The institute is working with policy-makers and other professional bodies to help the built environment’s transition to net zero, explains Caroline Gumble
One of the most pressing issues facing society – and, of course, the construction industry – is climate change and the requirement to move towards net zero carbon emissions.
With the next UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) just over six months away, I am often asked by members what the CIOB is doing to contribute towards net zero, as an institution and in our leadership position to support and guide our members. My short and honest answer is not enough – yet.
For several years, we have been working across the industry to help make the case for greener construction policies and practices. While we have a responsibility to drive our own internal net zero agenda, I believe collaboration across the sector is the most impactful way to make a meaningful contribution to our industry and society.
“I believe collaboration across the sector is the most impactful way to make a meaningful contribution to our industry and society”
The CIOB is a member of the Construction Industry Council’s (CIC) Climate Change Committee, which is coordinating the efforts of sector professional institutes to meet the emissions target set out in the Climate Change Act 2008. This work also now covers the Industry Recovery Plan.
The committee comprises 10 workstreams, which are contributing to the development of a climate action plan. This plan brings together work that is already underway, as well as setting out actions that the CIC and its members believe need to be taken by the professional institutes over the next 10 years to achieve the 2050 net zero target. The committee intends to present the plan at COP26, in alignment with Built Environment Day.
The CIOB also sits on the RICS Building Carbon Database steering group, set up to oversee work on a database for use by all built environment professional institutes. This group is time limited, with the specific purpose of guiding work ahead of COP26.
We are also part of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) domestic RMI (repair, maintenance and improvement) working group, which is developing recommendations for a national retrofit strategy to help underpin a sustainable recovery. This is being supported by research we are conducting into a ‘help to fix’ loan scheme to finance a national retrofit rollout, which has been adopted by the CLC as one of its key recommendations to government.
We will be committing to our own internal net zero plan, dialling up our influencing activity in this area, engaging with policy-makers and parliamentarians on the built environment’s vital role in contributing to a green recovery and transitioning to net zero.
Caroline Gumble is CEO of the CIOB.
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Caroline
Hello from Tbilisi Georgia
Hope all is well
For many years I personally have had an interest in environmental planning & impacts of major projects like 3 new sea ports & several hydro dams and 5 new airports on the environment/ such as marine life and helping dolphins to clean sand from their eyes after dredging the new South Harbour in Colombo SRI Lanka.
As an example.Putting in place a 10 year environmental monitoring plan of marine life along the coast from Colombo to Galle after the harbour was completed to ensue fishermen’s livings were no impacted.Very interesting stuff and met some great professionals from the SL navy during up the the stoppage of the civil war.
Note in 2012 around the coast of SL there was only one live area of coral reef which was in fact maintained for diving by the SL navy just South of Tangalle before you get to Yala national Park.All of which was impacted by the 2094 tsunami.I lived in Galle at that time .
I had to complete an environmental report today here in Georgia and I must say I regret that I did not complete my cross over CIOB exemption and become a Chartered Environmentalist when the opportunity was presented to me.
I am sure I am not alone
Is it possible to promote another scheme where CIOB member get exemption to become Chartered Environmentalists.This will both promote best practice & the CIOB.
PLEASE CONSIDER AS IT WILL INFLUENCE OUR CIOB younger members.
Keep up the good work ✌🏼