UK Green Building Council to scope out new 2016 zero carbon delivery body

One of the key recommendations of today’s Callcutt Review of house building is being taken forward immediately by the UK Green Building Council, Housing Minister Yvette Cooper has announced.

Callcutt recommends that government and the housebuilding, construction products and energy supply industries should jointly commission a delivery unit to monitor, co-ordinate and guide the zero carbon programme.

The UK-GBC have been asked by Yvette Cooper to carry out an initial piece of work scoping out the functions and resourcing of such a body, and will be consulting with a wide range of stakeholders over a 4-week period.

Paul King, Chief Executive of UK-GBC, speaking at the launch of the Callcutt Review today said:

“John Callcutt is absolutely right. Regeneration of our towns and cities will not only ease pressure on greenfield sites, but can help put sustainability at the heart of everyday life for thousands of people. Creating a sustainable built environment is about providing a better quality of life - not just reducing our energy and water use, but better access to public transport, services and green space.

“The 2016 zero carbon commitment was a watershed moment for green building. In a short amount of time it’s made a large amount of difference. But to enable the industry to properly gear up to meeting this ambitious target, it is essential that a delivery body is established as soon as possible, to lead and drive the process of change.

“The UK Green Building Council is uniquely placed to be able to help - we have been created by the industry to provide clarity and independent leadership on the most pressing sustainability challenges we face.”