Paignton, England — The “Construction in the Community Project” has been launched to develop links between the local community and South Devon College. The first project is to build a low carbon footprint Education Centre at Occombe Farm (a local eco-friendly farm) using sustainable construction techniques such as rubber tire foundations, straw bale walls and rendering with lime mortar. There will be no bricks or cement used in this building and the aim is for the building to have a very low carbon footprint. Construction learners are currently receiving master classes in “building with straw bales” and “lime rendering” as part of their practical sessions.

The students in the construction section (from all trades) are providing the labor and will gain valuable life and work skills as well as providing a helping hand to the local community. This is the first of many projects in the community. Future projects in the pipeline include work at a local school and a local rugby club. For more information, visit www.southdevon.ac.uk.