Centre for Research into Environmental Science and Technology (CREST)

CREST offers support to SMEs who want to reduce their environmental impact, or develop new products or services. Our multi-disciplinary team of experts works closely with SMEs to design, develop and bring new products and services to market; develop processes to save time and/or money; understand markets (e.g. market research, introduction to buyers and suppliers, exploring new markets) and develop successful business models.

The Centre for Research into Environmental Science and Technology (CREST) is currently part funded by the European Regional Development fund as the ESBRC Project. The aim is that from 2023 it will become a permanent research centre based at the University of Chester Shrewsbury site.

Partnered with Reaseheath College and the University of Birmingham ARLI and ATETA projects, CREST works with academics to provide innovation and R&D support to the Marches’ environmental science based SMEs. The focus being to address the Marches’ productivity challenges, develop ideas into new products or services within the market place, and create jobs in the region.

"CREST plays an instrumental role in building the environmental sector in our region, by providing technical and academic support, research and advice to local businesses.” —  Professor Julieanna Powell-Turner

Facilities 

The centre has a dedicated laboratory to undertake testing and analysis on air, liquids and materials. This includes chemical analysis of liquid and solid environmental samples through UV-Vis spectrophotometry, XRF, and wet chemistry. We can also preform the physical analysis of soil and sediments. We have the facilities to monitor and analyse indoor air quality, and are keen to develop new technologies to manage this and the surrounding environment. The laboratory allows us to analyse samples through mass spectrometry, and research the impact of air quality factors on health and well-being. Our offer includes:

  • Identification and evaluation of toxicity and contamination elements in water. Non-destructive analysis of materials such as ceramics, minerals, glasses, polymers and metals
  • Measuring the intensity of wavelengths in a spectrum of ultraviolet and visual light for multiple sample types including liquids, thin-films and glass. It’s popular in areas such as pharmaceuticals, life sciences, foods, environmental studies, forensics, mineralogy and many others.
  • Particle distribution measurements, useful for quality control testing. Can determine manufacturing efficiency and final product performance. Examples of industries and products that have benefited from the application of particle size analysis are: building materials, paints and coatings, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture -soils and sediments, plastics and many others.
  • Analysis of indoor air quality and methods for infection control.
  • Example of equipment available: Epsilon 1 XRF spectrometer,  Mastersizer 3000 particle size analyser and Janway 6850 UV-Vis spectrophotometer.