Vaso Global: Accelerating Low-Carbon Innovation in the Built Environment

VASO Global designs, develops and manufactures structural composite panels from recycled glass, creating build systems for low‑carbon, modular homes and buildings that deliver greater opportunities for the built environment.

Recognised as a promising solution to the Scottish housing crisis declared in 2024, VASO has successfully commissioned its production line with a capacity to produce 1,300 four-bedroom homes annually.

We had the privilege of speaking with Gary Robertson, Client Relationship and Strategy Director, to explore how Built Environment, Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) has been a catalyst in this early-stage start-up journey.

Since partnering with BE-ST in 2022, VASO has leveraged strategic advice from Steven Good, CEO at BE-ST, and Douglas Morrison, Deputy CEO at BE-ST, to navigate the complexities of the construction sector, creating vital connections with universities, colleges, and academia. These connections include Professor Sean Smith at the University of Edinburgh, the Centre for Net Zero of High-Density Buildings (CeNZHIGHDB), the Scottish Building Standards Hub, South Lanarkshire College and Dumfries and Galloway College. These collaborations have provided invaluable insights and paved the way for innovative developments, such as VASO’s heat pump base panel in development with CeNZHIGHDB and currently undergoing testing at the BE-ST lab.

Participating with BE-ST at BE-ST Fest as part of the Circular and Sustainable Materials Accelerator in 2023 was a pivotal moment for VASO, offering a platform to showcase their pioneering approach and gain confidence through the focus on circular components. Gary reflected, “That gave us a bit of a confidence boost because everybody else was looking at circular components. And we are a component manufacturer; we can create a whole build system from our components. And for us, it was exciting to be included on that accelerator.”

Now, thanks to investment from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and project management and innovation support from BE-ST, the system is being readied for full commercial rollout.

Investment from PXN Ventures, Scottish Enterprise, and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) matched funding shows the growing recognition of Vaso’s potential to revolutionise the built environment.

Gary emphasises the importance of opening minds and perspectives: “Many people are looking at siloed methods about delivery and how we do things. We've managed to open the scope and get people to look at the world through different optics, as one of the solutions that's going to be required to help the built environment. We see ourselves as one part of the overall solution, recognising that a combination of approaches will be needed rather than relying solely on a vessel-based solution.”

Looking ahead, VASO is looking to create an accreditation programme toenable companies and the workforce to become VASO installers. The ambition is to create a community of skilled workers who can build with the VASO system, enhancing the skills base within the built environment and encouraging new entrants through innovation.

To end our chat, Gary mentioned: “Whatever you feel your innovation idea may be, reach out to BE-ST because the great thing about BE-ST is that they listen and they consider. And they can share vital insight that can help shape how you want to move forward. That's their superpower; they can make those connections.”