According to new research, Scotland's struggling built environment sector could benefit from opportunities in insulation, plumbing, electrical and glazing trades thanks to the drive to reach low carbon targets.

The research was commissioned by the Scottish government and was conducted by ConstructionSkills Scotland, the Sector Skills Council for the construction sector, in conjunction with Built Environment Sector Skills Councils and The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils (Scotland).

It reveals the requirements to deliver the 42% CO2 emissions reduction as set out in the Energy Efficiency Action Plan (EEAP).

The research also considers what these requirements means in terms of opportunities for the construction sector, as well as training provision.

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It reveals that if these measures were implemented there could be up to 154,000 Full Time Equivalent skilled years employment over a ten year period in five key areas including energy advisors and assessors (up 10%), insulation installers (12%), plumbing, heating ventilation and air conditioning trades (43%), electrical trades (29%) and glaziers (6%).

Skills Strategy Manger of ConstructionSkills Scotland, Phil Ford, said: "Based on current investment initiatives this report gives us evidence which highlights the types of skills we need to meet Scotland's carbon reduction targets and contribute to the country's economic growth, both locally and nationally. The time to prepare for the future is now.

"Over the next few years, publicly funded investment programmes for energy efficiency and micro-generation could provide real opportunities for the Scottish built environment sector. Over time the opportunities will level out. This is in part is due to energy efficiency and micro-generation becoming more established as the norm across the built environment.

"Changes to existing qualifications will be required to ensure the right 'future skills' are embedded within Scotland's construction workforce."

The report can be found at here.

(JG)