Make sure construction has a voice in the Sustainable Development Bill consultation.

Construction is the means that Wales can deliver a sustainable economy and provide long lasting benefits to the communities affected by capital projects. So, last week’s Welsh Government White Paper setting out its proposals to bring forward legislation to make sustainable development the central organising principle of the Welsh Government and Welsh public service organisations in Wales is crucial to our industry.

Construction plays a central role in creating a sustainable Welsh built environment and it must play its part in the consultation process. Everyone associated with CEW knows that the reach that the built environment professions have goes far beyond the actual physical delivery of roads, houses, hospitals and schools. It affects communities and the wider economy, not just by building and development, but the choice of procurement method. So, the Sustainable Development Bill is closely linked with Jane Hutt’s Procurement Policy.

CEW totally supports the Government in its approach, but it is vital that stakeholders in construction realise the role the sector plays in policymaking. The Government focus on waste, its long term approach to education; the commitment to investing in the nation’s health, with free prescription charges and move away from a ‘throw-away’ to a low carbon society is all affected by the built environment.

The consultation will end on the 4th March 2013.

Please get involved with the consultation process and work with CEW to channel industry views. If you want to learn more about the Sustainable Development Bill or just want to tell us your views then contact us. 

To view the consultation documents, see the Welsh Government website.