23 Jun 2011 10:06:00

Govt and industry release low carbon construction plan

Providing greater certainty for investors is among the aims of the new low carbon construction plan published this week by the government and industry.

Reforms of public procurement are to be made, including the creation of a quarterly publication detailing a two-year forward programme of infrastructure projects, intended to offer certainty to financial backers.

The plan also recognises the need for greater transparency in the incentives and interventions used, including the publication of a new Carbon Plan, and outlines a programme of 40 activities to boost export opportunities in low carbon construction.

A new government and industry board will be created to oversee the implementation of the action plan, which takes on recommendations made in a report by the Low Carbon Construction Innovation and Growth Team.

"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," business minister Mark Prisk said.

The publication was welcomed by Paul King, chief executive officer of the UK Green Building Council, who said the government had put in place a "solid foundation for building a new relationship with industry".