As an agent for positive change, Actuate UK supports the delivery of a safer, more productive and sustainable UK built environment. Together with others in the industry, the UK Government and the Devolved Nations, Actuate UK will play a key role by supporting essential national initiatives. Initiatives such as the Construction Leadership Council’s Recovery Roadmap, the Construction Playbook and strategic economic plans in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, Building Safety reform and the drive for Zero Net Carbon.
It will lead the sector’s response to the Building Safety agenda and post-COVID Green Recovery, providing direction and championing the wider culture changes needed in the industry for their successful delivery.
Andy Mitchell CBE, co-chair of the Construction Leadership Council and chief executive of Thames Tideway Tunnel, said: “I would like to welcome Actuate UK, the new engineering services sector alliance which is being launched today to bring collaboration and a coherent voice to a key part of our industry.
'Our industry has seen a lot of change over this past year, and the most positive change is the way that it has come together in dealing with the pandemic. Through the efforts of many in the industry, the Construction Leadership Council has achieved a lot that deals with the here and now, and whilst this isn’t over yet we can, and are turning our attentions to the future – one that is better, stronger and very ambitious with regard to what society needs of us. This means safer buildings and net zero target - two big issues that we have to get on top of - and it is clear that the engineering services sector has a big role to play in both of these. I very much look forward to the vital role that Actuate UK can and must play in moving this industry forward.”
Construction Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: “Cutting emissions, turbocharging productivity and maintaining staunch safety standards should be right at the heart of the UK build environment sector’s work. This new alliance will support those crucial ambitions, helping the industry build back better and greener.
“I look forward to working with the alliance through the Construction Leadership Council, as we examine the issues and opportunities facing the sector and wider economy.”
Ann Bentley, member of the CLC and global chairman of Rider Levett Bucknall added: “The challenges for the industry are clear – to construct, repair and maintain sustainable buildings and infrastructure that work for the end-users, are good value for those paying for them, and that help us meet our net zero carbon aspirations. We must also recognise our industry’s obligations to communities and, therefore, the enormous role we have in meeting all these challenges.'
Actuate UK consists of:
- The Building Engineering and Services Association (BESA)
- The Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA)
- The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)
- ECA - Electrical and Engineering Services
- The Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA)
- The Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA)
- SELECT – the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland
- The Scottish and NI Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF)
The eight organisations bring a broad range of technical, practical and commercial expertise to focus on four strategically important themes – skills, building safety, carbon reduction and commercial issues in 2021.
Julia Evans, chief executive of BSRIA said: “To stand any chance of resolving the climate change emergency we need to act together now. Actuate UK brings the best in the sector together to focus on the issues crucial to the industry and contribute in partnership to resolving the big issues of the day.”
David Frise chief executive of the Building Engineering Services Association said: “Engineering services make a building work, they bring it to life. And where ninety percent of people spend ninety percent of their time in a building, it is crucial for the economy and the physical and mental health of our citizens that buildings are safe and work properly.”