National Federation of Builders Major Contractors Declare Climate Emergency

The National Federation of Builders (NFB) Major Contractors Group (MCG) has thrown its support behind the #ConstructionDeclares movement, the first and currently only trade association representing main contractors to do so.

 

#ConstructionDeclares is a global petition uniting all strands of construction and the built environment. It is both a public declaration of the planet’s environmental crises and a commitment to take positive action in response to climate breakdown and biodiversity collapse. The declaration includes eleven points that the signatories commit to, including pledging to reduce embodied carbon by at least 40% by 2030, based on the World Green Building Council call to action.

 

The Major Contractors Group of the NFB represents main contractors with turnover of £40m+.  Last year, the group published a landmark report entitled ‘Transforming Construction for a Low Carbon Future’ positing that main contractors were uniquely placed to influence clients and their supply chains in delivering a low carbon future. The Group intends to publish a second report later this year which will act as a handbook for main contractors on how to decarbonise their businesses and projects.

 

Commenting, Mark Wakeford, Joint Managing Director of Stepnell Ltd and Chair of the NFB MCG said:

 

“The construction industry directly accounts for 10% of the country’s emissions and influences 47% of all emissions. The structure and nature of our fragmented industry makes rapid and coordinated change difficult but as main contractors we have a uniquely influential position between the client and the supply chain. We’ve taken the step of issuing our declaration on the climate emergency as well as pledging our support for a reduction in embodied carbon. A low carbon future for construction is not just a reality but a necessity and we’re determined to show that contractors can commercially embrace decarbonisation, delivering a profitable service and securing our planet’s future”.

 

The NFB MCG is encouraging all main contractors to sign up to the declaration. To do so, visit: https://uk.buildersdeclare.com/

 

The Group is currently undertaking research into main contractor’s decarbonisation efforts to date which will help form the insight into its future reports. To complete the survey, visit: ow.ly/zo6K50AYeN5

National Federation of Builders

The National Federation of Builders is a United Kingdom trade association representing the interests of small and medium-sized building contractors in England and Wales.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

UK House Price Index for January 2025

The latest index shows that: The average monthly rate of house price growth in January was -0.3%. Average UK house price annual inflation was 1.3% in the 12 months to January 2025. As a result, the average UK house price currently sits at £268,000.   Here are some thoughts from the Industry.   Damien Jefferies,…
Read More
Breaking News

Exchange time reaches 135 days

Property transactions slow as exchange time reaches 135 days — up 45% on 2019 The time it takes to exchange contracts has risen to 135 days — 45% longer than in 2019 and 3% higher than last year — despite a drop in property transactions year-on-year, it emerged today. Novus Strategy, the transformation consultancy for…
Read More
Breaking News

Industry response to latest inflation figures and its impact on housing

Industry response to UK inflation remaining at 3%. Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, comments: “Although inflation has remained steady since last month, it is important to acknowledge geopolitical tensions moving forward, and the effect such pressures may have on many households over the coming months. “Today’s news should help bring a measured sense of consistency…
Read More
Breaking News

Foxtons Lettings Market Index – February 2026

Seasonal recovery as improved supply and demand indicates a return of market momentum   Lettings market is showing signs of seasonal recovery as we see market activity picking up, with February performance indicating that momentum is returning following a usually quieter winter period. Renter budgets remained broadly stable, averaging £540 per week year to date…
Read More
to let sign 2025
Letting Agent Talk

The best time to list a rental property in London revealed

Lettings experts at Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward reveal the best time to list a rental property in London to get twice as many enquiries Spring is a natural reset for our homes with a light refresh going a long way to help us feel rejuvenated. A quick coat of paint where walls look tired, fresh…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Rightmove expert reacts to ONS figures

Colleen Babcock, property expert at Rightmove, said:  “Today’s ONS figures reflect the seasonal uplift we typically see at the start of the year, which mirrors what we’ve already observed in our own January and February data. With the number of homes for sale now at its highest level in over a decade, buyers are benefiting…
Read More