UKGBC calls for local action to support a more sustainable built environment

UKGBC writes to mayoral candidates requesting that they outline their plans for improving the sustainability of the UK's built environment

Ahead of the 2021 Local Elections, the UK Green Building Council’s CEO, Julie Hirigoyen, has written to all Combined Authority and City Mayoral candidates outlining the importance of driving local action to decarbonise their region’s buildings and requesting that they outline their plans for improving the sustainability of the UK’s built environment.

Local government has a critical role to play in combating the climate and ecological crises, and holds the policy-making power to deliver action on the ground. Most crucially, they have powers over housing and planning, retrofitting programmes across existing homes and non-domestic buildings, as well as further powers under the Environment Bill, which will include new roles in nature recovery.

This years’ local elections are vitally important – occurring in the midst of a health, climate and economic crisis – and those who will be elected must be prepared to deliver the local policy foundations for a green economic recovery which enables us to truly Build Back Better. That is why UKGBC is urging candidates, and the wider public, to advocate for built environment policies which prioritise the climate and ecological emergency.

UKGBC engages with its members and local government to drive up local sustainability standards across the built environment, particularly in its established local networks in Greater Manchester, Birmingham & the West Midlands and Bristol & the South West.

Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive at UKGBC said:

“The upcoming local elections are undoubtedly one of the most important in my lifetime, and as we begin to plan our economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic it is vital that we seize this opportunity to deliver a greener, healthier, more resilient economy.

“Delivering greener buildings across each region should be a top priority for mayoral candidates, especially if they want to come anywhere close to meeting regional targets for achieving Net Zero. I urge all candidates to join UKGBC in advocating for a greener built environment and unlock the health, economic and social benefits which ambitious action can bring to communities.”

Get involved by showing your support for UKGBC’s policy recommendations – find out more here.

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