The European Union of Developers and House Builders (UEPC), an association representing more than 30,000 private sector developers and house builders, said it has launched a sustainability charter. The charter sets out the UEPC's commitment to promote sustainable development and is based on the principle that sustainable development should contribute to future social cohesion and economic viability as well as environmental protection.

The European Union of Developers and House Builders (UEPC), an association representing more than 30,000 private sector developers and house builders, said it has launched a sustainability charter. The charter sets out the UEPC's commitment to promote sustainable development and is based on the principle that sustainable development should contribute to future social cohesion and economic viability as well as environmental protection.

The association said its initial focus is on reducing C02 emissions associated with the built environment. The charter also seeks synergies on actions related to new construction and the need to improve the environmental performance of the much larger existing building stock.

The UEPC charter commits to working with all relevant governmental and non-governmental partners, including suppliers, on the main policy challenges. These include the promotion of innovation, the development of necessary skills and supply chains and allowing for different solutions needed in different parts of Europe. The association says it will also make its own legislative, fiscal and policy proposals for reaching sustainable building goals when necessary.

UEPC noted that directly or indirectly the activities of its developers and house builders represent 10% of the gross national product and employment in Europe.