Marking the 35th anniversary of the Construction Industry Council (CIC), they reflect on the remarkable journey of CIC and look into its future. It all began in 1988 with the establishment of the organization as the Building Industry Council (BIC) under the visionary leadership of Professor Sir Edmund (Ted) Happold, who, along with five founder members - CIBSE, CIOB, IStructE, RIBA, and RICS - laid the foundation for what was to become the Construction Industry Council.
CIC now stands as a unifying force, bringing together 37 professional bodies and other important organizations in the built environment industry. With a collective membership exceeding 500,000 individual professionals, their strength lies in their unity.
Shared responsibility to drive CIC forward
The heart of CIC beats with the support of their dedicated members
They are a community that transcends individual affiliations, working together to champion best practices and shape the future of their beloved profession. CIC belongs to everyone, and it is their shared responsibility to drive it forward.
The heart of CIC beats with the support of their dedicated members. Each year, they have over 400 volunteers representing the CIC’s members to champion better practice and shape the future direction of their beloved profession. With their unwavering dedication, CIC stands as a unified voice for all sectors of the built environment.
Celebrating CIC’s 35th Anniversary
While celebrating CIC’s 35th Anniversary, they aim to share their collective vision for the built environment industry with society at large. The environment everyone inhabits has a profound influence on their daily lives, health, and well-being.
It also plays a significant role in global environmental challenges, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and resource utilization. As professionals, everyone must transition from being part of the problem to being part of the solution.
Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050
To achieve the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the construction industry must undergo a radical transformation in planning, design, utilization, management, and maintenance of spaces.
They must recognize that climate, biodiversity, and human society are interconnected, and, in collaboration with natural environment professionals, they can proactively address these challenges with place-based solutions.
Commitment to foster cross-disciplinary collaborations
As the Chair of CIC, Dr. Wei Yang’s commitment is to foster cross-disciplinary collaborations
As the Chair of CIC, Dr. Wei Yang’s commitment is to foster cross-disciplinary collaborations between professionals in the built and natural environments.
Dr. Wei Yang stated, “I am also committed to champion an interdisciplinary future of built and natural environment education and training. A significant proportion of the jobs that today’s learners will be doing in 2030 have not yet been invented. We should be at the forefront of shaping the future of our profession.”
Embracing emerging technologies
Dr. Wei Yang adds, “Embracing emerging technologies and promoting Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity in our sector is vital. The responsibility of our sector is not just building physical objects. We are here to create places embodied with empathy, inclusivity, and creativity.”
She continues, “Our CIC stands as a beacon, illuminating the path to the future of the construction industry. As the first female chair of CIC, I am proud to lead an organization committed to shaping a built environment that not only serves our professional interests but also delivers a better society and a better world. Our purpose is grounded in a shared commitment to industry improvement, fostering a positive impact, and contributing to society at large.”
Gateway to the Built Environment Professions
Dr. Wei Yang states, “Our mission, guided by these principles, is to serve as the gateway to the Built Environment Professions. We aim to connect individuals and organizations, facilitating the exchange of specialized knowledge and creating an environment where information flows freely.”
She adds, “We understand that our collective expertise can amplify our impact, transcending the boundaries of individual professions. Through collaboration, we strive to enhance resourcefulness and tackle industry challenges united.”
Built Environment Professions are natural problem solvers
Dr. Wei Yang continues, “Built Environment Professions are natural problem solvers, and we recognize the power of collective knowledge and experience. By coming together and drawing upon our extensive expertise, we can provide innovative solutions to the challenges our industry faces. Our response to society’s evolving needs is rooted in our unrivalled knowledge, enabling us to make a meaningful difference.”
In the coming years, CIC will remain at the forefront of these efforts, promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and creative problem-solving within the construction industry. As the CIC forges a path towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative future, they invite all members of the Built Environment Professions to contribute to their mission.
Drive meaningful change within the industry
Dr. Wei Yang concludes, “Together, we have the power to make a positive impact and drive meaningful change within our industry and the society it serves. The future of the construction industry is in our hands, and together, we will shape it for the better.”