Low carbon construction IGT
An innovation and growth team (IGT) was established within the Department for Business Innovation & Skills (BIS) by Minister Mark Prisk MP on 17 September 2009 to answer the question; ‘Is the construction industry fit for purpose for the transition to a low carbon economy’, and to consider how it might become a world leader in this sector. This was partly in response to the commitment set out in the Climate Change Act to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050.
The review steering group was chaired by Paul Morrell, the then Chief Construction Adviser supported by; industry experts, the Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC), the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Emerging Findings were published in March 2010, and the final report Low Carbon Construction was published in November 2010.
The final report suggested that whilst the construction industry in the UK was demonstrating some capacity and inclination to address the challenge of climate change and the economic opportunities that might exist, there were are number of barriers to reform.
The report suggested that; ‘There is a general and growing awareness of the challenge, but few businesses have an accurate understanding of the sheer scale of the undertaking ahead; and there is a level of disbelief about whether or when the difficult decisions that will lead to the necessary changes in customer behaviour will be made.’
The three main barriers were identified as:
- The need for a clear path setting out the transition to a low-carbon economy.
- The need for government and the industry to work together to develop this path.
- The need to incentivise uptake of commercial offers aimed at carbon reduction.
It was proposed that companies in the wider construction industry must:
- De-carbonise their businesses and their supply chain.
- Provide people with new and existing buildings that emit less carbon in their construction, operation and decommissioning.
- Provide infrastructure for the supply of clean energy and support sustainable practices in other areas of the economy.
A series of detailed recommendations to address these issues and the barriers to change was summarised in Annex A to the report, with the key recommendation seen to be stimulating demand.
A government response to the report Government response to the Low Carbon Construction Innovation & Growth Team Report was published in June 2011 setting out an action plan for the move to low-carbon construction, focussing on:
- The need for a transparent plan.
- The need to reform public procurement.
- The need to make the most of export opportunities.
- The need for a new level of cooperation between government and industry.
This action plan also proposed the creation of a joint government and industry board to take forward the programme, and as a result, the Green Construction Board (GCB) was established.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Carbon dioxide.
- Climate change Act.
- Earth overshoot day.
- Energy Act.
- Energy Performance Certificates.
- Energy Related Products Regulations.
- Energy targets.
- Government Construction Strategy.
- Green Construction Board.
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
- Mean lean green.
- Routes to low carbon energy.
- Sustainability.
- Sustainable materials.
- Zero carbon homes.
- Zero carbon non-domestic buildings.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.