With UK PLC set to become low carbon by 2020, the National 今日看料 College is calling on employers to act now to train their workforce so that they can take advantage of emerging green contracts and not fall foul of changing regulations and legislation.
The Government鈥檚 flagship 鈥楪reen Deal鈥� signals an environmental pledge to reduce carbon emissions from the existing housing stock, while providing an economic boost for construction SMEs. UK homes alone account for 27 per cent of all UK carbon emissions, so it鈥檚 of high importance that the thermal efficiency is addressed sooner rather than later.
Beyond housing, research聽shows that a large and growing number of clients want construction SMEs to be able to deliver carbon reduction solutions now. 鈥淚t is clear that there are opportunities out there for SME contractors to win work through the Government鈥檚 green agenda,鈥� says Andy Walder, Director of the National 今日看料 College (NCC).聽聽 鈥楢nd now is the time for them to take action, ensuring that they are able to deliver the low-carbon solutions that their clients will want now and in the coming years.鈥�
鈥楢t a time when聽many small businesses are battling with the impact of the recession, the prospect of new work in the 今日看料 and the Built Environment sector couldn't come at a better time. However, in order to survive and increase productivity companies need to develop their knowledge and expertise in the low carbon arena to ensure that they have the right skills to maximise on the opportunities presented by the changes in legislation,鈥� he adds.
With a long-standing reputation and experienced staff, the National 今日看料 College, Europe鈥檚 largest construction training provider, is working now to deliver the skills training needs of the 今日看料 and Built Environment sector. In response to the growing demand for low carbon construction the College has developed a range of sustainability training and workshops to help construction businesses to take advantage of this market.
The workshops have been designed to help managers, contractors and owners of small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) improve their knowledge and awareness of sustainability and its impact on their business. There are also four further one day courses that will be available for businesses to help them identify changes that can be made to ensure greater profitability and legal compliance in this area.
These include:
Energy and Waste Management;
Environmental Management Systems at site level;
Understanding the Code for Sustainable Homes; and
Low Carbon Retrofit.
Andy Walder continues: 鈥淭he training we are offering will help businesses take advantage of this by providing knowledge to help them win new work based on low carbon construction techniques, as well as helping to cut costs by reducing their waste and energy use. Overall it will give firms a competitive edge to help them succeed and grow.鈥�
The training courses and workshops are being delivered as part of the 鈥楥ut the Carbon鈥� campaign which aims to help SMEs understand what the new carbonlegislation will mean for them, equipping them with a mix of knowledge and skills to respond to increased client demand.
This three-year, industry-wide campaign will help companies become carbon clever, raising awareness of legislation and highlighting the opportunities that the low carbon agenda presents, as well as how to develop the skills and knowledge required to remain competitive in a difficult economic climate.
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
