The CIC's 56 Recommendations For A Better Built Environment

The British Institute of Interior Design is a member organisation of the Construction Industry Council (CIC). The CIC have recently published 56 policy recommendations for the new government, to create a future proofed built environment industry. 

To get you started, we’ve summarised some of the talking points for interior designers:

• We must design in a way that has the changing climate in mind. Creating environments that work in a changing climate, but also that do no harm to the future of the planet
• Access to green spaces is proven to improve wellbeing. How can designers create spaces with nature and the outdoors in mind?
• The construction industry doesn’t have a dedicated government minister despite 65 million stakeholders. A cabinet level minister would be a voice for an improved built environment, benefiting the UK socio-economically as well as delivering improved health and wellbeing to individuals 
• Planning reform would help move projects on in both residential and commercial settings, speeding up processes for the entire built environment industry
• Embedded safety standards that embody healthy home principles, covering reduction in carbon emissions, access to natural light, inclusivity, and more. Things that many of the interior design community are already working towards could be enshrined in regulation
• Improved funding and education for apprenticeships and training, would improve the workforce and plug holes in employment in the sector. The BIID already supports the new trailblazing group delivering an Interior Design apprenticeship
• The construction industry can support a revitalised high street, demonstrating how great design can have economic benefits for local communities
• A national retrofit programme would bring substandard homes up to an acceptable level. Acceptability would consider both the cost of living and climate crises
   

‘We are really proud to be members of the Construction Industry Council alongside so many other built environment organisations and professional institutes. This is a very timely document and is aligned with the BIID’s own sustainability initiatives and long term strategic goals.' - Katherine Elworthy, Chief Operating Officer, BIID

The document,  ‘Building A Safer, Healthier and More Sustainable Future for All’, is free to download here and contains a full list of policy recommendations from the CIC.