UK Construction Products Industry one of the most Sustainable

7 November 2007

John Colley, the President of the Construction Products Association, told an audience of industry leaders, politicians and government officials that the construction products industry in the UK was one of the most sustainable products industries in the world and called on the industry to do more to trumpet its own achievements. 
 
Speaking to nearly 500 industry guests at the Autumn Lunch of the Construction Products Association, Colley referred to a meeting he recently hosted with Environment Minister, Phil Woolas at which he had given the Minister examples of significant environmental improvements across the industry, for example the cement industry had reduced carbon emissions by 29%. He was encouraged the Minister had recognised that there was no sense in replacing construction products made in factories in the UK under high environmental standards, with the same product made elsewhere where there were lower environmental standards.

Colley said:  “I am encouraged the Environment Minister recognised the sustainability of our industry and the benefits it brings to the UK.  To have the same products made elsewhere with lower environmental standards would lead to a lose-lose scenario - more carbon emissions in the manufacture of the products; increased cost and additional emissions from transporting products back to this country; and destroying jobs in the UK.”

Colley explained that the Minister had been unaware of the enormous sustainability achievements the industry had already made and therefore stressed the importance for companies to do more to spread the positive message.  In support of this, Colley
announced the launch of a new publication from the Association; “Delivering Sustainability: The Contribution of Construction Products” which highlights the role the industry is making towards delivering sustainability.
Colley added:  “We must make it clear that if society wants new schools, more hospitals, increased housing and better infrastructure then our industry is not the problem but a key part of the solution.  The government can help by setting and sticking to long-term targets to give the industry the confidence to make further investments and develop innovative products and solutions.” 

Nick Raynsford MP, the guest speaker at the lunch endorsed the President’s message and said:  “The industry must be more pro-active to present the positive aspect of construction we need to set the record straight.  Sustainability is fundamental to the quality of life, but we cannot meet the challenge individually.  The industry must work as a whole, together with government to deliver this agenda.  The industry has already done a great deal but it must trumpet the successes of its sustainability.”