The CIOB's (Chartered Institute of Building) Carbon Action 2050 initiative are the latest organisation to lend their support to tCnSusNow helping to drive sustainability through social media.

We find out a bit more about them and why they've got involved.

WHAT IS CIOB CARBONACTION2050.COM?

CarbonAction2050.com is an online action plan designed to inform those working and operating in the built environment on how to reduce carbon emissions. We are doing this as, worldwide, buildings use around 32% of the world’s resources in construction, and generate up to 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions.*

The CIOB is ideally placed to share local knowledge globally. Collectively, we are a diverse group of construction management professionals, uniquely placed to share knowledge and best practice between industry sectors, and across international borders.

This is what sets us apart, and why we cannot fail.

We are committed to the carbon reduction targets set out in the UK Climate Change Act (2008) - and to working with the industry, government and the education sector to turn these targets into a practical reality. We are doing this because our members have asked us to.

We know that our members and the wider industry will respond to the challenges that lie ahead, and that the practical information contained within this action plan will help them do just that. CarbonAction2050.com, just like the low carbon agenda, will not remain static; it is an evolving and constantly-reviewed resource that provides guidance to achieving regulatory targets.

Importantly, we want to demonstrate our own commitment and progress towards reducing carbon emissions from our business operations and to ensure sustainability is at the centre of everything we do.

How did this action plan start?

In May 2010, the CIOB established a Carbon Reduction Working Group, later re-named the Carbon Action 2050 (CA2050) group, to lead the Institute and its members in meeting the industry’s regulatory targets under the Climate Change Act (2008). Membership of the working group included designers, building control experts, educationalists, project managers and environmental specialists, reflecting the diversity of construction management professionals we are seeking to influence through this work.

The overall aim of the group was to cut carbon emissions through innovation and best practice in project planning, procurement, design, construction, maintenance, operation, retrofit, education and leadership. The group gave itself 12 months to deliver practical solutions for the industry to achieve carbon reductions in the short-term. It did not intend to reinvent the wheel, or replicate the work of previous initiatives; but to make an immediate difference on the ground, by changing industry practices and behaviour.

What individuals are involved?

Membership of the CA2050 group

Chair:

• Alan Crane CBE FCIOB, CIOB Vice President

CIOB members:

• Richard Breen ACIOB
• Michael Brown FCIOB (CIOB Deputy Chief Executive)
• Kevin Dawson FCIOB
• John Edwards FCIOB
• John Eynon FCIOB
• Kye Gbangbola FCIOB
• Andrew Townsend MCIOB

Why have you based your action plan on UK policy and targets?

The UK was the first country in the world to enshrine carbon reduction targets in legislation, with the introduction of the Climate Change Act in 2008 and five year Carbon Budgets, the most recent of which was announced in May 2011 by Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne. Ultimately, the Carbon Budgets will legally commit the UK to reduce its carbon emissions by 80%, based on 1990 levels, by the year 2050. These targets are more stringent than other nations due to the high level of carbon the UK generates per capita.

The broad strategy by which these targets should be met is set out in the UK Low Carbon Transition Plan, published by the Labour Government in 2009. Following the change of Government in May 2010, to a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition, low carbon and sustainability remains a priority, with the new government aiming to be the “greenest ever”. The 2010 Low Carbon Construction IGT report, headed up by Chief Construction Advisor Paul Morrell, has also proved influential in shaping the CA2050 agenda. In reality, we want to go above and beyond any constraints of theoretical targets and deliver the best low carbon solutions we possibly can. Anywhere in the world.

*Tackling global climate change. Meeting local priorities: A World Green Building Council Special report, September 2010

Why are you supporting the tCnSusNow initiative? 

CIOB is committed to the targets outlined in the UK Climate Change Act (2008), and to working with our members, industry, government, the education sector and wider stakeholders to turn these targets into a practical reality. Carbon Action 2050 is a wholly online resource, and we are eager to use social media through tCn and the tCnSusNow initiative to engage and inform those working in the built environment how to reduce carbon in construction.  

What now?

Watch the Intrduction to CarbonAction 2050 video or join the Linkedin group to discuss further. 


Register Now for the free Sustainability Now virtual exhibition or click for more information to see how you and your company can get involved.