CERULEAN COMMUNICATION VIEWPOINT

Ecobuild 2013

This year's Ecobuild has just happened.

With clients like electrotechnical sector body BEAMA operating in the energy/renewables/building sectors we popped along to see what this year's show would bring.

It's really grown to become a major event - taking on good ol' Interbuild's mantle.

But, with the welcome breath of fresh air, and the benefits the ultra-modern show space ExCel offers (even though people still moan about getting there) amidst the futuristic steel and glass cityscape setting.

It's settled in nicely here these recent years - far better than its original gloomy Earl's Court setting

Some felt last year's had over-stretched itself, too 'samey' eg heat pumps, solar products, many exhibitors with similar offerings, with little really new, truly ground-breaking.

And there is still an element of this.

Vibe

The jury's out on footfall this year, though the vibe is attendee numbers are less than 2012''s show.

And there was loads of 'open space' around the edges of the halls - unfilled by potential exhibitors.

Some said the aisles are now wider - avoiding crowding or camouflaging less exhibitors?

The Green Deal Terrace and Future Materials areas disappointed.

Expecting more, there seemed nothing really new that hasn't been seen before at Ecobuild.

Though the 'bendable', 'self-repairing' and 'light-emitting' concretes, PV glass etc were very clever, the 'living green walls' stunning, 'smarts'  on-trend - shape of things to come in our new buildings?

However, good to see reliable - sustainable - timbers and stonework still there and proving popular.

'Eco-hub'

Ecobuild claims to be the 'largest showcase of sustainable construction products anywhere'.

Judging by the scale of this year's event it no doubt is.

For the industry it's a social - and business - 'eco-hub' providing the opportunity to catch-up, network, learn - gain inspiration.

With everything eco-material related under one roof EcoBuild's certainly here for some time yet.

No doubt long-being a 'must-attend' fixture for those in the eco and building related sectors.