THOUSANDS of environmentally-conscious visitors flocked to the return of the Eco Technology Show last Thursday and Friday.

The show, held at the Brighton Centre, welcomed sustainability-savvy guests for talks and debates on green solutions.

More than 130 firms exhibited green-themed products.

The event featured a landlord investment show, which focused on connecting landlords, investors and developers with suppliers for buy-to-let.

More than 70 debates, talks and panels were held on topics like legislation and funding to energy management, build, transport and technology.

Greg Barker, minister of state at the Department of Energy and Climate Change, was a speaker with industry leaders and experts on low-carbon solutions and energy-saving measures.

The show featured some of the latest electric and low-emission vehicles like the Mitsubishis Outlander – the world’s first plug-in SUV which boasts an incredible 148mpg – and the £100,000 BMW i8 hybrid supercar.

Jazz Nasim, of Chandlers BMW Brighton, said: “A plug-in hybrid means there’s an electric motor on the front powering the front wheels, and a 1.5 three-cylinder turbo engine on the back powering the rear wheels. It can alternate between the two.

“It’s being launched on July 19 and in Brighton we’ve sold nine already. Brighton is known for its green-minded approach so we’ve had a great reception to the car.”

Concerns about where to power electric vehicles were dispelled thanks to the launch of The Energise Network, a new electric vehicle charging network for south east England.

Up to 50 rapid electric vehicle charging points are to be installed over the next five years at strategic locations to let drivers charge vehicles in 20 to 30 minutes.

Brighton artist Ptolemy Elrington showed eco creations.

The sculptor uses recycled materials to create creations of fish, samurai warriors and even an eagle.

He said: “I work with hub caps I find on the side of the road.

“They’ve been part of cars that have won awards and somebody has spent time designing them.

“But they just ping off your wheel, get left on the side of the road and chucked into landfill, which seems like such a waste.

“The idea behind my work is to help educate people with recycling but one of the big things I’m into is discussing the nature of value – how we attribute value to things that aren’t necessarily all that useful.”

Brighton-based Yelo Architects showcased projects including a locally-sourced, two-bedroom eco-house at the bottom of the extensive back garden at Hill Drive.

The proposal has been designated a sustainable homes code level five – one of the best possible rankings for energy efficiency.

It uses locally sourced materials including reclaimed bricks from Horsham and timber from Lewes.

Its sedum roof guarantees sustainability while a number of photovoltaic rooftop panels on provide energy.

Nicola Gunstone, of the Eco Technology Show, said: “Eco technology is no longer on the margin. It’s mainstream business now.”

For further details visit www.ecotechnologyshow.co.uk