring future generations are aware of the importance of sustainable design. Also the addition of a blog facility means that that the website is now truly interactive and embracing the new technological age that we are in. Sustain and Build is without question a project which East Border Region has been extremely proud to have been associated with”.

Sustain and Build can be viewed on www.sustainandbuild.com, .ie., .co.uk and the newly acquired .eu which ensures the site is accessible to as wide and varied an audience as possible.