The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has announced its support for the Skyline Skills Hub, a platform which aims to address the green skills gap in London’s commercial built environment by offering accessible, updated information on sustainable practices to various audiences.
The initiative aims to equip the future workforce, policymakers, and newcomers with the essential information needed to tackle the green skills crisis affecting roofing, cladding, and construction at large.
Ruth Scarrott, head of careers at the NFRC, who helped develop the Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce playbook, said: “This initiative addresses critical skill requirements for achieving sustainable urban development, aligning workforce competencies with the evolving needs of the construction and building sectors.”
She also ensured that NFRC perspectives on the roofing industry and SME obstacles were considered and incorporated during the Hub’s formation.
She said: “The success of our Member businesses will be critical if London is to achieve its decarbonisation goals, so we must all work together on this.”
Buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 76% of emissions in London alone. Retrofitting older buildings has become critical to the decarbonisation agenda. Over the next 30 years, 95% of emissions from the built environment are expected to come from existing buildings.
“The roofing and cladding businesses that NFRC represents have a critical role to play on the journey to net zero, but they will need new talent, and that’s where the Skyline Skills Hub comes in,” said Ruth.
Through innovative resources and a commitment to sustainability, the Skyline Skills Hub aims to drive the transformation necessary to secure London’s global leadership in sustainable commercial property.
The Hub will offer free access to up-to-date resources from across the built environment sector, including careers guides, case studies and research such as the Skyline Skills Recommendations Report. It will also facilitate collaboration between businesses, training providers, and government to realise these objectives.
Keith Bottomley, chairman of the Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce, commented: “Central London’s skyline is constantly growing, and we must ensure our workforce is equipped with the necessary skills and qualifications to build sustainable structures. The Skyline Skills Hub aims to highlight the best career and training opportunities that the built environment sector has to offer.
“Looking ahead, we want to expand this crucial work beyond London, and to support the upgrading of skilled workforces across the UK’s cities, and support skills for the residential built environment. We want the UK to have the best workforce to deliver sustainable commercial buildings for tomorrow. Together, we can make it happen.”
