Government and construction industry set out joint low carbon action plan

An action plan has set out how Government and the construction industry will work together to decarbonise the built environment by 2050.

The Government is taking action in areas including the need for a new level of cooperation between Government and industry, where a new Government and industry board to ensure that this action plan is implemented will be established, and the need to reform public procurement, where 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.

Also, the need for a transparent plan of the incentives and interventions that will be used, as the action plan sets out key steps which Government will take in the next six months – including the publication of an updated Carbon Plan. Lastly, the need to make the most of export opportunities, where 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.

The joint action plan sets out the low carbon construction strategy as well as action already taken this year.

Business Minister Mark Prisk said: "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."

Further information:
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills