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Press Release

Published: October 6, 2021

The new measures announced on 30^th September will require businesses bidding for major government contracts to commit to achieving net zero emissions.

The government believes these “green rules” will help deliver their manifesto promise to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. They will apply to any company bidding for government contracts worth more than £5million a year, not just those who ultimately secure the contract.

The government currently spends £290billion a year on procurement and says that they intend to use their spending power to help green the economy.

Robert Candy, Chief Executive of The Scaffolding Association, said “These requirements are an inevitable step in the government’s bold agenda to achieve net zero by 2050 and industry should anticipate that expectations like these will become more stringent and widespread in the months and years ahead”.

He added “While the construction sector only accounts for three percent of the UK’s total carbon dioxide emissions, it will be an extraordinary  challenge for businesses in the sector to achieve net-zero.

Shifting to zero emission vehicles, optimising modern methods of construction, and championing low-carbon building materials will all have a role to play as will education and understanding. Many businesses don’t know how to calculate their carbon footprint let alone reduce it to net zero – not helped by the limited information, guidance, and tools they can currently access”.

Notes for editors

The Scaffolding Association is the UK’s largest dedicated trade association representing the Scaffolding and Access industry.

The construction sector employs 2.7millon people, contributes over £100bn to the UK economy which is 7% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Press Contact: Chris Seaton – [email protected] or 07979 531464.