Professional Documents
Culture Documents
STRATEGY FOR
SUSTAINABLE
CONSTRUCTION
JUNE 2008
1 Foreword................................ 2
2 Introduction . ......................... 4
3 Procurement ......................... 8
4 Design . ................................ 14
5 Innovation.............................18
6 People ...................................22
7 Better Regulation ................ 27
8 Climate Change
Contents
Mitigation ............................ 30
9 Climate Change
Adaptation . ......................... 36
10 Water.................................... 40
11 Biodiversity.......................... 45
12 Waste ................................... 48
13 Materials . ............................ 52
14 Embedding and
Reporting Progress . ........... 56
15 Acknowledgements ............ 59
16 Contact Details .................... 60
1
FOREWORD
1 Foreword
The construction industry is significant: its output is worth
over £100bn a year. It accounts for 8% of Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) and provides employment for around 3 million
workers. The public sector is a major client of the industry
and is responsible for directly procuring about a third of
all construction.
The output of the construction industry, be it public buildings,
commercial buildings, homes or infrastructure such as our
roads, harbours and sea defences, has a major impact on our
ability to maintain a sustainable economy overall and has a
major impact on our environment. Moreover, it is clear that
we cannot meet our declared environmental targets without
dramatically reducing the environmental impact of buildings
2 and infrastructure construction; we have to change the way
we design and build.
This joint industry and Government Strategy is based on a
shared recognition of the need to deliver a radical change in
the sustainability of the construction industry.
We want to lead the world in sustainable construction. The
Strategy for Sustainable Construction represents a commitment
from the industry to work towards this vision by reducing its
carbon footprint and its consumption of natural resources,
while creating a safer and stronger industry by training
JUNE 2008
FOREWORD
Shriti Vadera Phil Woolas
Department for Business, Department for Environment,
Enterprise & Regulatory Reform (BERR) Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
3
Caroline Flint Ian Pearson
Department for Communities and Department for Innovation,
Local Government (CLG) Universities & Skills (DIUS)
Mike Davies
Chair of the Strategic Forum for Construction
JUNE 2008
2
2
INTRODUCTION
Introduction
Economic Contribution
of Construction
The construction industry makes an important contribution
to the competitiveness and prosperity of the economy. A
modern, efficient infrastructure is a key driver of productivity,
and the construction industry has a major role in delivering
the built infrastructure in an innovative and cost effective
way. Firms throughout the economy are dependent on the
4 performance of built infrastructure such as roads, rail, power
stations and telecoms networks to remain competitive,
and inward investors will consider the quality of the built
infrastructure as one of the key factors when considering
location decisions. Our productivity also depends on
the efficiency and nature of the built environment. The
flexibility, mobility and effectiveness of the workforce
and the productivity of firms depend on the availability of
appropriately configured and located houses and premises.
The design, construction and operation of our built
JUNE 2008
INTRODUCTION
Vision
Government and industry share a vision This Strategy complements the Action
of construction as a competitive sector Plan for Civil Engineering published
which plays a central role in delivering in July 20076. The Strategy does not
sustainability and prosperity across encompass some of the broader issues
the economy. facing developers such as planning,
the management of the existing built
The Government has introduced a environment and transport policy.
wide range of measures to promote Information on Planning policy7,
competitiveness, most recently in the Built Environment8 and Transport
the Enterprise Strategy, Enterprise: policy9 can be found below in the
unlocking the UK’s talent2 and the relevant footnote.
Innovation White Paper, Innovation
Nation3. This Strategy is developed by The Strategy lies alongside a strong
Government and the industry to focus business case for the sustainable
on sustainability in construction. construction agenda, based on:- 5
• Increasing profitability by using
resources more efficiently;
Joint Industry/ • Firms securing opportunities offered
Government by sustainable products or ways
Strategy of working;
• Enhancing company image and
The Strategy4 for Sustainable profile in the market place by
Construction will help to deliver the addressing issues relating to
aims set out in the UK’s Sustainable Corporate and Social Responsibility.
STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
2 www.tinyurl.com/2mhpkp
3 www.tinyurl.com/2mykoz
4 This is a Strategy for England. Policy for most aspects
of sustainable construction are devolved matters.
