More than 40 leading organisations representing the construction sector in Wales have teamed up to sign the first green building charter of its kind in the UK.

They are committing themselves to support progress towards a built environment that contributes low or zero net carbon emissions as quickly as practically possible.

The 43 organisations and companies, whose combined influence on building projects and developments is hugely significant, joined a squad headed by the Sustainable Development Commission, the Design Commission for Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government.

The home of Welsh Rugby provided the backdrop for the "coalition of the willing", as they added their names to the landmark initiative. Members of the coalition include the Federation of Master Builders, the National House-Building Council, the Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment and CBI Wales.


The initiative was launched at the Built Environment and Climate Change Summit at the Wales Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, by Environment, Sustainability and Housing Minister Jane Davidson and Jonathon Porritt, Chair of the Sustainable Development Commission.

The coalition will play a major role in the development of low/zero carbon buildings ahead of the UK Government's target of achieving zero carbon new homes by 2016 and achieve a major step change in Wales by 2011. It will also work towards significantly increasing the energy efficiency of the existing building stock in Wales, contributing towards the Wales target of 3% annual reductions in emission reductions from 2011 onwards.

Reductions of 3% each year would enable Wales to achieve an 80% reduction before 2050. One method of reducing Wales’ carbon footprint is via improving the energy efficiency of buildings, as the direct and indirect consumption of energy from buildings generates approximately 40% of all carbon emissions in the UK.

Ms Davidson said: "This is another Wales first in the battle against climate change demonstrating our 'can do' attitude. We all believe early action is needed, and the charter confirms Wales' commitment to do all we can to tackle climate change and reduce our carbon footprint."

(CD/JM)