But according to Andrew Wolstenholme, director of capital projects for the airport's operator BAA, and formerly director of construction for Terminal 5, the building being officially opened only represents a fraction of the total work completed.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Mammoth Heathrow project fuels pride

John Armstrong of the Construction Employers Federation said he believed Stormont ministers should invest further money in "capital infrastructure projects" to help the construction sector.

BBC: Ballymena firm Patton goes into administration

Innovative financing ideas and partnerships can help us reap the benefits of capital-intensive projects, such as energy retrofits, without the need to provide the upfront capital required for construction.

WHITEHOUSE: GreenGov 2012: Leading by Example