Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
The building industry recognises that sustainability will be key to its future and wants more support and vision from Government to help. That’s according to a survey from accountants PwC and the Construction Products Association.
Key findings from the survey showed that whilst 91% recognise the growing importance of green credentials for products, only 40% have done any carbon footprinting. A third considered sustainability as important to their business as supply chain security, energy costs, regulation and skills.
Over two thirds (63%) surveyed felt there was insufficient knowledge available on sustainable products and felt this was a barrier to progress along with costs and lack of information on regulation.
Global construction products leader at PwC, Chris Temple, said: “This report is timely, and with major construction projects such as the Olympics upon us, a clear vision on sustainability is crucial. The industry has been very clear in asking for more clarity and vision from Government in the report but is also very keen to do its part in creating sustainable products.
“Council tax is based on property value but what if it was based on energy efficiency with less efficient properties attracting higher taxes. These are just some of the questions the survey has sparked and this could be the beginning of a very interesting debate.”
John Tebbit, Industry Affairs Director at the CPA, said: “There is a real opportunity here for both Government and industry to work closer together to deliver the recommendations laid out in the report. 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.”
