PM should prioritise net zero, says Tani Dulay
Tani Dulay, CEO of Woodbourne Group has joined more than 30 leading chief executives, working in the built environment in calling on the new Prime Minister to prioritise net zero and nature restoration, to help build a resilient UK economy.
The property and venture capital group – which has revealed £360 million plans for the world’s first mixed-use, net zero carbon ready development in Birmingham – is urging Liz Truss to push harder to achieve the government’s net zero targets.
Chief executives from Legal & General, CBRE, British Land, Barratt Developments, Bam, Arup, Clarion and Atkins are among the signatories of a letter urging the new prime minister to “strengthen delivery mechanisms across the whole of government” for carbon cutting objectives.
The letter states: “As leading UK businesses and financial institutions from across the economy we are committed to protecting and restoring nature and delivering a net zero economy in support of the UK’s targets. For us to play our part, we need a robust plan from government on how to deliver these targets, both in the short and long term.
“This will require delivery mechanisms to be strengthened across the whole of government, including in areas such as planning, building regulations and agriculture. As skyrocketing energy bills inflict considerable costs on businesses and push vulnerable households into poverty, we would like to see you prioritise policies that will address this crisis, as part of a robust net zero strategy.
“The policies and market frameworks that will facilitate an accelerated rollout of low-cost clean energy, a comprehensive package of support to increase energy efficiency of homes and businesses, and a strategy to deliver industrial decarbonisation, could improve national energy security, shield the country from the volatile global fossil fuel prices, and enable the UK to deliver its world leading climate promises.”
Tani Dulay, CEO of Birmingham-based Woodbourne Group, said: “We have a very strong and clear message for the new prime minister. Acting now to accelerate the transition to clean energy, could support households with the cost of living and deliver huge economic benefits, unlocking opportunities for the UK to be a leader in clean growth.”
Industry experts predict this action could reduce yearly household energy bills in the UK by 7 per cent by 2025, rising to a 50 per cent reduction by 2035. Similarly, investment on building and industry energy efficiency could yield a £46 billion return and create 215,000 new jobs over the same period.
Woodbourne Group plans to build three towers on a brownfield site as part of its Curzon Wharf development. A waterfront ecosystem, it will be a short walk from the new HS2 Curzon Street Station, offering sweeping views of the city and beyond. The masterplan development of almost one million square feet is expected to boost the Birmingham economy by at least £151 million and create over 1,000 jobs.
The £360 million net zero carbon ready Curzon Wharf development will create over 1,000 jobs, provide a sustainable, mixed-use space incorporating high quality accommodation providing up to 732 student flats, 265 residential co-living units with generous amenity space and up to 498 residential units.
In addition, it will include nearly 130,000 sq ft of office, R&D and life science space and over 76,424 sq ft of new and improved public realm.
The Curzon Wharf masterplan is positioned on the northern entry to Birmingham City Centre, a site passed by as many as 21 million road users per year.
Woodbourne Group is an investment and development group that exploits potential across all aspects of real estate through creative flair and entrepreneurial vision. Driven to reinforce Birmingham’s position as a leading sustainable city, its projects continue to regenerate the city and attract both cultural and business investment. Woodbourne Group is facing the sustainability challenge head on, creating people and planet-centred developments that unlock economic opportunities without costing the earth.
