On Thursday, 19 March 2026, CIHT North East & Cumbria hosted an event at Rebuild, a Carlisle-based construction reuse hub that collects and redistributes surplus building materials while providing training and community support. 

On the day, attendees enjoyed a full programme, including:

• A presentation from Dr Geoff Wallman, founder and CEO of Intelligen, a Haltwhistle-based SME innovating in smart mobility infrastructure. His talk, “Is going off grid the way to Net Zero for Transport Hubs?”, explored solar-powered e-bike hubs and bus shelters, good data practices, and low-energy edge computing.
• A talk from Rebuild’s founder, Emma Porter, on how circular economy and social impact work in practice, including the realities of materials, logistics, and community engagement.
• Informal networking with attendees from across the region, providing space for open discussion and exchange of practical ideas.

The event created a valuable forum for industry professionals to move beyond theory and engage with the practical realities of implementing circular approaches. Attendees were able to see first-hand how Rebuild operates as a working reuse hub, understanding both the challenges and the opportunities that arise when integrating circular economy principles into construction and community projects. One of the key takeaways from the evening was considering redirecting surplus materials to The Rebuild Site instead of sending them to landfill, when planning site clearance and specifications.

Rebuild continues to invite organisations, industry bodies, and practitioners to host or collaborate on future events, using its site as a live demonstration of circular economy in action and a space for learning, collaboration, and innovation. Thank you to Rebuild for hosting us!

CIHT North East & Cumbria are committed to helping shape the direction of the North East & Cumbria Region through our collaborative partnerships and actively engaged members. We have a wide-range of events throughout the year to support the careers of those in the highways and transportation industry, as well as helping members build connections with like-minded professionals. Why not join us at one of our upcoming events?

About Rebuild:
Founded in 2021, Rebuild is a Carlisle-based construction reuse hub dedicated to keeping building materials in use, reducing waste, and providing hands-on training and community engagement. The organisation works with contractors, community groups, and local authorities to demonstrate practical circular economy solutions in the built environment. Rebuild won a UK Green Award last year and are finalists in the upcoming Elite Business Awards in Carlisle.