We are inviting applications to attend an interactive workshop (sandpit) to generate and develop innovative approaches to energy efficiency in new and existing non-domestic buildings, through human factors research and user-centred design. The focus of the sandpit is to create ideas for projects that have the potential for commercial value. The five-day sandpit will be held at Bailbrook House near Bath on 15-19 March 2010. We have allocated up to £2m to fund industry-led collaborative research arising from the sandpit. The challenge of reducing the amount of energy used in buildings requires an innovative and multidisciplinary approach. The aim of this sandpit is to bring together a varied group of up to 30 individuals from industry and academia to work together to develop collaborative research proposals. The sandpit will result in the Technology Strategy Board committing funding 'in principle' for consortium research projects developed by the participants. We welcome applications from industry and academia, and from practitioners in the built environment and experts in usercentred design. Applicants from industry should ensure that their companies are ready, willing and able to engage in a collaborative project before applying.

Details of how to apply together with the Guidance for Applicants