“Don’t accept the status quo, and don’t accept an answer until you are satisfied,” remarked Natalie Wadley, co-founder of materials specialist ChangeMaker 3D to delegates at the Clean Futures Catalyst launch event on 28 February.
Natalie was one of two start-up company representatives supported by the Clean Futures Accelerator programme who were invited to address the launch of the Catalyst – which aims to support a larger number of local businesses in the West Midlands who are developing technologies designed to make transport more sustainable.
She spoke of the need for disruptive companies such as hers not to give up in trying to convince stakeholders to try out new products or ways of working because they are different to the normal methods of operation.
Natalie outlined a series of frustrations felt as a small business but spelt out how she had overcome challenges with the support of willing stakeholders. Her company develops 3D printing technology for use on rail projects such as HS2 to reduce the use of concrete – and therefore reduce carbon – associated with building infrastructure such as retaining walls.
She said that in her line of work, there is limited carbon data available to compare conventional versus new methods of construction. She explained that the “cost versus carbon debate” must begin “earlier in the supply chain discussion” to allow carbon savings to be given greater value.