Member Article

Construction needs to ‘go green’, says new report

A new report has backed up calls from the construction industry for government support to go green.

Over 100 construction products businesses were questioned, and nearly all of them recognised that sustainability is instrumental to the future of the industry.

While 91% of businesses surveyed were aware of the importance of using green building techniques, but only 40% had done any carbon footprinting at all.

The construction industry employs over 3 million people in the UK, and represents 8% of the country’s GDP, making it critical for the government to provide help and incentives to the industry.

Global Construction Products Leader at PwC Chris Temple commented: “The results of this survey show there is a clear need for the government and the construction industry to work together to find a solution to these green issues.

“The report is timely, and with major construction projects such as the Olympics upon us, a clear vision on sustainability is crucial.”

Many in the industry are also calling for more simplistic regulations that people can understand, with over 60% believing that there was insufficient knowledge and help available.

John Tebbit , industry affairs director at CPA added: “Many companies are already manufacturing to a high environmental standard, however there is much more that could be done to increase this.

“We now seek clear and consistent targets for sustainability, which industry can work towards and together, we will help businesses achieve them.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .