"Only in the last few years has the UK construction industry and property sector finally woken up to the need for integrating sustainability into all aspects of its work. We are making slow progress so we need transformational change to occur within the next ten years if we are to have any hope of delivering zero-carbon homes by 2016 and non-domestic dwellings by 2019. The drivers of resource scarcity and increased prices for raw materials will only increase the need for a change of pace.

"Will the government provide an opportunity to enable the sector to innovate and succeed or will it struggle to lead the agenda and fail to make the tough choices to wean us off our high carbon built environment? Will we be able to convince consumers and investors of the necessity of our sustainability offerings? Who knows, but what am I am sure about is that sustain' will continue to promote the debate and will be recording our successes and set backs as we strive to meet and overcome these challenges."

Dr Paul Toyne, Head of Sustainability, Bovis Lend Lease