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A call has been issued for a much greater commitment to innovation in construction as the government targets 'net zero' carbon.
Aggregate Industries has welcomed the government's new target, but warned over an increased pressure to reduce, if not eradicate altogether, environmental impact.
Guy Edwards, Chief Executive Officer at Aggregate Industries UK, said: "With the government committing to producing 'net zero' greenhouse gases by 2050, the construction industry's role in safeguarding the future of our planet has never been more prevalent. In short, it means that, along with other sectors, emissions will have to be avoided completely or offset by planting trees or removing CO2 from the atmosphere.
"Yes, it is a huge task but the sector has been working hard in recent years to address these issues - we believe that having more stringent local targets in place will only work to drive the industry to cut emissions further and faster."
Aggregate Industries was the first company to be certified to BES 6001, The Framework Standard for the Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products, developed by the BRE, and the first construction materials supplier to achieve the BSI PAS 2080 verification for its commitment to supply low carbon solutions to infrastructure projects.
Mr Edwards added: "There is no question about it; the construction industry must become more radical and holistic in its approach to sustainability. In this way, we must deliver the infrastructure overhaul we need to establish real change; from optimising energy efficiencies, embracing new power sources and adopting sustainable supply chains, helping to achieve nearly zero energy buildings (NZEBs) and in turn work towards realising the government's new pledge.
"While the magnitude of the task facing us in achieving 'net zero' is clear, we're confident that a forward-thinking, progressive industry like ours will take up the mantel and lead the way in demonstrating the lengths we can go to reduce our environmental impact, which will positively impact us all."
(CM/JG)
