A major new training programme for professionals in the built environment sector has got underway, aiming to put Wales at the forefront of sustainability expertise.

Built Environment Sustainability Training (BEST) is offering flexible, fully subsidised training to develop knowledge and skills in the latest sustainability practices – particularly in construction, energy, waste, and water.

The programme is supported by the European Social Fund, through the Welsh Government and offers fully subsidised courses to people who live or work in one of Wales’ Convergence areas.

“It’s a very exciting time for the project,” said BEST’s Director, Dr Julie Gwilliam of the Welsh School of Architecture. “We have enlisted leading experts in their fields to deliver the training and many courses are now in full swing, with others getting under way soon.

More and more professionals in the built environment sector in Wales are now able to develop vital skills that will ultimately benefit them, their organisations, and the economy and environment of Wales.”

BEST’s courses on Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) and Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUDS) have involved workshop sessions held in Kenfig, Merthyr Tydfil and Cwmbran, delivered by industry experts Illman Young Landscape Design Ltd, and hydrological and geo-technical engineers EPG.