23 June 2011

A joint Government and industry action plan published this week sets out plans to ‘decarbonise’ the industry by 2050. The plan highlights the following areas: 

• The need for a transparent plan of incentives and interventions. The plan sets out key steps which the Government will take in the next six months – including the publication of an updated Carbon Plan.
• 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.
• The need to make the most of export opportunities. A programme of over 40 activities lead by UK Trade and Investment will  make the most of overseas markets.

Business Minister Mark Prisk said of the plan: ‘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.’