Elaine Knutt
It’s easy to feel slightly envious of our Class of 2014, just setting out on their construction careers with sound preparation behind them and plenty of opportunities in front. They also seemed frighteningly savvy and clear-sighted: where you might expect BIM evangelism and full-throttle enthusiasm for new technologies, there was a measured awareness of what is achievable and what is aspirational. They’re well-informed about the industry they’re entering, thanks to Loughborough courses that prioritise industry placements, and we wish them all the best.
They are arriving in an industry that is sincerely trying to raise its game on a number of fronts: sustainability, employee diversity, fair payment and training. As we explore in our feature the £14.8bn Crossrail project is taking a leadership role on several issues, and chalking up impressive achievements in terms of reducing its contribution to London’s pollution, championing low carbon hybrid construction plant, and hiring a workforce that mirrors a diverse local population.
Crossrail’s commitment to driving down road accidents and raising vehicle safety is another case in point – CM’s “Safe on our Streets” sponsored online survey is an effort to find out how far the message it first started broadcasting in 2009, now incorporated in the CLOCS standard, has been listened to in the wider industry.
So if, as an industry, we’re getting it right in terms of bringing in and training bright young people, and challenging ourselves to achieve more against so many important targets, why are we so poor at addressing one of the major social and economic issues the country currently faces? Listening to reports about the critical shortfall in new housing across the UK (although especially in the south-east), it’s easy to think there must be a disconnect between the industry that’s failing to deliver and the industry that’s improving on so many fronts.
Of course, we all know why it’s proving so difficult to boost housing output: private housebuilders’ business model doesn’t demand it; social housing grant just isn’t there; there’s a geographical mismatch between housing demand and brownfield land supply.
Nevertheless, the fact that the industry has taken it upon itself to address so many challenges while leaving housing supply to market forces seems increasingly odd. Where’s the Commission for New Housing? The Construction Leadership Council strategy?
As we report, there are good, workable ideas out there, some of them led by contractors. But we need to do more, and recognise that it’s another issue where construction really can align itself with everyone’s interests.
Elaine Knutt, editor
