It is unequivocal: humans are driving ‘unprecedented’ climate change. Average global temperature will be 1.5˚C higher by 2040 – reaching a tipping point, where the warming of our atmosphere will accelerate, and environmental damage will be irreversible.

UN secretary-general, Antonio Guterres described the report’s findings as a ‘code red for humanity’.

The urgent question now is, ‘what do we do next’?

When you consider the built environment is responsible for 43% of the UK’s carbon emissions – across transport, construction work and operational buildings – it is clear the sector has a leading role to play.

However, leadership like building materials, is in short supply.

At the end of July, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) unveiled, with much fanfare, its Construct Zero’s Performance Framework.

The discussion document outlines broad commitments to reduce the construction sector’s carbon footprint and suggests several industry targets.

The initial progress report is due in October, on the eve UN Climate Change Conference – COP26 – in Glasgow.

Some would argue that delivering a report about the sector’s carbon emissions on eve of COP 26 is, well comically late. It's not as if after three months Construct Zero will have significantly reduced anything. It is just going to be an updated series of targets and talking points. 

But climate change has been the construction sector's ‘elephant in the room’ for the last thirty years, during which time it has done little to address the challenge.

A target to be rid of 78% of diesel plant machines from site by 2035 may sound impressive to some, but it doesn’t reflect the urgency of the situation – it just enables firms and individuals to postpone inevitable change.

As concerning are the missing pieces of the solution. At the time of publishing, the heat strategy, a core element any plan to reduce emissions, and the government’s overarching net zero strategy have both been delayed until Autumn.

Performance Frameworks are well and good, but what is needed is leadership and prompt action, if the sector is to tackle the climate crisis.

Small to medium sized companies (SMEs make up 90% of the UK’s construction sector) and sole tradespeople are calling for clear direction and not hearing much back.

It is not a case of 'if' construction businesses can afford invest in more sustainable equipment, technology and skills.

It is a case of how quickly the industry acts. Delaying inevitable change over short term financial concern is a fool's game.

The climate crisis, one way or the other is fundamentally changing our planet and our industry. Its time we all get onboard with a proactive approach to solving the challenges it throws up. As Elvis said it is time for 'a little less conversation, a little more action.'