Strategy launched for sustainable industry

The Government yesterday unveiled draft plans to ensure emmissions and the carbon footprint of the construction industry is reduced.
The Government’s draft sustainable construction strategy, launched for consultation yesterday (July 30), aims, among other things, to increase use of sustainable materials and reduce the carbon footprint of the sector as a whole.

The proposed measures would ensure the production of zero net waste at construction site level the, improved training and skills within the industry and making more effective use of the Government’s procurement power.

Minister for construction Stephen Timms said of the strategy: “The threat of global warming is of enormous concern to the community, and it demands change from the Government, industry and the public alike.

“Not only must the construction industry rise to the challenge for reducing emissions, it must also consider how it will adapt its products to deal with the impacts of unavoidable climate change.”

The industry is now free to offer feedback on the strategy. The deadline for comment is November 30 this year.