Consistent policies will be key to the increased development of green buildings in the UK, according to industry leaders.

An investigation conducted by University of Hull researchers has concluded that many smaller green construction industries would benefit from clearer building standards being enforced by the government.

Green funding and planning policies need addressing

In a summary published on hull.ac.uk, the researchers suggested that construction companies would be able to develop green buildings faster if planning policies were the same across all local authorities.

It was also proposed that offering a bigger proportion of green funding to the UK’s smaller construction companies could prove beneficial.

Ambitious zero-carbon buildings targets

In an interview with greenwisebusiness.co.uk, University of Hull professor David Gibbs argued this would make it far easier for the UK to hit the ambitious zero-carbon buildings targets set by the government.

“Our research indicates that the UK could miss out on a big opportunity if comprehensive measures are not put in place to support this innovative sector,” he said.

The researchers came to their conclusion by interviewing the heads of 50 small construction businesses in the UK. Many suggested that they could benefit from an increase in skilled workers capable of working with sustainable building materials. Others expressed wishes for banks to offer construction companies easier access to finance.

Author: Joe Elvin   Date Written: 12 November 2012