Industry to unite for first Construction Scotland and BRE Scotland joint conference

The construction sector is being urged to come together for the inaugural Construction Scotland and BRE Scotland joint conference on 1 November 2011 at The Thistle Hotel in Glasgow.

The conference entitled ‘If carbon is the new currency, how do we value it? – Identifying a way forward for construction’ will focus on the financial impact of carbon reduction legislation on the industry and give delegates the opportunity to debate and shape the future of the industry.

With some of the most influential figures in the Scottish construction industry addressing the conference, and a series of thought provoking workshops planned, the event will provide an insight into the challenges construction companies and organisations face in reducing the carbon impact of their business.

Following an introduction by Construction Scotland Chairman, Archie Ferguson, conference delegates will be addressed by Fergus Ewing MSP and Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council.

The event will also include presentations from Professor Jim McDonald, University of Strathclyde, on ‘Sustainable Glasgow – planning for future opportunities’ and Dr Peter Bonfield, chief executive of BRE, on ‘Low carbon construction – targets, procurement and finance.’

A special ‘Question Time’ session will give delegates the opportunity to question an expert panel, chaired by Peter Wilson, architect and director of business development for the Centre for Timber Engineering at Edinburgh Napier University. Attendees will take part in workshop sessions covering corporate social responsibility; legislation, drivers and opportunities; the role of new technologies and the skills required to meet the low carbon challenge.

This is the first Construction Scotland conference since the newly formed industry body was established in April this year.

The organisation is tasked with providing leadership and directing the sector and will engage with Scottish Government Ministers, key stakeholder groups and the wider industry to fulfil this role.

Archie Ferguson, chair of Construction Scotland, said: “Legislation and the emergence of concepts such as carbon trading and accounting present a unique challenge to construction companies, in fact the need to demonstrate compliance with carbon reduction targets has been never greater.

“Bringing together some of the most influential figures in the industry, the first ever joint Construction Scotland and BRE Scotland conference will focus on the increasing importance of managing carbon to the industry and ask how we value this new currency.

“This conference is the perfect opportunity for construction businesses across Scotland to get involved and have their say in the future of one of Scotland’s key industries. By sharing perspectives on the way forward we can find the right way to work together to build a brighter future for construction.”

Rufus Logan, director of BRE Scotland, said: “The conference will highlight some of the key issues facing the Scottish construction industry today and we hope to identify some new and exciting ways forward for the industry.

“BRE helps clients successfully meet the challenges they face in delivering a better built environment and I look forward to hearing the views of the wider industry on making low carbon construction work.”

With influential speakers and a series of interesting workshops the conference is a key date in Scotland’s construction calendar at a very competitive rate with tickets costing £50+VAT.

Delegates can book their place at the conference on-line: http://www.bre.co.uk/eventdetails.jsp?id=5384

The conference will also provide exhibition space to organisations who may wish to promote their products and services to the attendees.