Speaking at the virtual Business 7 Summit (or ‘B7’), business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, praised the construction industry’s contribution to achieving net zero
The Secretary of State set out his priorities and views on business leadership, highlighting that over 58 UK construction businesses have already signed up to Race to Zero, including firms such as Lendlease and Multiplex.
Kwasi Kwarteng highlighted the UK’s leading consultancy businesses working in the built environment, which have collectively committed to offering ambitious design options and advice that are fully compatible with net zero outcomes to their clients.
This means that the expert advice received by financiers, asset owners and operators will now be encouraging, and actively driving towards, ambitious net zero choices.
These firms are respected around the globe for their expertise and include AECOM, Arcadis, Arup, Atkins, Buro Happold, Jacobs, Mott MacDonald, Mace, Turner & Townsend and WSP.
Committed to becoming net zero
Kwasi Kwarteng said: “The UK’s construction and engineering industries are leading the world in the drive to cut emissions, and I am thrilled to see so many businesses from all over the globe share this ambition.
“As we build back better, the commitments made at this summit will support the construction industry to make this essential low carbon transition and I look forward to working closely with the sector and the Construction Leadership Council on this journey.”
Alan Belfield, global chair of the Arup group, said: “Arup is very much part of the Race to Zero and is fully committed to becoming a net zero firm by 2030.
“We also recognise that we can achieve so much more by working with partners and clients across the built environment supply chain.
“That is why we are working with our own clients in finance, business and government to shape the transition strategies we need, as well as collaborating with organisations such as the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to shape the policies and programmes that will drive rapid progress around the globe.
“No single government or group is going to be able to meet the climate change challenge, but everyone can play their part – and the construction sector can achieve more than most.”
