At today's meeting of the Strategic Forum for Construction, Business Secretary Peter Mandelson announced that he was commissioning a review of the construction industry to ensure it was "fit for purpose" for delivering a low carbon future.

The review will assess the strengths of and opportunities for the UK construction industry in a low carbon economy and consider how the UK can be a world leader in this sector.

This review will be led by the Chief Construction Adviser and will be undertaken by a mix of industry experts and those with wider business experience. The Chief Construction Adviser is expected to be appointed in November following the recruitment process, Keith Clarke, CEO of Atkins and CIC Chairman has agreed to chair the Construction IGT in the interim.

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Mr Mandelson said: "The construction industry must now face the challenge of exploiting the advantages of the low carbon economy.

"I am delighted that Keith Clarke has agreed to take this forward until the new Chief Construction Advisor is appointed to lead this important work. I am impatient I am for rapid progress."

The review will follow the 'Innovation and Growth Team' model which has worked successfully in the past with both the aerospace and automotive sectors. The Construction Innovation and Growth team (IGT) aims to have its first full meeting in October.

(CD/GK)