The Low Carbon Routemap for the Built Environment sets out what is required from the construction industry to achieve an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2050.
It describes the target as “technically possible, but very challenging”. Success depends on improving the economic viability of technical solutions and addressing market failures.
The report, available at www.greenconstructionboard.org/index.php/resources/routemap, says that there are economic opportunities for the construction industry in the retrofit market.
An industrial strategy for construction will be launched in the summer. It will building on the work of the Green Construction Board, as well as the Infrastructure UK Cost Review, and the Government Construction Board. Issues it is expected to cover include: growth and innovation; supply chain; SME engagement; skills; access to finance and overseas trade.
Business minister Michael Fallon, a co-chairman of the Green Construction Board, said: “This Routemap will help shape our industrial strategy for construction as we plan for the long term. It’s a valuable contribution to our continuing work with industry and shows that even closer collaboration is required in the future if we want to get closer to achieving our objective.”
Skanska UK president and CEO Mike Putnam, the other co-chairman, added: “The Routemap is a valuable contribution to our understanding of the key decision points and actions needed over time, against the 2050 target of 80% reduction in carbon emissions.
“It will help inform the ongoing dialogue between government and industry and shows that even closer collaboration is required going forward. I firmly believe that it is possible to significantly reduce carbon by applying clear leadership and challenging solutions, focussing upon whole life costs of the asset, covering both capital and operational carbon, as well as costs.”
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