The Live Wire

Roundtable

Date: Tuesday 8 December 2009, 12.30 – 14.00
Venue: Sky Lounge, City Inn Hotel, 30 John Islip Street, London, SW1P 4DD

Trade associations join forces to promote lightweight construction

January 6 2010

The UK Timber Frame Association, UK Structural Insulated Panel Association (UKSIPS) and the Steel Living Group have joined forces to create a cross-sector collaboration and unified voice to promote the benefits of lightweight construction to Government, the civil service and other policy makers.

A roundtable event, the 'Lightweight Construction Forum - building better energy performance into the home', took place in Westminster before Christmas with 14 MPs and civil servants to discuss zero carbon housing and further reductions in carbon emissions from the built environment. The participants also explored the proposed changes to the Building Regulations and whether they go far enough to tackle the fight against climate change and energy reduction, as well as other related topics including offsite construction, skills and housing delivery.

Geoff Arnold, chairman of the UKTFA said: "By working with like-minded organisations, we can pool our expertise together to promote the benefits of lightweight construction and become major contributors to the realisation and implementation of zero carbon housing. Together we can ensure that the housebuilding industry provides high quality, energy efficient and healthy homes, at an affordable level today and in the future."

Andrew Orriss of UKSIPS said: "As a young association, being formed for less that a year, the collaboration with UKTFA and Steel Living Group is most welcome. We feel there is an excellent synergy between all parties and working together it is clear we have the technology, products and services to provide the very best solutions for today and tomorrow. With this new initiative we can ensure that our message to the industry is clear and precise."

Dr Bassam Burgan of the Steel Living Group added: "Partnering in this way is vitally important; it demonstrates an industry commitment to achieving true sustainability. Working with other professional bodies gives the subject matter the prominence it deserves (and requires) to bring about lasting change. It also raises the debate above any construction material bias - three well regarded industry groups can't be wrong!"

To listen to the podcast from the event please click here.

Lightweight Construction Methods Group

Lightweight Construction Methods Group

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