The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has welcomed the Government's review of construction as published in the Low Carbon Construction report by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).

The CIOB calls for greater transparency in carbon measurement and for building regulations to drive progress.

The review has looked at the strengths of and opportunities for the UK construction industry in a low carbon economy and considered how the UK can be a world leader in this sector.

The CIOB recognises that the government, professions and industry must work closely in partnership to ensure the UK leads the way towards a low carbon economy. Key to this is the speed in which we collectively respond to these issues. The CIOB has already instigated a Carbon Working Group that will specifically address the delivery of practical solutions for the industry on how to meet government carbon reduction targets in the short, medium and long term.


Alan Crane CIOB Vice President said: "There is potentially a 40 year programme of construction work for those capable of seizing the opportunities that the low carbon agenda brings. But to achieve its aims the industry needs a progressive but level playing field created through building regulations, and the ability to measure progress consistently.

"Our view is that building regulations are the tool to drive forward the low carbon agenda, because it’s mandatory and backed by enforcement measures. However many local authorities are under resourced to take on this work and that has to be a concern. Building regulations should set out the absolute minimum standards required, but should encourage developers to go beyond and possibly attach some incentives for that extra mile. We can’t rely on voluntary aspirations we have to mandate for carbon reductions.

"We are keen to ensure that graduates have the relevant skills to meet industry needs as highlighted in this report and that university accreditation and assessments help meet these very important goals. In a recent CIOB survey 66% of construction professionals felt graduates did not have the necessary skills for sustainable development."

The CIOB also believes that if the industry can grasp the opportunity from a low carbon agenda then its own public image will also improve. However, more needs to be done to give consumers confidence and there is a risk that home owners could suffer at the hands of rogue traders. The Government needs to consider how it can help ensure the public has access to certified traders and CIOB will be writing to Government outlining this.

(CD/KMcA)