Phil Ford: Right skills are vital to meeting lower carbon targets

The Scottish Government has published its roadmap for how Scotland will meet its challenging carbon reduction targets.

The Energy Efficiency Action Plan is an important and welcome step, especially following the announcement that Scotland's renewable electricity target for the next decade is being raised from 50 per cent to 80 per cent.

If we are to meet these targets we must ensure the right people have the right specialist skills to meet the country's ambitions. Construction workers at every level will play a vital role in delivering the innovative new Scotland – the much vaunted powerhouse of renewables.

Our organisation is currently undertaking research across the built environment sector to investigate the types of skills and jobs needed to meet the carbon reduction targets.

This will take a short- and long-term view and will identify new opportunities for the construction industry in areas such as off-site manufacture and modern methods of construction.

Investment in skills and training is critical at a time of potential cuts to construction courses in colleges and universities. If the current capacity to deliver skills is cut back the ability to deliver crucial low-carbon skills will be severely affected.

The construction industry is dominated by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises who have borne the brunt of the downturn. They need assistance to meet Scottish Government targets which is why we have launched the Cut the Carbon campaign.

This three-year campaign will help companies become carbon clever and develop the skills and knowledge to remain competitive in a difficult economic climate.

The environmental case for the sustainable construction agenda is clear but the business case for it is just as clear based on increasing business profitability by using resources more efficiently.

It is essential that the Scottish Government supports this sector and these specific training needs to ensure we have a fighting chance of meeting the energy efficiency targets.

• Phil Ford is Skills Strategy Manager at ConstructionSkills