Digital Innovation Fund Award to Support Industrialised Circular Construction

Natural Building Systems (NBS) is proud to announce that we have received the Digital Innovation Fund (DIF) Rapid Demonstrator Award from The Smart Manufacturing Data Hub. This groundbreaking initiative is set to create a blueprint for the construction industry through advanced digital design and manufacturing, underscoring our dedication to excellence in sustainability and our position us as an innovator in the UK construction manufacturing sector. This project is a pivotal step forward in achieving circularity and efficiency in the built environment. The DIF Rapid Demonstrator funding will enable NBS to integrate cutting-edge digital tools directly into our manufacturing processes. By implementing AI-driven Enterprise Resource Planning systems, RFID tags, and digital product passports, we aim to streamline operations, enhance resource management, and ensure unmatched product traceability. 

By partnering with industry leaders such as ArcFlow, KOPE, GS1 UK, and the DIGIT Lab at the University of Exeter, NBS will showcase the tangible benefits of these innovations for SMEs in the construction sector. This collaboration highlights the critical role of integrated construction solutions like the ADEPT system, which provides flexibility and reusability, key components for achieving large-scale circularity in construction as systems ensure materials are kept in use for longer, reducing waste and the need for new resources. 

"The important issue is that the information is available in a database to make it easier to access and identify when the ID of any given element from the digital building model is entered into the database. Hence, it is the triggering mechanism that enables the connection between the physical element and the digital model, which is the critical factor for success." - Circular Construction for Urban Development: A System, The Danish Architectural Press with support from Realdania, June 2024 

“We are excited to spearhead this initiative that aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and innovation. The DIF Rapid Demonstrator funding not only boosts our production efficiency but also sets a new standard for digital integration in construction, paving the way for a more sustainable future.” - said Krista Zvirgzda, Operations Manager at NBS.

By embracing advanced digitisation, NBS will significantly enhance its manufacturing capabilities, reduce operational costs, and increase production capacity, positioning NBS as a leader in the sustainable construction market, enabling the company to meet growing demand more effectively and drive business growth. 

"We are thrilled to partner with NBS on this innovative project, showcasing how ArcFlow, our AI-enabled cloud ERP system, can liberate resources and enhance productivity and scalability for SME manufacturers. This collaboration emphasises the significant support available to manufacturers in their digital transformation journey, reducing technology adoption risks. We are committed to the success of this project and, alongside NBS, to demonstrating the benefits of embracing technology for the broader SME manufacturing market," said Matt Scott, Co-Founder of ArcFlow. 

We are thankful for the support from the SMDH Digital Innovation Fund and look forward to using this opportunity to improve and expand our digital capabilities. The support of the DIF Rapid Demonstrator funding is a testament to the importance of digital innovation in achieving sustainability in the built environment. By leveraging digital design and manufacturing solutions, NBS is not only improving its operations but also setting a replicable model for the industry, demonstrating that sustainable practices can go hand-in-hand with technological advancement. 

For more information, please contact: Krista Zvirgzda Operations Manager, Natural Building Systems krista@naturalbuildingsystems.com