Julie Hirigoyen joins Government Economic Recovery Roundtable on net zero

The chief executive of the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), Julie Hirigoyen, has joined experts from across business, academia and NGOs at a roundtable looking at the economic opportunities that a green recovery from coronavirus presents.

The Government’s Economic Recovery Roundtable on Green Recovery looked at ways to capture growth opportunities from the shift to net zero, as the UK recovers from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Chaired by Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Alok Sharma, the group featured representation from government departments alongside leading figures representing some of the largest sectors of the economy.

Details of the organisations that participated in the roundtable are available on the GOV.UK website here. 

Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive at UKGBC said:

“I’m very pleased to contribute to this Economic Recovery Roundtable to highlight the vital role the property and construction industry can play in rebooting the economy whilst tackling the climate crisis.

“There are several built environment policy priorities that are critical to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 which would also act as strong short- and medium-term economic multipliers. And with 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions attributable to the built environment, our industry has a significant role to play.

“Making energy efficiency a national infrastructure priority, and retrofitting our draughty homes, will create jobs right across the country, reduce energy bills, improve health and so lower costs to the NHS and drive down emissions all at the same time. Raising standards for new builds would also provide high-quality jobs, plus it would stimulate innovation in areas such as low carbon heat – helping to position the UK as a green technology leader on the world stage.

“We must use the recovery as an opportunity to level-up our response to the climate crisis. With over 450 member organisations, UKGBC is galvanising the industry around a recovery that puts us on a path to net zero and truly builds back better.”

UKGBC’s position paper profiles key built environment policy recommendations for a green recovery.  

-ENDS- 

More information on the roundtable is available on the GOV.UK here.  

UKGBC’s Green Recovery Position Paper is available here. 

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