Climate change is a topic that is often quite confusing, sometimes divisive and always earnestly debated whether by pundits in the media, politicians, scientists or by architects and designers, construction professionals and facilities managers. Everyone has a different view, but almost all agree – especially within the construction supply chain – that minimising carbon emissions is a good thing. Perhaps the question should be less about why reduce carbon, but more around how much to cut and how much of an investment needs to be made. Too many in the construction industry see the carbon reduction targets set by Welsh Government as cost prohibitive barriers. 

The Wales Low Zero Carbon Hub was established to educate and inform opinions and influence decision makers on the actions and activities needed to achieve zero carbon.  The Nearer to Zero events brought together planners, house builders, Welsh Government and other construction professionals to consider the latest evidence from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research and explore barriers to achieving zero carbon new building.  Just as we aim to do in construction, so the Tyndall Centre brings together scientists, economists, engineers and social scientists who are working to develop sustainable responses to climate change. What’s more, it does not just work within the research community, but also with business leaders, policy advisors, the media and the public in general. 

Take a look at their website there is a lot of useful information and some exciting ideas we hope to learn from and apply in Welsh construction.