Smaller construction businesses must act now to up-skill if they want to take advantage of the growing demand for low carbon construction.
That was the message from Mark Farrar, Chief Executive of CITB-ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council for construction, as he launched the new ‘Cut the Carbon’ campaign last month (October) in Westminster.
A partnership between CITB-ConstructionSkills, the National Specialist Contractors’ Council (NSCC) and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the campaign will directly help small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to understand what new carbon legislation will mean for them and equip them with a tangible mix of knowledge and skills to respond to increased client demand.
Mark Farrar, Suzannah Nichol from NSCC and Richard Diment from FMB agreed on the need for the campaign partnership.
Richard Diment: “Research reveals that a large and growing number of clients want SMEs to be able to propose carbon reduction solutions… and deliver them. At a time when many small businesses across the UK are battling with the impact of the recession, the prospect of new work in the construction sector couldn't come be better timed.
Suzannah Nichol: “We’re working together to help businesses get the right skills in the right place at the right time. Being carbon ready will really help SMEs carve out a future for themselves.”
Climate Change Minister Greg Barker was also at the launch. He said: “Small businesses have lots to gain from a shift to a low carbon economy as not only does energy saving help the bottom line, but the opportunities for growth are huge. ‘Cut the Carbon’ will provide advice and practical help in what more small businesses need to do to prepare for a greener future.”
You can find out more about ‘Cut the Carbon’ what you should be doing on the websites below.