Built environment should be a priority in this election says UK Green Building Council and RICS

Representatives of the built environment have responded to the announcement by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that a general election will take place on 4th July. The UK Green Building Council – which represents some of the UK’s biggest names in the built environment, including housebuilders, banks, social housing providers, local councils, developers, estates and engineering companies and universities is calling for a ‘built environment election’, while the RICS says it must be an election that puts the built and natural environment at its forefront.

Simon McWhirter, Deputy Chief Executive at UKGBC, said: “With the linked environmental, nature and cost of living crises; this is the most important election in a generation. Our buildings are the nexus of how we can solve many of these pressing challenges while delivering homes, offices and public buildings that are warmer, more comfortable, cheaper to run, and which tread lighter on the planet.

“This is the ‘built environment election’, and the UKGBC, with our members, have a raft of solutions that will allow a new government to deliver at pace and scale.”

Last year RICS launched its RICS Manifesto, Empowering a Sustainable Future, which sets out how investing in the built and natural environment today, will unlock economic and social growth across the country.

This calls for the next government to commit to:

• A housing delivery strategy that meets targets and creates safe, affordable, high-quality homes for owners and renters.
• Revitalising communities, unlocking growth and creating an attractive investment environment.
• Developing a low-carbon, highly skilled Britain that supports our energy security needs by investing in energy-efficient buildings, a renewable-centric national grid and sustainable infrastructure.

RICS says its manifesto provides a roadmap to create a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for the UK. It addresses challenges faced in the construction and real estate sectors, promotes sustainable development, and solves the skills shortage.