New environment minister Richard Benyon has praised the “truly impressive” sustainable building technologies and exemplars on show at the BRE Innovation Park in Watford while on a visit there.

Touring the park and looking closely at four installations, Mr Benyon, the new natural environment and fisheries secretary, said: “The advances in sustainable building and design displayed at the BRE Innovation Park are truly impressive. This goes to show what can be achieved on a large scale by embracing more sustainable methods and resources.

“We live in a world of stretched natural resources. It is essential that businesses operate more sustainably and minimise their environmental impact if we are to ensure our economy remains competitive. It is pleasing to see that the construction industry is rising to the challenge.”

Mr Benyon visited the Natural House, built by the Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment, the Cub House by Charley Greig and FutureForm, the Innovation Park landscaping scheme and the Kingspan Lighthouse. Over 400 construction techniques and technologies are on show at the Park, which features 12 sustainable buildings.