Faithful+Gould, part of the SNC-Lavalin Group, is set to deliver financial best practice to the UK construction industry on its journey to net zero carbon, following its success at tackling development costs on a regional project.
The project and cost management consultancy has been appointed by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) to lead on the Finance and Risk area of the CIC’s overall strategy for reaching net zero carbon.
In June this year CIC published its ‘Carbon Zero: the professional institutions’ Climate Action Plan, which defines the roadmap to net zero for the construction industry.
Following its work with Manchester City Council to establish the Manchester Standard for best practice in zero carbon construction, Faithful+Gould was identified as a leader in the field by the CIC. The approach taken in the regional standard is now set to be rolled out nationally, reaching an estimated 70% of construction professionals through the industry’s institutions, organisations and trade bodies.
Stuart Rogers (pictured left), Director at Faithful+Gould, said: “This is a great opportunity for our business to have a role in shaping the future of sustainable construction in the UK.
“We are leading on the Finance and Risk workstream for the Construction Industry Council’s Climate Action Plan, essentially defining the roadmap to Net Zero Carbon for the professional institutions which govern and guide the industry.
“The last 18 months to two years has seen a much greater focus on the need to reach zero carbon, but clearly one of the biggest issues the industry faces is how to manage the costs involved in achieving that.
“Our work in Manchester demonstrated that it can be done and that is now set to be part of the best practice recommendations that will reach the vast majority of construction professionals.”
Annabel Clark, National Sustainability Champion at Faithful+Gould added: “Following COP26 in Glasgow, the issues around reaching net zero carbon remain high on the agenda. There couldn’t be a more important time to implement guidance that can both support the construction industry in its aims to reduce carbon and manage the financial considerations of doing so.
“It’s a privilege for Faithful+Gould to be in a position to help shape and define how we ensure sustainability and financial management are part of the future of construction in the UK.”
In addition to the Risk and Finance workstream appointment, Faithful+Gould has also been selected as a Business Champion working alongside the Construction Leadership Council and other major industry bodies. Its mission is to share innovations and best practice, acting as promotors and role models to support the industry’s move to net zero carbon.
Stephen Hodder, CIC Climate Change Committee Chair said: “We are delighted that Faithful+Gould will be leading on this important workstream as part of the Climate Action Plan.
“Creating guidance for best practice on how to build net zero carbon buildings more cost-effectively will play a key role in the construction industry’s journey to net zero.
“Having seen the pioneering work Faithful+Gould has done elsewhere, we approached them as leaders in the field and we’re extremely pleased they will be bringing that expertise to this crucial project.”
