Welsh commit to green construction

Wales could well be on the verge of a green building and jobs boom after the assembly government announced plans to boost environmentally-friendly initiatives.


The scheme called ‘Capturing the Potential – A Green Jobs Strategy for Wales’ was launched last week (July 9) by the Welsh Assembly Government to create a focus on green jobs.

It is a ‘long-term’ strategy according to the assembly which will aim to safeguard and create jobs across the green economy in construction and other environmental initiatives.

The strategy also aims to help businesses in Wales get access to expert advice and technology to make their operations more efficient in an increasingly carbon constrained economy.

Environment, sustainability and housing minister, Jane Davidson: said “Climate change may be the greatest threat facing Wales, but tackling this issue will also provide opportunities that we must not fail to grasp.

“The switch to a low carbon economy will provide new ways to grow our economy and create sustainable jobs.

“I recently revealed details on how the Welsh Assembly Government will cut Wales’s carbon emissions to tackle climate change and in total Ministers are committing £300m across all departments, to contribute to the target to reduce greenhouse gases by 3% a year from 2011 in devolved areas.”

The Strategy document states: “We must build on the progress we have already made in this area and grasp the opportunities that exist, as well as the potential that can be created by the implementation of the priorities within this strategy.

“This is a long-term change agenda and this strategy has set out a common purpose for the Welsh Assembly Government and our partners to embed its priorities, commitments and principles into all activities.

“This approach will result in consistent support and encouragement for our businesses, communities and citizens.

“We will work with others to develop and refine the environmental, energy and economic indicators needed to measure our progress towards this agenda.

“Whilst we will lead this agenda, we want all relevant organisations and delivery partners to support our strategy and so promote a consistent approach.

“Above all we will need the support of businesses, including social enterprises and third sector organisations in Wales if we are to capture the potential.”

Luke Walsh

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