Our Policy Positions
Our Policy Positions
As a professional body covering the built environment, our remit is to operate in the public interest. This is reflected through our policy positions which directly align with our Corporate Plan aims. These act as an official stance for what the CIOB believes in and guides the work we do at an industry and government level.
Skills Gaps
The construction industry has long faced challenges in recruiting enough applicants to maintain demand (skill shortages), as well as address skill demands in the existing workforce to meet evolving regulatory requirements and technological changes (skills gaps).
Quality and Safety
Quality and safety are the foundations of a professional, trusted construction industry. Quality is about the greater public good we expect from our buildings to promote human health, safety, and wellbeing as well as addressing today’s many social, cultural, environmental and economic concerns.
Environmental Sustainability
The built environment accounts for 25 per cent of UK emissions, with operational energy use making up approximately 19 per cent. Furthermore, the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) state 80 per cent of the UK’s current building stock will still be in use by 2050, highlighting the urgent need for retrofit to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and improve overall comfort and liveability.
Our Work In The Devolved Nations
The CIOB works across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales— to influence policy, promote high standards, and support local construction priorities. We collaborate with governments and industry bodies on areas such as building safety, quality improvement, procurement, and net zero, ensuring its professional standards align with each nation’s legislation and needs.
Our Latest Research
In November 2025, CIOB published a report detailing proposals to introduce a building adaptability requirement for new large scale building projects in Ireland’s city development plans.
