Renewable specialist Ploughcroft's managing director, Chris Hopkins, is to join the Green Construction Board as a representative of the small and medium sized enterprise (SME) sector.
The Green Construction Board was formed to oversee delivery of the Government's Low Carbon Action Plan and promote sustainable business opportunities and economic growth in the environmental sector.

The Board is designed to provide strategic leadership on key issues and promote the UK's excellence in green construction.

Mr Hopkins will work as part of the board's Knowledge and Skills working group, based on his expertise in designing and delivering training courses within the renewables sector.

The Green Construction Board is co-chaired by Business Minister Mark Prisk MP and chief executive of Lend Lease, EMEA Dan Labbad.

It aims to challenge the decision making processes on green technologies both in business and in Government, as well as looking to maximise the benefit of wider opportunities for growth within the renewable sector.

The Board is representative of the construction sector as a whole, with members including large corporates, professional services firms such as architects and insurers, as well as main contractors, property agents and building service engineers.

Mr Prisk said: 'I am pleased to welcome Chris to the Green Construction Board. The Board and its working groups are instrumental in taking forward the UK's low carbon agenda, and Chris will bring further experience and insight that will help us achieve our green objectives.'

Mr Hopkins added: 'It is very important that the sector has a voice on such important issues as the Green Deal and the Low Carbon Action Plan. I am also looking forward to getting involved in having an influence on the training and skill sector, as the industry needs to encourage SMEs to upskill in order to stimulate growth opportunities within renewable technology.'