Palgrave-based Natural Building Systems scoop two awards at the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Innovation Awards 2022

A forward-thinking company, which makes ecological building products, has won two awards for innovative thinking.

Natural Building Systems, based in Upper Rose Lane, Palgrave, triumphed in two categories at the recent Babergh and Mid Suffolk Innovation Awards.

More than 160 people attended the ceremony at Wherstead Park, which rewarded businesses across a range of sectors, including innovation in healthcare, customer service, sustainability, construction and on the high street.

Natural Building Systems won both the Tomorrow’s World and Construction Innovation categories, after developing a ground-breaking sustainable alternative to existing construction methods.

The company combines low embodied carbon materials with digital manufacturing and other modern methods of construction to produce building materials which are not only carbon neutral, but also help to reduce carbon in the atmosphere

“We were over the moon to have won two awards, one for innovation within construction and another for being a promising ‘tomorrow’s world’ technology,” said Chloe Donovan, director of operations.

“It’s critical we significantly and rapidly reduce the carbon footprint of our buildings, and the materials they are made with, if the Government is to meet its net zero carbon emission goals.

“Our system proves that we can have healthier and more efficient homes and buildings without expecting the environment to pay the price.

“We achieve this by combining advanced manufacturing techniques, together with high-carbon capture materials, like hemp, to create a customisable modular building system, which provides the solution to the housing shortage as well as creating demand for sustainable, profitable crops for our farmers.”

Natural Building Systems was formed in 2019 by Chloe, along with David Nicholson, director of design, and Dr Mike Lawrence, director of research.

While traditional methods create 50 tonnes of carbon in construction, its products can be used to create carbon neutral buildings three storeys high.

The Babergh and Mid Suffolk Innovation Awards was first held virtually in 2020 during the pandemic.

This year was the first time the businesses taking part had been able to meet face to face. There were a 22 finalists in total.

Harry Richardson, deputy leader and cabinet member for economic growth at Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “Innovation in business has never been so important and our awards are a unique opportunity to recognise how businesses are embracing change and new ways of working.

“The range of businesses shortlisted demonstrate that no matter whether they are a start-up or long-established business, innovation always has a role to play.”

Judges included industry experts from the University of Suffolk, University of Essex, Innovate UK KTN, Tech East and Tech Nation. There were also key-note speeches from New Anglia LEP and Innovate UK.