The future of construction interview with ECA CEO
![]() |
Future of Construction business report; The Times June 9 2022 |
[edit] The Future of Construction – interview with ECA CEO Steve Bratt
“Business can’t just focus on getting greener, or safer, or fairer”, says Steve Bratt, Group CEO of ECA, in today’s Future of Construction business report in The Times. Speaking on behalf of Actuate UK, the alliance representing engineering services, he says future success relies on acknowledging that safety, fairness and net zero go hand in hand.
Engineering services are the things that go into an infrastructure project and make it work. Many of the government's top priorities, such as the green agenda, energy efficiency, and monitoring of fire and safety systems, rely heavily on the sector.
He goes on to say to make progress industry must collaborate:
“The construction industry is a complex and fragmented arrangement”. We build a new product in a new place with new people every time. Imagine trying to build a car that way.”
“You need to bring the chain together so when we build this new thing in a new place with new people, they feel joined up, they feel like they're working for the same aim.”
Steve calls on the government to take a more rigorous approach to enforce the Building Regulations. For a law to work he says, it needs to reward responsible firms who are compliant and are doing things properly. He also wants the government to sort out the disputed term ‘competence’, so the industry knows what ‘competence’ looks like in the building safety regulations.
“If we can create an environment where people feel safe to innovate and invest, you're much more likely to get an outcome which is greener and safer and fairer for all”.
Against the backdrop of escalating energy prices, fuel poverty and net zero targets, ECA draws on its history to offer practical energy policy solutions and represent our Members at government and industry bodies, such as Actuate UK.
Article appears on the ECA news & blog site entitled "The Future of Construction – interview with ECA CEO Steve Bratt" dated June 9 2022.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.