Commitments such as preventing global temperatures from rising by more than 1.5C degrees should be part of the UK’s positioning as a global climate leader, says the UKGBC
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has called upon the government to uphold its position as a global climate leader and set out long-range policies- such as how to keep global temperatures from rising above 1.5C degrees- needed to prevent a climate breakdown.
UKGBC’s chief executive, Julie Hirigoyen said: “The UK positioned itself as a global climate leader at COP26 and this commitment must be maintained and demonstrable progress toward net zero evidenced if we are to handover the Presidency leading by example. The science clearly shows we’re running out of time to deliver the radical change needed to prevent a climate breakdown.
“And while there will always be domestic challenges to navigate, the climate crisis needs our attention now more than ever; we must remain steadfast in keeping 1.5C degrees alive.
A sustainable built environment will be integral to keeping the 1.5C degrees target
“The built environment is directly responsible for around a quarter of the UK’s carbon footprint. Many of the solutions to delivering the net zero transformation across the UK economy lie within our sector. However, we need the government to put in place the strategic long-range policies that will enable these and turn around the UK’s fortunes on energy security and cost of living.
“COP27 is an opportunity to boldly present the significant business force behind the sustainable built environment movement in the UK, showing government that we remain committed to this pathway and championing the growth opportunities which net zero can deliver. That is precisely why UKGBC is calling on its members and businesses across the built environment to demonstrate their commitment to combating climate change through signing up to the UN-backed Race to Zero campaign.”
The UKGBC recently launched its UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (NZCBS) initiative
The new standard will provide a single agreed definition and methodology for the industry to determine what constitutes a net zero carbon building.
It is led by industry bodies, as well as organisations who hold a large influence in the construction sector.
Galliford Try has been selected to participate on two groups; a Task Group responsible for developing the Reporting, Disclosure and Verification of net zero claims; and the School Sector Group, which will provide expertise and data to support the setting of sector-specific net zero targets and requirements.
Bill Hocking, chief executive of Galliford Try, commented: “We are making significant strides in the capabilities we are able to offer our clients and the industry and we are delighted to have been chosen as a member on two groups of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard. This reflects our position as a growing force in this field as our industry looks to support the delivery of the UK’s net zero carbon targets, and represents a key cornerstone of our Sustainable Growth Strategy.”
