The SmartLIFE project was the first initiative of its type in Europe to recognise the potential for Innovative Methods of Construction (IMC) to deliver sustainable growth and build capacity for delivering IMC and sustainable housing within the local workforce.

Key SmartLIFE partners in three countries (Germany, Sweden and UK) have assembled state-of-the-art business centres and training facilities.  Training programmes delivering vocational and professional skills on the use of IMC have been designed and delivered in three countries.  This aims to transfer experience on self-build and the sharing of good practice on training, construction and development, all in the context of major strategies for sustainable growth in each locality.

The UK Cambridge-based centre is itself a showcase for environmental consideration.  Features include a ground source heat pump, 6kW wind turbine and solar thermal hot water heating system.  Working at minimum capacity these features generate 38% of the new building's energy requirements.  The Cambridge Business and Training Centre also has state-of-the-art video and conferencing facilities.  The building was completed in March 2006 and has been a hub for demonstrating sustainability to visitors.

The experience gained from the SmartLIFE model approach is now being replicated across local authorities via greater communication and training courses tailored to fit local customer circumstances.  A package of short sustainability seminars is also being developed and delivered to local councillors, local government officers and industry.

SmartLIFE received the Environmental Impact Award at the EEDA (East of England Development Agency) Celebration 2006 and the Starfish Award from the INTERREG North Sea Programme secretariat.  It was also short-listed in the Partnership Award for Sustainable Communities 2007 sponsored by DEFRA (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs).  SmartLIFE was also short-listed for the DG Regio Stars Awards.