Skanska UK’s President and CEO has been appointed as the new Co-Chair of the Green Construction Board (GCB).
Mike joins Business Minister Mark Prisk as Co-Chair of the board, which is taking a unified approach to the problems facing the industry, providing strategic leadership on key issues and identifying steps to promote the UK's excellence in green construction.
The appointment was formally announced at the Government Construction Summit in London by the Business Minister. Together, they addressed the summit on the role of the GCB in spearheading the transition towards a low carbon economy.
Mark Prisk said: “I’m pleased to welcome Mike to the role of industry Co-Chair of the Board. Having been committed to the board since its beginning, he is a valued member of the team who has vast construction experience that makes him ideal for the role.
“We have a busy agenda over the coming months. For example, we will be working to publish the final version of our Routemap, and developing guidance for construction businesses to show the top twenty steps they should take to green their operations.
“I know that Mike will offer both the invaluable insight and strategic direction required to lead the board through the times ahead.”
Mike commented: “I am honoured to have been asked to take on this role. I strongly believe that the construction industry has a major part to play in the green agenda, the result of which will also be good for the green economy.
“The Green Construction Board provides a unique opportunity for government and industry to work together in a collaborative approach to deliver the strong leadership that is vital to success. I will personally champion this and work with my fellow trustees to drive change for the longer term benefit.”
Mike replaces Dan Labbad who has stepped down from the role after becoming Lend Lease Group COO.
The GCB has achieved fundamental milestones since its formation, including:
- Establishing seven working groups, consisting of over 160 leading industry and government representatives, delivering a comprehensive programme of activity
- Creating an initial Routemap to set out the industry’s direction to 2050
- Issuing a call for evidence to create a ‘knowledge database’ for low carbon and research development
- Successfully integrating the work of the Sustainable Construction Task Force.
Launched in November 2011, the GCB is a consultative forum for government and the UK design, construction, infrastructure and property industry. It encourages a sustained, high level conversation to develop and implement a long term strategic framework for the promotion of innovation and sustainable growth.