How is Wales trying to create a brighter future for generations to come?
Wales’ Well-being of Future Generations Act is the first piece of legislation in the world which aims to ensure the long-term social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of the country. It strives, through this sustainable development, to tackle the big issues both now and in the future, such as climate change, poverty, health and wellbeing, coronavirus, jobs and economic activity.
This forward-thinking policy will require bodies within the public sector to set objectives in maximising well-being across these areas, and to take action in meeting these objectives. A big part of this will involve fostering collaboration with the private sector and supply chains in order to put these well-being goals into practice.
Sectors within the built environment have an immense potential to make these objectives a reality in Wales. Infrastructure, transport and energy networks, to name a few, all have an enormous impact on not only the environment and climate, but also public health, well-being and the economy. By creating sustainable projects and driving innovation in these areas which keep the goal of a healthy society at the forefront, the needs of the future generations will be met.
Additionally, the construction sector will be a key focus of the Act. With overall carbon emissions from construction amounting to 40% in the UK, this sector will play a major role in helping deliver the environmental ambitions of the act. The construction sector has more to offer, however, than just ensuring environmental sustainability. Opportunities for these industries to deliver on social and economic aspects are plentiful, particularly regarding the well-being and equality within its workforce, and the development of high-quality jobs to rejuvenate communities and take people out of poverty.
We talked to Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner of Wales, about the Well-being of Future Generations Act and in particular, what the role of the construction sector will be in delivering the objectives of the legislation. Also hear from Gavin Hawkey, Foundation Director at CCFC Community Foundation, about how the football club has adopted the objectives of the Well-being of Future Generations Act and the benefits it has brought.
Make sure to check out the videos of the conversations below:
- The Well-being of Future Generations Act & Construction Sector Collaboration
- The Well-being of Future Generations Act: Challenges in the Construction Sector
- The Well-being of Future Generations Act & The Construction Supply Chain
- The Well-being of Future Generations Act & Construction Sector Collaboration
- Construction as a force for good in Wales
- The Well-being of Future Generations Act & Opportunities for Construction
- The Well-being of Future Generations Act; Cardiff City Football Club
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