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Government advisor challenges construction industry
Speaking at the launch of the new exhibition BEST – Built Environment Solutions & Technologies – Paul Morrell, the Government’s Chief Construction Advisor challenged the construction sector to demonstrate best practice and lead the way with innovative new products to reduce carbon emissions and improve efficiency.
Outlining his thinking on the modernising of the construction industry, public procurement and carbon reduction were highlighted as two key themes. Morrell used his speech to emphasise the industry’s need to “cooperate, understand each other and work together to improve the quality of conversation”, acting as an industry, as opposed to a single voice leading the debate.
As an industry which generates 10% of the UK GDP, the construction industry is a key sector which can assist in the development and growth of a low carbon industry as the Government strives to meet their targets.
The Low Carbon Transition Plan outlined by Government sets out a number or targets which should act to mobilise the industry, bringing with it a new set of skills. A proactive approach to a low carbon world will assist in the development of successful relationship across the public and private sector and across industries.
The BEST Show is committed to assisting a better quality of conversation and providing an ideal meting and learning arena for the built environment. A low carbon future will also be a key focus at the event and Sustainability Square will showcase best practice and product solutions to real issues facing the sector today. The Retrofit Awards will also be launched to recognise and reward innovative solutions for the improvement of existing buildings and infrastructure to enable them to meet tomorrow’s requirements.
BEST will replace Interbuild Specifier but will remain co-located with Interbuild Onsite and Glassex as well as incorporating a new element – The Infrastructure Show. Building on the legacy provided by Interbuild Specifier, BEST will demonstrate to the industry how to achieve best practice that minimises cost, increases efficiency and reduces environmental impact.
Taking place from 17-20 October 2010 in Birmingham, the BEST exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to view and purchase new products and technologies which have been designed to provide practical solutions to real problems. The Construction Clients’ Challenge will form a core part of the event, whereby suppliers will be tasked with developing innovative solutions to some of the industry’s biggest construction issues.
BEST will span a wide range of market sectors including education, private housing, affordable housing, hotel & leisure, infrastructure, retail, community and amenity, health, industrial and offices showcasing construction excellence across the entire built environment.
Paul Finch, Chair of CABE, commented: “BEST will bring the industry together for prompt discussion about how, in a time of tight budgets and energy imperatives, we can do more for less.”
With an underlying focus on procurement, BEST will enable manufacturers and service suppliers to connect with those who actively specify and purchase construction materials and product.