The Travis Perkins Managed Services division has celebrated the launch of the “ground-breaking and innovative” Tŷ Gwyrddfai decarbonisation hub, reportedly the first facility of its kind in the UK.
Situated in a semi-rural area of Gwynedd, the centre will provide skills training for decarbonisation and retrofitting homes, with the 120,000 sq ft warehouse space transformed into a facility for demonstrating the installation of products and materials associated with retrofit and maintenance.
The centre is a collaboration between Travis Perkins Managed Services, Adra Housing Association, the Busnes@LlandrilloMenai and Bangor University. The decarbonisation hub will support the development of skills to install and maintain small solar photovoltaic, domestic heat pump and solar thermal hot water systems.
In addition, it features a dedicated Travis Perkins branch on site to provide Adra and its contractors with materials and supplies.
Ben Todd, Managing Director of Travis Perkins Managed Services, said “We are so proud to be collaborating with our customer and partners to bring this decarbonisation hub to Penygroes. The hub will provide a centre of excellence for the future development of low carbon solutions across retrofitting, repairs and maintenance.
“We believe that construction has a key role to play in decarbonising the built environment, which is why supplying our customers with the right materials, innovative solutions and technology, supporting their journey to net zero. The long-term benefits will be far reaching and will help decarbonise homes in north Wales and beyond.”
Iwan Trefor Jones, Chief Executive of Adra added: “We are delighted to be part of this transformative partnership with Travis Perkins Managed Services. This collaboration is essential for providing Adra and its contractors with the vital materials and supplies needed to undertake the ambitious retrofit work in north Wales, and in advancing our broader goals of environmental sustainability.”
Representatives from Denbighshire Council, Flintshire Council, Wrexham Council, Flintshire Street Scene and North Wales Council attended the event, whilst Welsh television presenter and meteorologist Sian Lloyd was also a guest.
She commented: “I’m passionate about sustainability and to see this centre, the first of its kind, launch in north Wales makes me so proud. This sector has a great opportunity to offer low carbon solutions to retrofitting and repairing the UK’s old housing stock. This can be a major part of the solution to decarbonising the built environment.”
