Business Minister Mark Prisk has outlined how the Government and the construction industry will work together to decarbonise the built environment by 2050.

The Government will establish a new Government and industry board to ensure that an action plan is implemented.

Today’s action plan sets out key steps which Government will take in the next six months – including the publication of an updated Carbon Plan. The Plan for Growth published in March provided greater certainty around the definition of “zero carbon” for new homes. Since then the Green Deal has been extended to include non-domestic properties and plans have been announced to use fiscal incentives for renewable heat systems.

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. The Prime Minister has also confirmed his commitment to the Better Public Building Awards which will have a new focus on low carbon to promote best practice. In May Cabinet Office published the Government’s new Construction strategy including the requirement for 3D Building Information Modelling to be used on Government projects by 2016 to improve the way carbon emissions from the new and existing building stock are managed.

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There is also a need to make the most of export opportunities. 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. Through a programme of over 40 activities lead by UK Trade and Investment we will ensure the most is made of overseas markets.

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

Business Minister Mark Prisk said: “An efficient, effective and profitable construction industry is at the heart of any growing economy.

“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.”

The plan published today is the Government’s response to the industry’s Innovation Growth Team report, presented by Government Chief Construction Advisor Paul Morrell in November.

(BMcN)