BE-ST and the CLF have released a report calling for clear direction and action from the Scottish Government on the Just Transition
Research from a variety of environmental and built environment group have found that the industry is looking towards the Scottish Government for clearer guidance on the Just Transition.
Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) and the Construction Leadership Forum (CLF)’s Net Zero, Digital and Data Working Groups, have published a report investigating industry responses to the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Discussion Paper for the Built Environment and Construction.
A variety of Scottish stakeholders were consulted on the plans
‘Navigating Sustainable Transitions: A Stakeholder Perspective’ gathers and analyses feedback from across the construction sector on the Discussion Paper.
BE-ST conducted online surveys, in-person and online workshops and 1:1 interviews to gather insight on the Discussion Paper.
Feedback indicated that there is an industry desire for urgent action, consistent calls for increased support for SMEs and unanimous support to include the decarbonisation of heat within the final Plan.
Report recommendations to inform future policies on the Scottish Just Transition include:
- Leveraging procurement in the transition
- Building both a skilled workforce and a competitive industry
- Delivering sustainable standards
- Maximising the manufacturing base in Scotland
- Implementing localised strategies that boost economies
- Collecting comprehensive data to enable effective decision-making.
“The sector is ready for change”
Stephen Good, CEO of BE-ST and co-chair of CLF’s Net Zero Working Group: “Scottish Government commissioned this research with the goal of gathering actionable insights from industry to equip them with what they need to enable a Just Transition for Scotland’s built environment and construction sector. The need for more sustainable practices is clear, and the insights we’ve been able to uncover through this research pave the way for policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders alike to create a Just Transition for Scotland.”
Lynsey Brydson, head of digital at BE-ST said: “Undertaking this research has been a collaborative effort between the CLF, BE-ST and Scottish Government. This approach has allowed us to tap into a wide network and gather diverse perspectives of stakeholders across the sector and Scotland. We hope that industry’s recommendations are not seen as a set of guidelines but rather a collective call to action. The sector is ready for change, and this report provides a foundation for a Just Transition that is inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for Scotland.”
