EMphasis3 Case Study: Carbon Cut UK

Carbon Cut UK has developed a proprietary Retrofit cavity wall tray for cavity wall insulation solutions that is cheaper, quicker to install, more durable, and causes less disruption than alternative approaches. Carbon Cut’s technology consists of a horizontal cavity tray/closer and unique insertion system which sections a continuous cavity; supports insulation material, and addresses rain penetration by collecting water and removing it from the building.

Chris Riggs (Director of Carbon Cut UK) has attended various workshops including the Access to Finance in 2019, along with pitching to Portsmouth City Council in early 2020 for commercialisation support. He then went on to apply for funding through our European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funded EMphasis3 CO2 Reductions programme and was awarded a grant. Carbon Cut has also achieved the Solar Impulse Foundation Label as part of the 1000 Solutions Initiative. When asked about working with Greentech South, Chris Riggs said:

‘This is a long and hard road with plenty of knockbacks. The important part of the journey is learning from failures and mistakes. I approached Greentech South (one of my better moves) and explained how my invention could reduce damp coming into mid/high rise buildings. They persuaded me to apply for a grant to help with development and expansion, also Trademark costs. I presented my idea to a panel of experts explaining many of the win-win aspects - potential market, recycled plastic use, and carbon reduction. My motivation has been the benefits to the occupants (end users) of the buildings we improve by way of - better living environment, plus lower heating/cooling bills.

I was awarded up to £25k, and in addition they made introductions to local authorities and housing associations. Since working with Matt from Greentech South I have been awarded an Innovate UK grant to perfect an insertion system for our Cavity Tray. In the last few days I have had an approach from a company in Leeds, looking at the possibility of using our Tray as a Firestop in buildings where fire risk cladding is being removed. Greentech is not just about money, it is a helping hand along that difficult road. The last thing I would say is, stay positive, and luck will come your way.’

To find out what funding you could access and other benefits from both of our European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funded projects (EMphasis3 and Low Carbon Solent), complete the Expression of Interest Form and our Business Facing Team will be in touch.