Willmott Dixon to deliver £21 SEND school for West Northamptonshire Council
Design supports West Northamptonshire Council’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030
With the election on a knife-edge, Energy Services MD Rob Lambe gives his verdict on the Coalitions 'green' record.
1. Rate the Coalition government’s record on sustainability out of 10, and explain why you've chosen this number.
I’d give this Government a 5/10 on the basis that progress has been hampered by a lack of joined up policy and mixed messages to the markets preventing investment.
2.
What
do you think was the Coalition’s single biggest achievement in sustainability,
and what single thing has it failed to do?
The coalition deserves credit for continuing to support the Climate Change Act and tackling the UK’s emissions target. The biggest disappointment was cutting the Energy Company Obligation. It was a populist move designed to address concerns about rising energy prices, but actually it just resulted in many more people continuing to live in fuel poverty, and making the market for home energy efficiency significantly less attractive.
3.
What
green initiatives would you like to see kept or revived by the new government?
I’d be keen to see the new government retain departmental carbon budgets – it’s an important way of ensuring that climate change is kept front of mind for all central government departments, and is playing a significant role in helping us meet our emissions targets.
4. What would you hope to see from the next government on sustainability?
Simple - make energy efficiency an infrastructure priority. Improving the existing housing stock would yield £1.27 in tax revenue, increase GDP by around £3.20 for every £1 invested and create around 108,000 new jobs – and that’s not to mention the social benefits.
5. What would you like to see from the construction industry to improve its sustainability record?
I think our industry needs to engage better with clients. We often hear them say sustainability isn't a priority – but if you start talking about reduced energy bills or lower running costs, then of course they’re interested. We just need to frame the issues differently.
Design supports West Northamptonshire Council’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030
Properties will be the first ‘gas free’ homes built by City of Doncaster Council
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Aseptic Pharmacy and Sterile Service Department serving University Hospital Southampton reaches major milestone
Follows recent contract to expand and refresh A&E facilities at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton
Continues long track-record updating acute hospital facilities
Willmott Dixon has been appointed by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) to deliver a £61m estate investment for the British Army at Kendrew Barracks in Rutland.
Nearly £90m of higher education work secured in two weeks