300 builders earn eco-construction award

300 of the UK’s top environmental construction workers have had their eco-credentials recognised by an official body.

300 members of The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), a trade association of construction managers, have been awarded Chartered Environmentalist status. The CIOB have been granted permission to do this by the Society for the Environment.

The group hopes that this will give customers the ability to choose builders who use environmentally friendly techniques.

The CIOB’s deputy chief executive, Michael Brown, said that in the construction industry, “issues like sustainability, energy efficiency and climate change cannot be underestimated.”

He added: “We know that the buildings we live and work in are the largest source of carbon emissions and our members and other professionals can be part of the solution to that problem.

“When we talk about the environment and those topics that challenge us like climate change we should also remember that these are international issues and not just local ones. So it is with some pride that we have CIOB members in the UK and abroad who are qualified Chartered Environmentalists.

“We see the role of the Chartered Environmentalist as an important part in the promotion of those values and beliefs that the construction industry needs to positively embrace.”

Chartered Environmentalists must prove that they have competently engaged with sustainable development and environmental management.