CPA: UK construction products industry one of the most sustainable

Thursday, 8 November 2007 12:00 AM

John Colley, the President of the Construction Products Association, told an audience of industry leaders, politicians and government officials that the construction products industry in the UK was one of the most sustainable products industries in the world and called on the industry to do more to trumpet its own achievements.

Speaking to nearly 500 industry guests at the Autumn Lunch of the Construction Products Association, Colley referred to a meeting he recently hosted with Environment Minister, Phil Woolas at which he had given the Minister examples of significant environmental improvements across the industry, for example the cement industry had reduced carbon emissions by 29%. He was encouraged the Minister had recognised that there was no sense in replacing construction products made in factories in the UK under high environmental standards, with the same product made elsewhere where there were lower environmental standards.

Colley said: "I am encouraged the Environment Minister recognised the sustainability of our industry and the benefits it brings to the UK. To have the same products made elsewhere with lower environmental standards would lead to a lose-lose scenario - more carbon emissions in the manufacture of the products; increased cost and additional emissions from transporting products back to this country; and destroying jobs in the UK."

Colley explained that the Minister had been unaware of the enormous sustainability achievements the industry had already made and therefore stressed the importance for companies to do more to spread the positive message. In support of this, Colley
announced the launch of a new publication from the Association; "Delivering Sustainability: The Contribution of Construction Products" which highlights the role the industry is making towards delivering sustainability.
Colley added: "We must make it clear that if society wants new schools, more hospitals, increased housing and better infrastructure then our industry is not the problem but a key part of the solution. The government can help by setting and sticking to long-term targets to give the industry the confidence to make further investments and develop innovative products and solutions."

Nick Raynsford MP, the guest speaker at the lunch endorsed the President's message and said: "The industry must be more pro-active to present the positive aspect of construction we need to set the record straight. Sustainability is fundamental to the quality of life, but we cannot meet the challenge individually. The industry must work as a whole, together with government to deliver this agenda. The industry has already done a great deal but it must trumpet the successes of its sustainability."
ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS:

The Construction Products Association represents the UK's manufacturers and suppliers of construction products, components and fittings. The Association acts as the voice of the construction products sector, representing the industry-wide view of its members. The sector has an annual turnover of more than £40 billion and accounts for 40% of total construction output.

Copies of the report: Delivering Sustainability: The contribution of construction products, can be obtained from the Association.

The Association also launched the publication: "Achievable Targets, Is Government Delivering?" at the lunch. This annual report monitors the delivery of the government's plans for investment in the built environment. Copies of this report are also available form the Association.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Simon Storer. External Affairs Director
Construction Products Association
Tel : 020 7323 3770
Fax : 020 7323 0307
Mobile : 0770 286 2257
E-mail : simon.storer@constructionproducts.org.uk

FOR COPIES OF THE PRESIDENT'S SPEECH, CONTACT:#

Avani Raval: External Affairs Assistant
Construction Products Association
Tel : 020 7323 3770
Fax : 020 7323 0307
E-mail : avani.raval@constructionproducts.org.uk

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