Green building initiatives could boost the construction and manufacturing industry in Northern Ireland, experts claim.

With the NI construction industry taking a hit in the recession, politicians and councillors have called for the introduction of green building initiatives to kick start the sector.

£70 million investment in eco-buildings

Among those calling for the initiatives is Patsy McGlone, who said that a £70 million investment in eco-buildings would introduce competition back into the construction sector and see it out of the recent rut it has fallen into.

Older buildings to be more energy efficient

The money would not necessarily have to go toward new buildings, however, with calls to use the money to adapt older buildings to be more energy efficient, using, for example, external cladding, solar panelling and insulation.

The calls come on the back of a new campaign launched to make the public more “energy-wise”, aimed at making everyone more aware of how much energy they use and how much it is costing them. It also included ways and means of reducing energy usage for those who want to lower their consumption.

Speaking to 4ni.co.uk, McGlone explained:

“Such incentives and investments can only improve the efficiency of our buildings, provide jobs and help get the construction sector back in action.”

Adding, McGlone told sdlp.ie:

“What the government must do is create the right economic circumstances to develop the skills and technologies needed for green building. With incentives to work with methods that reduce the carbon footprint the construction sector can begin to prosper.”