Over 150 representatives of Scotland's construction sector will discuss the implications and opportunities for the industry of embracing sustainable development when they meet for the annual conference of the Scottish Construction Forum in Perth on Friday 9 November.

Opened by Mr Jim Mather, MSP, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, the Forum's 3rd annual conference aims to raise delegates' awareness of the need for more sustainable development and how the construction industry can adopt sustainability in everyday business in practical and affordable ways and achieve performance and productivity improvements.

Forum Chairman Graeme Miller CBE said: "Environmental concerns and the importance of sustainable development are moving to the top of everyone's agenda and the construction industry is no exception. In addition to preserving our limited resources, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development by adopting sustainable practices can provide real growth opportunities for the construction industry and it is these that we are highlighting at this conference.

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"The Scottish construction industry makes a vital contribution to the Scottish economy, both in terms of employment levels and GDP, and its continuing success is central to Scotland's economic development and environmental objectives. However in order to achieve this the industry needs to build on current skills as well as develop new practices and technologies."

The conference will feature a range of workshops, led by industry experts, covering how to source sustainable materials, delivering sustainable housing, achieving a return on sustainable investment and the National Planning Framework.

Stuart Patrick, Operations Director at Scottish Enterprise Glasgow said: "The construction sector has an important role to play in adopting and promoting sustainable development as many of the things which can be done to reduce energy use and cut waste relate to the buildings we use every day. This conference sends out the positive signal that the construction industry recognises its responsibilities in this area and is willing to do whatever is necessary to play its part in addressing global climate concerns."

Delegate spaces are available from the Scottish Construction Forum Booking office - telephone: 0141 331 2991.

(NS)