The construction industry in South West England is set to reduce its carbon footprint as a result of the 'Sustainable Construction Strategy' launched yesterday.

The joint industry and Government strategy has been welcomed by the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA), which is committed to making all its investments, net zero-carbon by 2013.

The strategy is designed to deliver a radical change in the sustainability of the construction sector by reducing its carbon footprint and its use of natural resources, while creating a safer and stronger industry through training and retaining a skilled and committed workforce. It sets tougher environmental standards for the construction industry, including less construction and demolition waste and better sourcing for construction products.


Mark Wray, South West RDA Professional Services Manager for Sustainable Construction, said: "We are committed to leading the South West towards a low carbon economy so we are fully behind the Sustainable Construction Strategy.

"The construction industry contributes £6.1 billion to the region's economy and employs 196,359 people. Be it building homes, offices or roads, the construction industry impacts greatly on our ability to maintain a sustainable economy and protect our environment for instance, every year the South West produces 12.5 million tonnes of construction and demolition waste."

He added: "However, sustainable construction is not something new for us: we demand high environmental standards in all the developments we invest in across the region and ensure they are constructed to meet the highest levels using the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) standards."

Business Minister Shriti Vadera, said: "Our aim is to become a world leader in sustainable construction. An efficient construction sector is essential for the investment in infrastructure and buildings that underpin our competitiveness."

Yesterday also saw the South West RDA, along with other public and private sector organisations, sign up to the 'Construction Commitments' - a set of principles designed by industry to encourage sustainable construction.

(JM/CD)