The worldwide effort to lower carbon emissions is gathering a pace with Copenhagen taking centre stage in December for the Climate Change Summit. Environment ministers and key officials from around the world are meeting to thrash out targets to address the perceived problem of climate change.

This could have a positive but profound affect on UK jobs in the construction industry, but many companies are already implementing changes to meet whatever targets are set over the next decade. In November the Government appointed quantity surveyor, Paul Morrell as their chief construction advisor to help promote innovation and sustainability in the industry.

Morrell will start by leading the Low Carbon Construction Review, which will report on how the construction industry can deliver carbon reduction commitments by 2022. The construction Minister Ian Lucas said: ?The Chief Construction Adviser will play a vital role in championing the sector with Government and work with industry to ensure we have a strong, sustainable construction sector in the UK.???
The need for skilled workers who can deliver on Britain?s green targets was addressed by Peter Fouquet, the president of Bosch UK. He believes this country does not have enough workers to develop green technology, and has urged the government to provide support through incentives for builders to use small scale renewables.
This rapid drive towards using more sustainable resources in the construction industry emphasises the need for employees to broaden their knowledge and skills. Over the next few years this will undoubtedly provide ?green??? companies with an edge over their rivals, and skilled workers better options when it comes to applying for jobs in construction.