Builders flock to green event

Date published: 22 April 2010

Over 150 building professionals flocked to the official launch of ‘Benchmark Green’ held at the Portland Basin canal museum in Ashton last week (April 15 2010). 

Benchmark Green is the sustainable and environmentally friendly department of Greater Manchester based ‘Benchmark Building Supplies’ that was established in January this year to help with the uptake of environmentally friendly products, newer technologies and energy saving construction materials.

The launch was organised by Benchmark as a trade fair with twenty five exhibitors featuring products such as solar heating; fencing, gates and membranes produced from recycled plastics; permeable paving products, ecological adhesives and cleaning materials; and natural sustainable insulation produced from wool and natural fibres.

Over 150 guests including builders, landscapers and developers, architects, local authority planners and self builders found out about the latest developments in sustainable building and benefited from special offers only available at the Trade Fair. They were entertained by a local three piece folk group; served complimentary drinks and enjoyed traditional fresh fish & chips. The building guests were also introduced to Sustainable Specialist Melvyn Thomas, who joined Benchmark this year to head up the Benchmark Green department.

Managing Director Phill Brown said ”We regularly exhibit at exhibitions and organise trade promotions but this was one of the biggest events we have held to date, and we were delighted with the response. The need for sustainability is a major issue in today’s construction industry, and I believe Benchmark is at the forefront of builder’s merchants helping customers incorporate sustainability and energy efficiency in both construction and renovation in environmentally friendly ways.

We are working with professionals across the private sector, and with housing associations and local authorities to raise awareness of how to ‘go green’. This event has been so successful we have already decided to hold a similar trade fair in the Bolton area for our customers from that part of Greater Manchester. The venue was superb; Tameside Council are to be congratulated on making the Portland Basin such an interesting and enjoyable attraction.”