With government legislation constantly being updated and an ever-growing body of guidance and advice about managing carbon dioxide emissions, understanding what can be done to make a difference is often one of the biggest challenges facing professionals trying to implement environmental sustainability in the workplace. This is why SocEnv Licensed Body the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has launched its online Carbon Action 2050 plan for the built environment.
The tool was developed by CIOB’s Carbon Action 2050 (CA2050) group, which is comprised of 7 key members of the institution, 4 of whom are CEnvs. The aim of the group was to find a way to lead the Institute and its members in meeting the industry’s regulatory targets under the Climate Change Act (2008), and deliver practical solutions for the industry to achieve carbon reductions in project planning, procurement, design, construction, maintenance, operation, retrofit, education and leadership.
The result of their hard work was explained by CIOB’s Deputy Chief Executive Michael Brown who said “I am one of 4 Chartered Environmentalists involved with the development of this free interactive online tool; it provides key guidance on every facet of a building’s lifecycle from design through construction to end use and beyond. Uniquely, there is advice on education, skills and leadership and how to move those agendas towards a low carbon built environment.”
CIOB President Alan Crane added “Everyone knows reducing carbon is the issue of our time. But with all the information out there we risk losing sight of the important steps that can be made now. Our plan pulls together practical actions that construction, and its stakeholders, anywhere in the world can take today which will make a real difference,”
As well as the action plan, Carbon Action 2050 includes an extensive resource hub on carbon reduction in the built environment, best practice case studies, and a jargon-busting glossary. The site is an evolving resource under constant review to provide practical solutions to achieving regulatory targets.
Inspiring Change
One of SocEnv’s founding principles is that cross sector collaboration is vital in achieving sustainability, so we were delighted to hear that CA2050 group brought together CEnvs, specialists in design, building control, education, project management, facilities management, conservation and sustainability leadership to create the plan.
The Society commends CIOB and hopes their innovation in the promotion of environmental best practice inspires other SocEnv licensed members to utilize the expertise of their Chartered Environmentalists to find a way to influence and inspire their members to embed sustainability into business practice. >> Return to main news
