Business Minister
Mark Prisk today outlines how Government and the construction
industry will work together to decarbonise the built environment
by 2050.
The Government is taking action on the following areas:
The need for a new level of cooperation between Government and
industry. We will establish a new Government and industry board to
ensure that this action plan is implemented.The need for a
transparent plan of the incentives and interventions we will use.
Today’s action plan sets out key steps which Government will take
in the next six months – including the publication of an updated
Carbon Plan. The Plan for Growth published in March provided
greater certainty around the definition of “zero carbon” for new
homes. Since then we have also extended the Green Deal to include
non-domestic properties and announced plans to use fiscal
incentives for renewable heat systems. The need to reform public
procurement. From Autumn 2011 the Government will publish
quarterly a two-year forward programme of infrastructure projects
to give more certainty to the sector to invest in low carbon. The
Prime Minister has also confirmed his commitment to the Better
Public Building Awards which will have a new focus on low carbon
to promote best practice. In May Cabinet Office published the
Government’s new Construction strategy including the requirement
for 3D Building Information Modelling to be used on Government
projects by 2016 to improve the way we manage the carbon emissions
from our new and existing building stock. The need to make the
most of export opportunities. The construction industry, through
its work on zero carbon new homes, on retrofitting and on major
projects like the Olympics is demonstrating itself to be truly
world class. Through a programme of over 40 activities lead by UK
Trade and Investment we will ensure we make the most of overseas
markets.
The joint Government and industry action plan sets out our low
carbon construction strategy as well as action already taken this year.
Business Minister Mark Prisk said:
“An efficient, effective and profitable construction industry is
at the heart of any growing economy.
“Meeting the UK’s commitment to reducing carbon will affect every
aspect of the built environment and has the potential to provide
the construction industry with a 40 year programme of work
creating great opportunities for growth in the sector.
“Through this joint Government and industry action plan we are
making a clear commitment to the low carbon transition which will
create the certainty needed for construction companies to invest
in essential new skills, processes and products.”
Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude said:
“The Government’s Construction Strategy, launched in May, set out
a range of innovative new approaches to Government construction.
We have shown how, by working with the industry we can make big
cost savings, whilst still investing in one of Britain’s vital
industries. The IGT report demonstrates the clear advantages for
both the private and public sector by adopting an energy efficient
approach to construction.
“By continuing this collaboration with the industry we can help
ensure that individuals and companies are well placed to adopt low
carbon solutions now and in the future.”
Climate Change and Energy Minister Greg Barker said:
“Improving the energy efficiency of the nation’s buildings is a
win-win response to tackling emissions and spiralling fuel costs.
“The Government’s Green Deal will radically transform the energy
efficiency of our homes and businesses, and presents a massive
opportunity for Britain’s construction industry.
“The sector lies at the heart of our efforts to ensure that the
UK takes maximum advantage of the economic opportunities from the
low carbon economy.”
Government Chief Construction Advisor Paul Morrell said:
“I am delighted that the Government has taken on board so many of
the recommendations from the IGT report which was developed with
expertise from across industry.
“To ensure that construction rises to the low carbon challenge we
need to continue this new level of cooperation so I am also
pleased that a joint Government and industry board has been set up
to ensure implementation of this plan.”
The plan published today is the Government’s response to the
industry’s Innovation Growth Team report, presented by Government
Chief Construction Advisor Paul Morrell in November.
Notes to Editors
A copy of the Government’s response to the Low Carbon
Construction Innovation and Growth Team Report can be found at:
http://www.bis.gov.uk/constructionigt
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