With UK PLC set to become low carbon by 2020, the National Construction College is calling on employers to act now to train their workforce so that they can take advantage of emerging green contracts and not fall foul of changing regulations and legislation.
The Government’s flagship ‘Green Deal’ signals an environmental pledge to reduce carbon emissions from the existing housing stock, while providing an economic boost for construction SMEs. UK homes alone account for 27 per cent of all UK carbon emissions, so it’s of high importance that the thermal efficiency is addressed sooner rather than later.
Beyond housing, research shows that a large and growing number of clients want construction SMEs to be able to deliver carbon reduction solutions now. “It is clear that there are opportunities out there for SME contractors to win work through the Government’s green agenda,’ says Andy Walder, Director of the National Construction College(NCC). ‘And now is the time for them to take action, ensuring that they are able to deliver the low-carbon solutions that their clients will want now and in the coming years.’
‘At a time when many small businesses are battling with the impact of the recession, the prospect of new work in the Construction and the Built Environment sector couldn't come at a better time. However, in order to survive and increase productivity companies need to develop their knowledge and expertise in the low carbon arena to ensure that they have the right skills to maximise on the opportunities presented by the changes in legislation,’ he adds.
With a long-standing reputation and experienced staff, the National Construction College, Europe’s largest construction training provider, is working now to deliver the skills training needs of the Construction and Built Environment sector. In response to the growing demand for low carbon construction the College has developed a range of sustainability training and workshops to help construction businesses to take advantage of this market.
The workshops have been designed to help managers, contractors and owners of small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) improve their knowledge and awareness of sustainability and its impact on their business. There are also four further one day courses that will be available for businesses to help them identify changes that can be made to ensure greater profitability and legal compliance in this area.
These include:
Energy and Waste Management;
Environmental Management Systems at site level;
Understanding the Code for Sustainable Homes; and
Low Carbon Retrofit.
Andy Walder continues: “The training we are offering will help businesses take advantage of this by providing knowledge to help them win new work based on low carbon construction techniques, as well as helping to cut costs by reducing their waste and energy use. Overall it will give firms a competitive edge to help them succeed and grow.”
The training courses and workshops are being delivered as part of the ‘Cut the Carbon’ campaign, which aims to help SMEs understand what the new carbonlegislation will mean for them, equipping them with a mix of knowledge and skills to respond to increased client demand.
This three-year, industry-wide campaign will help companies become carbon clever, raising awareness of legislation and highlighting the opportunities that the low carbon agenda presents, as well as how to develop the skills and knowledge required to remain competitive in a difficult economic climate.
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