Environmental legislation 'could motivate invention'

TV presenter Kevin McCloud believes environmental legislation implemented by the government could have a positive impact on the construction industry.

The Grand Designs host has stated that eco rulings made either in Europe or in the UK give building designers something to work towards.

He outlined the 2016 zero carbon directive as a prime example and suggested it has "utterly transformed the building supply market".

Gordon Brown's commitment to reducing carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent by 2050 has also had an effect on the construction trade.

However, Mr McCloud added that the Coalition is perhaps not doing a good enough job of putting such legislation into force.

"This government isn't strong on the detail on targets - it's strong on big policy, but what industry really needs is targets," he remarked.

The presenter was speaking at the Grand Designs Live London show, which was held at ExCeL London between April 30th and May 8th 2011.

Posted by Joseph Hutton