UCEM signs joint pledge to tackle climate change
Posted on: 4 March, 2020
UCEM has joined forces with 27 Built Environment professional bodies to pledge working together to tackle climate change.
The 28 signatories – 25 of which are members of the Construction Industry Council (CIC) – issued a joint statement recognising that the breakdown in global climate and biodiversity is the most serious issue of our time and that the Built Environment is a major contributor.
A Climate Change Panel has been created, including each of the signatories, which will aid collaboration between the professional bodies.
The Climate Change Panel will facilitate the coming together of the Built Environment professions so that they can:
- drive a net zero carbon emissions pathway;
- identify and promote examples of best practice carbon reduction, climate resilience, biodiversity protection and improvement;
- encourage thought leadership and innovation to bring about change;
- share best practice in terms of education accreditation, membership qualification and CPD development;
- provide advice and guidance on all matters relating to the mitigation of the climate change and biodiversity ‘emergencies’ and the appropriate adaptation of the built and natural environment.
On behalf of members and with the advice of the Climate Change Panel, CIC will:
- support and provide co-ordination and information exchange for the climate change and biodiversity action plans and activities of individual CIC member organisations;
- work with the professional bodies to develop partnerships with governments, the Committee on Climate Change, the Construction Leadership Council and other governmental and non-governmental organisations in pursuit of these objectives; and
- communicate activities both internally and externally, including through the publication of a regular Climate Change and Biodiversity Digest.
Stephen Hodder MBE, Chairman of the CIC, said: “This is the most pressing issue of our time. Those in the Built Environment have an enormous role to play in reducing carbon dioxide emissions from new and existing buildings and infrastructure.
“There is no time to lose and we hope in forming this unprecedented alliance our collective skills, knowledge and influence will drive necessary change.”
UCEM Principal, Ashley Wheaton, added: “I’m glad that UCEM is actively involved in this important initiative and look forward to pressing forward with urgent actions to help make the planet a safer place.
“At UCEM, we are taking bigger steps in confronting the environmental challenges being faced and will do everything we can to lead and collaborate on sustainability. This pledge is a massive part of our commitment and I am relishing working with the Panel to bring about change in the sector.”
