Decarbonising Construction

The recent Low Carbon Construction Innovation Growth Team report illustrates how two of the key challenges facing the industry could be mutually supportive. “ ...if the industry and its clients, working together, can make the cost savings of 10-30% mooted as the rewards of integration and modernisation, then that holds out the prospect of delivering net zero carbon buildings for the same price or less than buildings conforming only to current Building Regulations.”

Nick Raynsford MP, Vice-Chair of the Construction Industry Council and a former Construction Minister and Mark Prisk, the newly appointed Construction Minister have recently reinforced the importance of the “Decarbonising Construction” Agenda across the political spectrum.

“…the continued existence of the chief construction adviser should help ensure good channels of communication between the industry and government…decarbonising construction…is one policy area on which cross-party agreement is likely to be sustained” Nick Rainsford, Building 21/5/10

“I am…determined to support good low carbon skills now, which will prove highly exportable in the future. On that theme, I met with the industry-led Low Carbon Construction, Innovation and Growth Team last week which I found immensely interesting and has assured me that the industry is taking appropriate steps in looking at the future” Mark Prisk, NCE 27/5/10

Discussion of the IGT report formed a key element of CIRIA’s Member Day this year. We have drawn together a number of relevant outputs including the presentation and a summary of Paul Morrell’s presentation and will be pursuing a number of the suggested actions with Members and the broader industry in the forthcoming months.

Carbon reduction presents a significant challenge for the whole industry. A challenge that no single sector alone can resolve and as a pan-industry body, CIRIA recognises the role it can play in helping the industry move forward.

I would be interested in hearing from Members wishing to help ensure that CIRIA and its Members play an active and effective role in this important initiative.

Bill Healy
Chief Executive