Member Article

Government needs to take ‘unprecedented action’ to meet emissions targets, says ICE President

The president of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is calling on the government to take unprecedented action to meet carbon emissions targets.

Richard Coackley believes that to adapt infrastructure to support a low carbon society would require “the greatest peacetime mobilisation of society in our time,” and that the government should not underestimate the gravity of the task.

Speaking to an audience of over 400 industry leaders, engineers and government representatives, he commented: “We must reduce carbon emissions while at the same time keeping the lights on and ensuring quality of life.

“And we must do this within the context of a changing energy sector and a fast expanding population that will see demand for resources continue to increase.”

Over the next decade a quarter of the UK’s energy generating capacity must be replaced by low carbon alternatives, many of which rely on technologies, which are in the early stages for their development.

Mr Coackley urged the industry to unite to drive forward policies on which there is a consensus – energy, sustainable growth and resilience. Independent infrastructure networks also need to develop a clearer understanding of one another to enable a more cohesive approach in the future.

He continued: “The challenge of the Government is to act on its word.

“Although significant steps forward have been made, particularly in the publication of the first ever National Infrastructure Plan and the acknowledgement of infrastructure as a key strand in the Plan for Growth, Government must now deliver on its promises - ensuring a successful move from ‘the rhetoric’ into action.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .