Built environment sector calls for biodiversity focus in upcoming Environment Bill
12 March 2019
A group of UK built environment businesses have penned a letter to Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, calling on future legislation to boost economic growth through restorative planning that benefits the environment.
Convened by the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) and Greener UK, 23 organisations have called for the upcoming Environment Bill to include policies on environmental restoration and regeneration that focuses on biodiversity, water and air quality. The draft bill was launched in December 2018.
“For too long nature has been struggling, which ultimately undermines our economy, and poses a serious threat to our health and wellbeing,” the letter states. “The UK is ranked 189th out of 218 countries for nature depletion, posing a major challenge that requires a strong response.”
The letter notes that Government plans to build 300,000 homes annually throughout the 2020s should be used as an opportunity to promote the protection and enhancement of natural resources, while cutting down on extractive models and waste.
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