AN environmental specialist has claimed speculation the UK Government may dilute its green plans makes it even more important that Scotland’s construction industry decarbonises.
Rob Gill, MD of building industry carbon management consultancy Green Box Thinking, was reacting to recent reports that the Westminster government may try to create a dividing line between itself and opposition parties by backtracking on environmental plans.
The Conservatives recently won the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election in west London, with the victory widely attributed to voter dissatisfaction with Labour London mayor Sadiq Khan’s plan to treble the size of the capital’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ).
Speculation about the UK Government’s green intentions has also been fuelled by subsequent developments, including PM Rishi Sunak announcing a new phase in North Sea gas and oil exploration and production.
Mr Gill said, “The Scottish construction industry can make a massive contribution to carbon emission reduction at the level of individual developments and buildings. So, if these reports of imminent substantial Westminster government backsliding are shown to have held water, it becomes even more vital that the sector delivers the goods in this way, for the sake of future generations and the planet.”
He said Scottish construction professionals could achieve decarbonisation through measures such as being selective over their choice of building materials and managing on-site operations carefully during construction processes. They could also refurbish and retrofit existing developments using more environmentally friendly materials than were installed previously.
Mr Gill added, “Professionals can additionally buy carbon credits, to offset any emissions which can’t be eradicated. Each of these is essentially a permit authorising a building to emit a ton of carbon, because the price paid for it nullifies the harmful effect by being invested in a project that delivers environmental benefits.”
Green Box Thinking was set-up last year by Mr Gill, who previously founded Yonder, a building physics engineering consultancy. Green Box Thinking is a team of consultants who advise and provide practical help to construction industry companies on all aspects of carbon emission management, including targeting, verification and the obtaining of carbon credits.
