THE topping out of Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc’s (MSIP) ‘flagship’ Innovation Hub has taken place in Dundee.
Built by Robertson Construction Tayside, the £4.75 million facility has carbon footprint in mind – with a Glulam and cross laminated timber (CLT) structure used in place of conventional steel construction, which is said to have saved an estimated 715 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Both materials used are a natural alternative to steel, concrete, and plasterboard, and are manufactured offsite to precise size specifications, resulting in ‘very little to no’ waste in the construction phase.
The use of these natural materials from sustainably managed forests reduces the buildings carbon footprint in two ways. Firstly, less carbon dioxide is generated during the production of Glulam and CLT than conventional building materials. Secondly, the use of wood as the principal building material locks away the carbon it contains for the lifetime of the building.
The wider MSIP is a joint venture between Michelin, Dundee City Council, and Scottish Enterprise. Described as a ‘world class’ innovation park for sustainable mobility and decarbonisation, the project aims to drive growth and diversity in the Scottish economy whilst addressing the global climate emergency.
The Innovation Hub is located at the main entrance of the park, which MSIP said creates a space to support and drive collaboration and innovation. Core facilities include co-working space, flexible meeting and events space, design labs and a range of business support services. The hub is due to be completed in October.
Kevin Dickson, regional MD at Robertson Construction Tayside, said, “The commitment made by MSIP to regenerate the site is clearly demonstrated through the Innovation Hub, the selection of materials reflects the aspirations that are being delivered throughout the project and how the facility will be used in the coming years.
“Decarbonisation is a key element in addressing the climate emergency and the end use of the Parc will place Dundee at the centre of innovation and collaboration to make positive changes that will benefit both the economy and the environment.
“We are proud to be continuing our relationship with MSIP and to celebrate this significant milestone in the delivery of the Innovation Hub.”
Colin McIlraith, chief operating officer at MSIP, added, “This is a significant moment for MSIP, marking once again the amount of progress we have made at the Innovation Parc in the two years since we took over stewardship of the Innovation Parc. The Innovation Hub sits at the core of our mission at MSIP, to create a place where industry, academia and government can come together and thrive, to enable the growth and advancement of the sustainable mobility and decarbonisation industries.
“With the physical structure now in place, and construction continuing at pace, I look forward to welcoming innovators, businesses, learners and the community into this remarkable building later this year.”
Scottish Enterprise chief executive, Adrian Gillespie, commented, “The Innovation Hub will help cultivate a culture of innovation and collaboration which will see MSIP play a vital role in making Scotland a global leader in sustainable mobility.
“I am excited to see the Innovation Hub become a focal point for businesses, academics and researchers at MSIP to work together on developing, testing and commercialising new products and services for a sustainable, low carbon future.”
