Foreword from Eddie Weir PCIAT, President
As professionals deeply engaged in shaping the built environment, CIAT recognises the crucial role our sector plays in addressing societal challenges. We have identified critical areas on which the Government should collaborate with CIAT and the wider sector to ensure we create a built environment that is agile, responsive to challenges, prosperous and led by world-class expertise.
The UK's actions on key issues such as net zero and building safety must be dramatically expedited so we can produce healthy, safe and sustainable communities. In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the inquiry into the poor construction of Scottish schools, and RAAC in public buildings, competent built environment professionals are more important than ever, and for the UK to compete on a global scale, we need to address the skills shortages in our sector.
The time for action and delivery is now, and we call upon the UK Government to consult with CIAT and the wider built environment sector, which is perfectly placed to offer support and advice on the associated challenges our country faces.
We present this three-point plan to the next UK Government, outlining key areas of focus to build a sustainable future for our nation. This will require a coordinated effort from Government, the sector, and communities to overcome barriers and accelerate progress towards a more sustainable and resilient built environment.
Our areas of focus for the next UK Government
Low carbon and retrofit
Creation and use of our built environment is responsible for approximately 40% of the UK's carbon emissions. Tighter regulation must be implemented to achieve our net-zero goals whilst also being mindful of the financial impact. Government must prioritise retrofit of housing, public buildings and infrastructure in order to reduce carbon emissions and meet climate targets.
Building safety
Building safety is a critical aspect of responsible development and management of buildings and it is fundamental to restoring and maintaining public confidence in the built environment following tragedies, most notably Grenfell. We must work collaboratively with the Government to ensure ongoing competence of those that work within this critical area.
Skills shortages and recognition
The UK needs a wider breadth of built environment professionals with different specialisms to ensure we can deliver on key government priorities as well as its infrastructure pipeline. The Government is challenged with giving greater support to learners and new entrants into the sector, and providing greater recognition to built environment professionals who are competent and qualified to undertake important functions.