Construction and property firms call on Government to set binding environmental targets

Twenty-three of the UK’s most influential built environment businesses have signed an open letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer asking for the Environment Bill to provide the foundation for economic growth that is restorative and regenerative by design. In the letter, which was coordinated by UK Green Building Council in collaboration with GreenerUK, the signatories highlight the depletion of nature in the UK and call for a strong response to the challenge this presents. They urge the Government to use the upcoming Environment Bill to set legally binding targets for the achievement of environmental objectives – including tackling biodiversity loss, improving water and air quality and cutting down resource use and waste.

“This letter from a prominent group of built environment businesses calls on the Chancellor to recognise that the Environment Bill is instrumental in ensuring a healthy prosperous economy in future. Our members stand ready to deliver the new homes and places that the country needs in such a way that limits their adverse impact on the environment and begins to reverse the environmental decline evidenced by past trends”, said Julie Hirigoyen, UKGBC Chief Executive.

“These businesses are showing leadership by calling for legally binding targets for the achievement of environmental objectives. This will give the construction and property sector the confidence and certainty we need to help drive nature’s recovery.”

Recently, UKGBC published its third annual Leading the Way report presents trends and analysis from research conducted as part of UKGBC’s annual Sustainability 360 Reviews into each of its member companies.

Signatories to the letter:

Argent (Property Development) Services LLP
Atelier Ten
BAM Construct UK
BAM Nuttall Ltd
Barratt Developments Plc
Bennetts Associates
Berkeley Group Holdings
BRE
British Land
Clarion Housing Group
Colliers International
GS8
Hoare Lea
Interface
JLL
Kingspan Insulation Ltd
Lendlease
Linkcity
Redrow plc
Telford Homes Plc
William Hare Ltd
Willmott Dixon
WSP