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New initiative provides much needed boost to construction industry

11 November 2009

Businesses in the construction industry within the East of England are getting a helping hand to innovate their working practices and processes to reduce the level of carbon emissions within the built environment.

Made possible with a £2 million contribution from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which is managed by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), the £6 million new Built Environment Supply Chain Transformation (BEST East) programme aims to support construction clients, suppliers, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) improve the management of development projects to create a more sustainable construction industry.

BEST East encourages organisations to identify opportunities for innovation in the production of low carbon products and services and will provide assistance in the planning and mapping of new processes to help them achieve this.  The programme will also help the exchange of knowledge around modern methods of construction, through free workshops to increase knowledge and understanding as well as through practical tools to help businesses implement any necessary changes.

David Morrall, International Director, EEDA commented: “With the construction and built environment accounting for nearly half of national CO2 emissions, it is important that businesses at every stage of the supply chain look to review the entire process of construction. Only by being innovative in their working practices can the industry look towards reducing carbon emissions within future construction projects to meet government targets.”

Programme Manager, John Hall of Constructing Excellence East, commented: “90% of the 186,000 companies in the construction industry employ fewer than 10 workers and almost 72,000 businesses are sole-trader operations. Due to the role they play in the sector, individual SMEs on their own are unable to change the system or work more efficiently.

“Traditionally, the construction industry has been resistant to change and BEST East brings together key clients that are well placed to address this resistance through a collaborative group: Construction Client Group - East.  Clients within this group play a leading role in the transformation of the industry within the East of England to help develop a more sustainable future.”

Over the next three years, it is anticipated that 900 eligible SMEs will benefit directly from participation in the programme and an overall increase in performance of up to 20 per cent is anticipated as a result of reductions in carbon, water and waste.

Delivery of BEST East is through a number of partners, each with their own specific area of expertise: Constructing Excellence, BRE, Inspire East, Build the East and CWC. Strategic partners include: AUEE, Renewables East, Construction Skills and Smartlife. BEST East also works closely with Business Link East.

To find out more about the programme and how you can get involved visit: www.constructingexcellence.org.uk/regions/eastengland

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