Construction minister Mark Prisk wants UK contractors to export their skills in low-carbon construction.
In an exclusive interview to coincide with Construction News’ inaugural Carbon 21 list of the people with the greatest influence over low-carbon construction, Mr Prisk said low-carbon construction was at the heart of the coalition government’s plans.
Chief construction adviser Paul Morrell’s Low Carbon Construction report will be incorporated into the government’s growth review.
Mr Prisk said: “I’m really encouraged by the way the industry has led the way on the Innovation and Growth Team report, working with Paul Morrell and our officials.
Mr Prisk said he saw signs for “cautious optimism” in 2011 with growth in the private housing and commercial property sectors.
The growth review will be published by the time of the March 2011 budget and Mr Prisk said the government would consult with industry between now and then. It will release its response to Mr Morrell’s report in the spring.
Before taking office, Mr Prisk had criticised the industry for its discordant voice. But he praised the way it has come together to tackle the need for low carbon buildings, and urged it build on that progress.
“The fact the IGT came together in the way it did suggests the industry is more in harmony than it was and I’m encouraged by that,” he said.
Reducing waste and increasing efficiency are also priorities for the business and enterprise minister. He said PAS 91 – the government’s new standardised pre-qualification questionnaire – was only the first step in its drive to improve procurement practices.
“I want to help make the government a more efficient client and that is why we have introduced PAS 91, which we are going to be rolling out across Whitehall. I want to cut down on the duplication and waste both in government and outside.
Mr Prisk said his job was to remove barriers to growth in the economy. He said the construction industry had a vital role to play and that collaboration with the government would be crucial to achieving that.