Builders tell government not to water down sustainability targets

Builders have warned the government it should not water down sustainability targets despite the impact of the credit crunch and massive job losses.

A poll by the UK Green Building Council (UK GBC) found 96% of respondents want the government to stick to ambitious green targets, which include building zero carbon homes by 2016.

Almost 30% said the financial crisis had no effect on their firm’s efforts to tackle sustainability and 55% said it had caused it to become an even bigger focus over the past six months.

UK GBC chief Paul King said it was clear sustainability would not be killed off along with jobs during the economic slowdown.

“This time it’s going to remain high on the political and corporate agenda because the climate change imperative is now so strong,” he said.

“Those that grasp the opportunity will prosper, those that don’t will fail.

“UK GBC members recognise this and want to be among the winners not losers.”