Low carbon construction launched
Attending the first meeting of the Innovation and Growth Team on Construction, Peter Mandelson laid down a challenge to members: to ensure the industry is "fit for purpose” for delivering a low carbon future.
The Low Carbon Construction Review will be undertaken by the IGT members over the next year. It will help identify how the construction industry can best deliver the future carbon reduction commitments for 2020 and beyond. Initial findings from the review are due in spring 2010.
Peter Mandelson, Secretary of State said: “The construction industry is a vital part of Britain’s economy, employing 2.5 million workers and contributing around 10% of GDP. The sector will play a crucial part as the UK tackles climate change, as emissions from buildings account for around 44% of Britain’s total end use carbon emissions.”
There will be five workstreams on the IGT: cross-cutting issues; housing new and existing; buidings new and existing; infrastructure; and major projects. Each of these will involve representatives from industry best placed to contribute.
Regular update on the IGT’s progress will be posted on the BIS Construction website www.bis.gov.uk/constructionIGT and contributions are welcome to constructionIGT@bis.gov.uk
Steering Group of the IGT
Paul Morrell – chief construction adviser, BIS, (chair)
Keith Clarke – chief executive, Atkins, (deputy chair)
Tony Douglas – CEO, Laing O’Rourke (chair of buildings workstream)
Mark Clare – chief executive, Barratt Homes, (chair of housing workstream)
John Armitt – chairman, ODA, (chair of major projects workstream)
Janice Munday – director, Solutions for Business, Low Carbon and Services, BIS
Dr Stewart Davies – industry commissioner, Sustainable Development Commission
Nick Pollard – chief executive, Bovis Lend Lease UK
Bob Blackman – national secretary, Unite,
Nick Raynsford MP – chairman, Strategic Forum for Construction
Phil Wynn-Owen – director general for National Climate Change and Consumer Support, DECC
Terry Hill – chairman, Arup
Richard Soper – managing director, Bosch Thermotechnology
