Carbon Criticality - CIC Member Audit

As you are aware, on October 16 2008, the Government declared its objective to upgrade the figure for carbon dioxide emission reductions in the UK to a target of 80% by 2050 (starting from a 1990 base line).  These emission reduction targets are a binding commitment as they are integral to the current Climate Change Bill which will chart progress in this respect by use of five yearly Carbon Budgets.

In light of these objectives, within the realm of construction, this strategy of carbon reduction has to be seen as a vital element in the Strategy for Sustainable Construction launched last June.  As part of the commitments made under this strategy, CIC commissioned Marion Bowman formerly Chief Executive of the Landscape Institute to carry out an audit review of members’ activities in relation to climate change and carbon reduction.

She commenced her review of this area with a wide look at the activities of members by means of a web search.  She then investigated the activities of ten members by conducting in-depth interviews.  On October 1 CIC held a workshop to enable all members to contribute to the report. This was followed by further discussion at Council on October 22 when a draft report was presented. Download the results of this initial research are collated into the draft report “Carbon Criticality”.

We would now like to give members the opportunity to review this report, signal any errors or omissions, and in particular hear from any members who may have undertaken significant initiatives in this field which we have not been made aware of.

Consultation response should be sent to consultations@cic.org.uk by Friday 21 November 2008.