Steve Barker responds to Building magazine article concerning low carbon

Chief construction adviser Paul Morrell said: “Meeting the Low Carbon Challenge is one of the biggest issues facing Britain’s construction industry."

Paul Morrell is right to have as his first initiative a low carbon challenge however if this is to be successful it must be a true partnership between private and public purses. To date we have heard an enormous amount of talk from the Government but precious little action in terms of diverting money to combat the issue and this must change. The problem is that in a run up to an election I am not sure Labour will see this as a big vote winner and Mandleson will just continue with rhetoric rather than action!

I also agree with the five workstreams BUT they must be prioritized and the area of biggest impact is with existing buildings but of course this will also be the area at which most money needs to be spent to achieve a good result.

Steven Barker, senior partner, Robinson Low Francis