CITB – The Construction Industry Training Board – has created a toolkit for all professionals in the construction industry designed to make information surrounding skills, training, regulations and future requirements surrounding net zero accessible, easy to understand and in a single location.
CITB writes:
This toolkit has been created for all professionals in the construction industry. It is designed to make information surrounding skills, training, regulations and future requirements surrounding net zero accessible, easy to understand and in a single location. The toolkit tackles new build as well as the retrofit of existing buildings. So whatever your project, you will find relevant information here.
Net zero means any carbon emissions we create are balanced (cancelled out) by taking the same amount out of the atmosphere. We’ll reach net zero when the amount of carbon emissions we add is no more than the amount taken away. The best way to achieve net zero is by reducing emissions as much as possible. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) are released when we burn oil, gas and coal for our homes, factories and transport. These gases cause rising temperatures and changing climates by trapping the sun’s energy in our atmosphere. So, we need to reduce our reliance on them. But not all emissions can be reduced to zero. We can balance out those that remain by removing an equivalent amount. This allows for sectors where it would be difficult to reach net zero emissions, such as construction, to operate while being offset by other sectors where it’s easier to reduce emissions or find alternatives for energy consumption.
What net zero means for construction
The UK is firmly on the road to becoming a net zero nation by 2050. Becoming net zero by this deadline is now enshrined in law.
Construction and the built environment is a major source of carbon emissions, representing around 40% of the UK’s total output. This means the construction industry has a big role to play in helping the UK become net zero. The UK Green Building Council estimates that up to 95% of emissions from the built environment over the next 30 years could come from existing buildings. Much of the industry’s efforts to decarbonise will be on retrofitting existing building stock. New buildings will also need to be highly energy efficient. How they’re constructed is important, too. Modern methods of construction, and the skills required to achieve this, will become increasingly common and important.
Why net zero is good for business
- Meeting regulatory requirements:With most new build and retrofit projects now requiring compliance with certain environmental standards, and local and national Governments prioritising sustainable developments, being green can lead to more work and money.
- Cost savings:Sustainable building practices often result in long-term cost savings. Energy-efficient buildings, for example, have lower operational costs, which can benefit both you and your customers.
- New business opportunities:As the drive towards net zero increases, businesses that invest in sustainable skills and technologies can tap into new markets, such as green building projects, renewable energy and sustainable development.
- Long-term planning:Sustainable practices and skills future-proof a construction business. As awareness grows, companies that adapt new practices and technologies will succeed.
- Recruitment and retention:Companies investing in sustainable skills may attract and retain a more skilled and motivated workforce, as employees increasingly seek employers that align with their values and career aspirations.
Frameworks, Certifications and Regulations
This section guides you through the mandatory and non-mandatory compliance requirements surrounding net zero and sustainable construction. By getting ahead of the curve and gaining accreditations, you can win contracts, work on public projects and beat out the rest of the competition.
