It has been a busy few weeks for the industry and our CEW team. This week saw us gather for the Building the Future event, where we heard from Sophie Howe, the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, about the role of construction and the opportunities it brings to our communities.
Now is our time.
Most of us know what the potential of our industry is – we know the benefits it brings to communities across Wales if a road scheme, hospital, housing development or school is designed, built and delivered applying the principles of rethinking construction. But we can never assume everyone beyond these walls understands, appreciates or even agrees with what we believe to be true. It is why the work of CEW must continue. It is why the projects, research and evidence being driven forward by myself and my team remain so important. What’s more, the relevance of the work of CEW and the critical role of construction in Welsh society has been brought into sharper focus than ever before due to the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 and Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. Because of these two pieces of legislation, Wales has put in place a framework for sustainable development. That means our industry – no matter if we are engineers like me, planners, lawyers or a bricklayer – has a role in the success of its delivery. In fact it is worth remembering that Wales is leading the way in this approach – not just in the UK, but globally.
But don’t be nervous. Because, the good news is that we are already working on the right lines just by applying the best practice methods advocated by CEW. A focus on value, applying whole life costing principles, linking design and planning to outcomes and working collaboratively is critical to achieving a prosperous, resilient, globally responsible, healthier and more equal Wales. What’s more, commercially this approach makes sense in the longer run too. Right now, if you look at UK figures the construction workforce is 2.14 million with a turnover of £250 billion. Pro-rata Wales should be generating £12.5 billion turnover, at present the figure stands at £8 billion. So, there is more work to be done and more benefits to be enjoyed.
By working collaboratively, operating as integrated teams and looking at the big picture we – and I mean all of us – can help our industry play its part in building cohesive communities with a vibrant culture and a thriving welsh language.