Government departments continue to work closely with 6 www.tinyurl.com/6ytgcg
Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish counterparts who
are also driving forward the sustainable construction 7 www.planningportal.gov.uk
agenda. 8 www.cabe.org.uk
5 www.tinyurl.com/2rs3h7 9 www.dft.gov.uk
JUNE 2008
2
INTRODUCTION
Delivery
To deliver the Strategy, Government
and industry have devised a set of
overarching targets related to the ‘ends’
Purpose of and ‘means’ of sustainable construction.
INTRODUCTION
To achieve improved whole life value through the promotion
of best practice construction procurement and supply side
Procurement integration, by encouraging the adoption of the Construction
Commitments in both the public and private sectors and
throughout the supply chain.
Better Regulation
A 25% reduction in the administrative burdens affecting the
private and third sectors, a 30% reduction in those affecting
7
the public sector by 2010.
Procurement
8 Context
Good procurement practice is crucially important to reduce
the overall cost of projects, to improve the economic efficiency
of the construction industry and to ensure that projects, when
complete, are fit for purpose, thereby securing whole life value.
For the public sector, there is an extensive range of
standards, advice and guidance which forms the procurement
framework. This material is generally considered to be of high
quality. While the public sector will never be a single, uniform
client, and Government has made a great deal of progress, it
JUNE 2008
10 www.strategicforum.org.uk
11 www.tinyurl.com/ywpl4p
12 www.tinyurl.com/5yu6l
3
PROCUREMENT
The goal of its Sustainable Procurement This Strategy seeks to build on a
Action Plan13 is for the UK Government shared commitment to procure in a
to be among the European Union (EU) more sustainable way and focuses
leaders in sustainable procurement by on promoting the business case
2009 to help achieve a low carbon more for better procurement practices in
resource efficient public sector. The the public and private sectors. For
Government is committed to driving up this reason, the Strategic Forum for
standards in sustainable procurement Construction16 (SFfC), the Public Sector
for public sector buyers. The 2008 Construction Clients’ Forum17 (PSCCF),
Budget14 announced a new policy and the Construction Clients Group18
framework for procurement including feature extensively in the actions and
practical guidance on how to take the deliverables table.
environment into account; and that a
There are a number of enabling
new Centre for Expertise in Sustainable
operations which can play a significant
Procurement will be established in the
role in the effective delivery of a
Office of Government Commerce (OGC).
construction project. One of these is 9
Government recognizes the importance logistics (in its widest sense). Often
of innovation in procurement through considered a backroom function,
market-based incentives such as logistics can be overlooked in terms
Forward Commitment Procurement15 of its contribution to the broad
with direct support for innovation. The ‘improvement’ and sustainability
Department for Innovation, Universities agenda. Studies19 have shown that
and Skills (DIUS) will take forward improving logistics (product transport,
this combined approach, working handling, delivery and storage) can
closely with other departments, to reduce up to 2.5% of a capital project
support suppliers to bring forward cost and significantly reduce waste and STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
13 www.tinyurl.com/yp9dsc
14 See full Budget 2008 Report at: www.tinyurl.
com/2ethop 17 www.tinyurl.com/yntusz
15 www.tinyurl.com/5hgvpz 18 See www.tinyurl.com/4ew5hx for details
16 See: www.strategicforum.org.uk for further details 19 See: www.tinyurl.com/3ojuee for details
JUNE 2008
3
PROCUREMENT
Parts of the industry – clients, consultants, main Strategic Forum 2012 - measured using
contractors, specialist contractors*, and product Constructing Excellence
manufacturers and suppliers – to be engaged in Key Performance
supply chains on 30% of construction projects and Indicator (KPI) data
for 40% of their work to be conducted through
integrated project teams.
* These targets apply to those specialist contractors
involved in Mechanical & Electrical work. For other
specialists, the target is to establish by 2012 a mechanism
for measuring integration in their sector.
35% of client activity, by value, embraces the Strategic Forum 2010 - Constructing
principles of the Clients’ Commitments20. Excellence using
the Construction
industry KPIs
10 60% of client activity, by value, embraces the Strategic Forum 2012 - Constructing
principles of the Clients’ Commitments. Excellence using
the Construction
industry KPIs
22
BERR21/SFfC Integration Demonstration Projects. BERR/SFfC Ongoing
Integration
Task Group
23
BERR / OGC22 / Constructing Excellence Best BERR/OGC 2009
Practice Roadshows.
