First Annual CO2nstruct Zero Report Shows ‘Positive Start’

CO₂NSTRUCT ZERO has published its first annual review of progress, showing the construction sector has taken a number of significant steps towards net zero with more than 200 organisations participating.

At COP26 last year, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) launched its CO₂nstruct Zero programme, with measures to track carbon reduction activities and challenge the industry to improve in nine key areas.

The first annual review of progress sets out the evidence that UK construction is playing a leading role in cutting carbon.

CO₂nstruct Zero Performance

The annual CO₂nstruct Zero Performance Dashboard shows that the last 12 months has seen the sector:

• Train more than 500 retrofit co-ordinators, with associated business accreditation
• Connect 55,000 heat pumps by 4,100 trained & registered installers
• Deliver a 33 per cent increase in EV charging points
• Include carbon literacy in professional qualifications

Alongside these targeted measures, the CO₂nstruct Zero network has grown rapidly, with more than 200 organisations now established as Business Champions and Partners under the programme. This network has played a crucial role in supporting carbon reduction policy development, feeding into UK Government work on retrofit and energy security, as well as developing its own detailed plans including a route map to cut diesel usage on sites, the CLC says.

Construction Leadership Council Co-Chair and Construction Minister, Nusrat Ghani MP, said: “We have decarbonised our economy faster than any country in the G20 and remain fully committed to supporting the construction industry in achieving its decarbonisation commitments through initiatives like CO₂nstruct Zero.

“This report demonstrates the positive start our construction industry is making in the fight against climate change. I look forward to working with the CLC to accelerate progress in the years to come.”

Construction Leadership Council Deputy Co-Chair, Richard Robinson, said: “Last year we asked the industry to join us on a journey towards a lower carbon future, and the response has been very encouraging.

“We must now build on this momentum, pushing ahead with pace and purpose in 2023 as we continue to play a leading role in getting the UK to net zero.”

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