Caroline Spelman visits the SBC

Caroline Spelman MP has visited Wolseley’s Sustainable Building Center (SBC) in Leamington Spa. The MP for Meriden and Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government was given a guided a tour of the SBC – a practical showcase for a wide range of the latest sustainable construction products and renewable technologies.

Tim Pollard, Wolseley’s Head of Sustainability, said:

We were delighted to welcome the Shadow Secretary of State to the SBC and have the opportunity to demonstrate Wolseley’s commitment to sustainability. The SBC is a UK-first facility and features many products in a real working environment – allowing visitors to experience the benefits of sustainable, energy-efficient and recycled building products at first-hand.

Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Caroline Spelman said:

I have a particular interest in energy efficiency and have called for more energy efficient measures to be included in new homes. The Wolseley Sustainable Building Center is an inspirational resource for those involved in the construction industry and built environment – giving them the opportunity to learn more about the products and construction methods that will allow us to move forward to a more sustainable future.

Michael Ankers, Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association (CPA) who also attended the tour of the SBC said:

The Conservatives have recognised that reducing carbon emissions from housing is an urgent challenge and today’s visit has demonstrated that the products and solutions that will deliver this already exist. What is also clear is that whoever wins the next Election will need to be far more proactive in encouraging the take up of these solutions if the ambitious climate change challenge targets that the UK has set are going to be met.

The CPA would like to see the government incentivising the use of these products and technologies to encourage a wider take-up in improving the country’s existing housing stock, for example, accelerating the replacement of the most inefficient central heating boilers.