The UK’s first green building skills hub has opened in Stoke-on-Trent. The new construction centre will help provide thousands of youngsters with the skills to make British properties more energy efficient.

The £11 million education centre will play host to tutorials for up to 300 students and 2,000 workers in the construction industry.

Educating on energy-efficient measures

The majority of courses will involve teaching workers about energy-efficient measures, such as or loft insulation or adding internal wall cladding to buildings.

In an interview with build.co.uk, communities minister Andrew Stunell claimed that hub would be crucial as the UK prepared for the introduction of the Green Deal. He said:

“Over three-quarters of the buildings that will be standing in 2050 have already been built – so it is vital that we find ways to reduce carbon emissions from all types of existing buildings, and for every type of budget, or the country risks losing its battle against climate change.

“That’s why this Government has wasted no time taking practical steps to pave the way for tenants and home-owners to retrofit their homes through Green Deal, and for businesses to provide the upgrades.”

Skills hub for sustainable education

Communities.gov.uk reports that the hub will be run jointly by Stoke-On-Trent City Council, Stoke-On-Trent College and the Building Research Establishment.