ACCOUNTABILITY IN the building industry is a key message promoted by the Construction Strategy Group (CSG).

The Chairman of the CSG, Mr Richard Aitken, Chairman of engineering consultancy, Beca Group Ltd, said today the extent of defective housing in the 1980’s and 1990’s highlighted a break down in quality performance.

“It is essential that all sectors in the industry, through builders, architects and designers to engineers, sub-contractors, developers and material suppliers, recognise the part that they have to play in lifting standards.  This means taking responsibility and accountability for the work we do in line with performance obligations entered into with customers and clients.”

When the CSG's website was launched today, he said that members of the CSG were committed to lifting standards across the board.

“This industry is responsible for some five percent of GDP. Inherent in its business performance is a multiplier employment ripple through the economy when new homes and commercial buildings are being built at steadily increasing rates.  A 10 to 20 percent lift in new home construction above today’s recessionary levels will spark hundreds of much needed new jobs.  To get there we need better economic conditions and confidence in the industry’s ability to perform to promised levels. We aim to see that accountability is embraced and ingrained across the sector.”