The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has welcomed the report launched today by the Government's Low Carbon Innovation and Growth Team led by Paul Morrell, Chief Construction Adviser, which challenges the construction industry in the UK to become a world leader in low carbon.
The Institute strongly endorses the emphasis on the need for a dramatic transformation in the construction industry to address the low carbon agenda.
The focus on existing buildings and major infrastructure is right.
For the UK to reach the 2050 target of an 80% reduction in carbon emissions there will need to be a transformation of the industry, its partners and the support from Government.
The transition to low carbon is as much a business opportunity as a crucial response to the urgency and importance of climate change and could alter the face of the UK construction industry for the better.
"Paul Morrell and his team challenged the construction industry to take a lead in making our existing buildings more energy efficient and we will certainly be calling on our members to do so," said Harry Rich, Chief Executive of RIBA.
"Now is the opportunity for architects to utilise their skills to help transform the UK's environmental credentials.
We will be making a full response to the report and to Government over the coming months."