A SWINDON organisation is taking part in a conference at the National Exhibition Centre, the first to deal with the issues of sustainable construction.

And setting out its stall is the Engineering and Physi-cal Science Research Coun-cil, which has its head- quarters at Polaris house in Swindon.

The region is leading the way in environmentally friendly building and this is being highlighted by the South West Regional Development Agency.

The Sustainable Urban Renewal Expo, which has attracted key players in the field of development, aims to promote best practice and share bright ideas on how sustainability should be seen as key to all aspects of development.

Dr Peter Hedges, EPSRC programme manager, infrastructure and environment, said: "We are there because we are establishing a range of research activities related to urban sustainability.

"We are hoping to establish contacts with various local authorities and companies interested participating in our activities.

"Here in Swindon we are already investing £22 million on urban sustainability projects at universities across the UK, so this event is very much dealing with the key issues that interest us."

The RDA, as well as co-sponsoring SURE, is also using the event to promote the south west's Sustainable Construction Charter in partnership with Sustainability South West, the region's independent cham- pion of sustainable development, which owns and initiated the charter.

Entitled Future Foundations, it sets out steps for the creation of more sustainable buildings by providing pointers to practical advice and good practice.

It covers essential topics, including recycling building materials, saving money and minimising waste, utilising local labour and engaging local communities at each stage of the building process.

Colin Molton, South West RDA director of development, said: "SURE raises an important question: How will we protect our natural environment while also ensuring the development needs of our growing economy are met?

"Exhibiting at SURE shows the development world how the south west is working to ensure that our economic growth goes hand in hand with protecting our region's environment and natural resources."