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ACE has welcomed Thursday’s launch of the Climate Change Scenarios. The scenarios represent one of the most significant pieces of climate change research in recent times.
Launched by secretaries of state Hilary Benn (The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and Ed Miliband (Department of Energy and Climate Change) at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London, the scenarios provide valuable information of the possible effects of human-accelerated climate change down to a local level.
The scenarios represent robust and freely available evidence of the effects of climate change, which are vital in determining society’s responses. The unprecedented level of detail will allow planners, developers, designers and engineers to deliver built and natural environment solutions that are better prepared for the uncertainties of a changing climate.
Alex Tosetti, chair of ACE’s Sustainability Sector Interest Group, commented: “Sustainability in the built environment is a key issue affecting construction professionals. Today’s announcement will give a clear lead to policy makers and industry in achieving greater sustainability in construction.
“We hope that this will spur greater and more urgent efforts towards reducing the UK’s carbon footprint and making the nation better prepared for the effects of climate change. Engineers are at the leading edge of this sustainable revolution.”
Nelson Ogunshakin, ACE chief executive, said “ACE welcomes very much the publication of this vital set of evidence. It reinforces the need for urgent, science-based action on the sustainability of UK construction.
“However, we await further indications about how these scenarios will be applied. There could be implications regarding such aspects as liability, insurance and planning permissions.
“Central government and local authorities need to give a steer to the construction community on the likely legal impact of the scenarios.”
-ENDS-
Further information from ACE senior communications executive Piers Nutbrown on 020 7202 0255, or email pnutbrown@acenet.co.uk
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