At today’s meeting of the Strategic Forum for Construction, 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.
In New Industry New Jobs, the Government set out its intention to unlock potential in a number of specific growth areas – low carbon, the digital economy, life sciences and advanced manufacturing. Construction is one of the key sectors that will deliver these ambitions
Peter 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 Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP, Chairman of the Strategic Forum for Construction said:
“I welcome this announcement. Together with the recent decision to appoint a Chief Construction Adviser, it puts construction right at the front of the shop window. It is absolutely critical that the industry works closely with the Government on this agenda and we now have a clear focus and framework to ensure proper and strategic engagement.”
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.
Notes to editors
- There is more information on the Construction Review and its aims on the BIS website.
- The review will also be informed by and complement the outputs from the housing construction industry pilot study which is being undertaken by the Department for Communities and Local Government and which forms part of the pilot studies identified in New Industry, New Jobs to ensure that the consideration of business opportunities is part of policy making across Government.
- New Industry New Jobs is the Government’s strategic vision setting out the key areas where Government action can have most impact. It is about ensuring British people and businesses can compete successfully for the jobs of the future, by building on the opportunities presented by new technologies, rising incomes overseas, an ageing population and the need to move to the low carbon economy.
- The Low Carbon Industrial Strategy outlines the strategic role of Government in the transition to a low carbon economy, ensuring the UK is the best place in the world to start and grow a low carbon business. This week the government in association with the Strategic Forum for construction have published the Strategy for Sustainable Construction progress report, which charts the industry progress on the sustainability agenda.
- For more information on New Industry New Jobs and the Low Carbon Industrial Strategy please see the BIS website: http://www.berr.gov.uk/aboutus/corporate/performance/buildingbritainsfuture/page51800.html
- For more information on the Strategy for Sustainable Construction and the progress report please see the BIS website: http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/sectors/construction/sustainability/page13691.html
- Keith Clarke, CEO of Atkins and CIC Chairman has agreed to chair the Construction IGT in the period leading up to the appointment of the Chief Construction Adviser. The Chief Construction Adviser is expected to be appointed in November following the recruitment process.
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