We’ve been getting involved in some big discussions in the London region over the last month. We’ve been joined by FMB members from across the UK at our National Conference over in Docklands. We’ve also been able to sit down with representatives from TfL to discuss the hot topic affecting members in London – the introduction of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
Here’s our round up for the month of July.
FMB 2022 National Conference
The FMB 2022 National Conference was held in London in July and was a real success. The theme for the day was ‘The Green Homes Revolution’ and the attendees enjoyed presentations from key stakeholders covering topics including retrofitting homes, training and building skills for green homes, and the work of the Green Construction Board.
Presenters were Lord Callanan - Minister for Climate Change and Corporate Responsibility, Tim Balcon Chief Executive – CITB, Gavin Killip Senior Researcher - University of Oxford, Russell Smith Managing Director - Parity Projects, Lynne Sullivan OBE - Chair of the Green Construction Board, and Eve Willis Policy and Public Affairs Manager – Nationwide.
The conclusion was that the government need to implement a long term retrofit strategy in order for society to see the value in improving our built environment to reduce our carbon emissions.
ULEZ presentation from Transport for London
At the Board meeting held on the 21 June 2022, the FMB London Board were joined by a number of representatives from Transport for London to discuss the recent consultation on expanding London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). The presentation consisted of these key points:
- Timeline for how TfL want to get to Net Zero by 2030.
- How they plan to expand ULEZ and how it will improve C02 in the capital.
- The challenges they face.
- What they have started to do already.
- The current charges and possible grants and funding schemes.
- How people can enter the consultation.
Although the Board understand the need to reduce carbon emissions in London, they also made it clear that if we are to reach zero carbon by 2030, we are going to need our members to retrofit thousands of buildings. We need to encourage builders into the capital. What with ULEZ, congestion charge and London parking we are finding that many firms are deciding to work outside the city. TfL were in agreement with the Board and will feed these points into their consultation. Keep an eye on the FMB blog for future updates on ULEZ.
Homebuilding and Renovating Show
The FMB London Director Sam Eden met members of the public at the Homebuilding and Renovating Show hosted at Sandown Racecourse at the end of June. Sam was also joined by London members City Lofts London who gave their time at the ask the expert stand to give free advice for those starting a building project.
Many of the people we meet at these exhibitions are looking for a builder they can trust and the FMB Find a Builder service is always a great way for them to do just that. The next Homebuilding and Renovating Show comes to London from 30 September to 2 October 2022 - to get involved, contact FMB London Hub Director Sam Eden for details.
Welcome Geoff Osborne
The London Board co-opted its second position at its meeting in June - Geoff Osborne, Principal at Shooters Hill Sixth Form College. Geoff brings with him his vast experience of the industry, working daily with young people at the start of their careers in construction. FMB London are keen to bring together industry and education to see if there is anything we can do to improve the skills crisis for the future generations. Welcome Geoff.
Read our interview with Geoff here.
Authors
Sam Eden
Sam brings his vast experience working within the energy and finance sectors, most recently working for the Architecture Registration Board. At the FMB Sam’s responsibilities cover membership engagement, public affairs, media relations, events and governance but predominantly he is the representative for FMB members within the capital and greater London working with policy makers and stakeholders to ensure SME builders are represented.