20
Development of simple "how to" guidance Construction 2009
21for
clients. Clients Group18
PROCUREMENT
The Sustainable Development
Commission (SDC) reports on
Departmental progress towards the
targets for sustainable operations
28 www.tinyurl.com/4n8ty7
29 BRE Environmental Assessment Method
25 www.tinyurl.com/62ad7a 30 www.tinyurl.com/3lbu5a
26 www.tinyurl.com/5yyw63 31 Through WRAP, Carbon Trust and the Energy
27 www.tinyurl.com/685us3 Saving Trust
JUNE 2008
3
PROCUREMENT
CLIENT LEADERSHIP
Client leadership is vital to the success of any project and
enables the construction industry to perform at its best.
JUNE 2008
STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
3
PROCUREMENT
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability lies at the heart of design and construction.
A sustainable approach will bring full and lasting
environmental, social and economic benefits.
DESIGN QUALITY
The design should be creative, imaginative, sustainable and 13
capable of meeting delivery objectives. Quality in design and
construction utilising the best of modern methods will ensure
that the project meets the needs of all stakeholders, both
functionally and architecturally.
Design
DESIGN
14
Context
No building, infrastructure, public space or place can be
considered genuinely well designed, or sustainable, if it does
not contribute to the triple bottom line of environmental,
social and economic sustainability.
A good design process requires real engagement with key
stakeholders but offers the prospects of more sustainable
JUNE 2008
DESIGN
CABE (the Commission for Architecture • The Strategic Forum for Construction
and the Built Environment) is clear and the Construction Industry
that delivering design quality requires Council, by promoting the Design
strong leadership and a clear vision Quality Indicator (DQI)34, a process
from both clients and construction for evaluating design quality of
teams on what is to be achieved. buildings;
Government continues to champion
• CABE, the Home Builders Federation
sustainable design through its Better
and the Civic Trust by developing
Public Building initiative32. For example,
and promoting the Building for Life
sustainable design and procurement
scheme35: a process for evaluating 15
is recognized in the criteria for the
the design quality of new homes;
Prime Minister’s Award for Better
Public Building. At Cabinet level, the • The Institution of Civil Engineers
Prime Minister has recently reaffirmed (ICE), the Building Research
the importance of good design, and Establishment (BRE) and the
Andy Burnham, as Secretary of State, Construction Industry Research and
DCMS33, has taken on the role of cross- Information Association (CIRIA),
Government Design Champion. At a who have developed the CEEQUAL36
local level, CABE supports a network of assessment and award scheme for
design champions in public authorities evaluating the environmental design STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
across the country. And at all levels, quality of civil engineering and
leadership needs to be informed by infrastructure projects.
expert professional knowledge and
an understanding of and engagement • English Partnerships (EP) and
with the views of multiple stakeholders Housing Corporation38 (HC) will
throughout the design and construction continue to adopt Building for
process, both from within the industry Life as a consistent design quality
and beyond. benchmark and to ensure that
housing schemes are delivered to a
Various parties are driving forward the high standard against this.
design agenda, including:
34 www.dqi.org.uk
32 www.betterpublicbuildings.gov.uk 35 www.buildingforlife.org
33 Department for Culture Media and Sport 36 www.ceequal.com
JUNE 2008
4
DESIGN
10% increase year on year from 2007 levels in Strategic Forum 2010 - CIC37
the proportion of projects using DQI in public measurement of
buildings (custodial, police, fire, courts and other number of DQI projects
public projects), housing, and education projects.
10% increase year on year in the number of times Strategic Forum 2010 - CIC
the projects above use DQI. measurement of
number of DQI events
Continued 10% per annum growth from 2010 Strategic Forum 2012 - CIC
levels in both of the first 2 targets. measurement of
16 number of DQI projects
and events
80% of projects to achieve at least 50% demand Strategic Forum 2010 - CIC
side representation at all workshops. measurement of ratio at
DQI events
Full compliance with targets set in 2006 to achieve All Government Immediate
BREEAM ‘excellent’ for new builds and ‘very Departments
good’ for major refurbishments procured by (SDC monitoring89)
Central Government, supported by the Centre for
Expertise in Sustainable Procurement within OGC.
JUNE 2008
37
DESIGN
Future Work
The Office of Government Commerce
(OGC) Property Benchmarking
38 Service41, which captures a number of
key sustainability metrics at building
39 www.tinyurl.com/3lbu5a
40 www.tinyurl.com/5zlo84
40a Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods, Feb 08, 41 www.tinyurl.com/6898tc
DCLG, Chapter 7, page 87, www.tinyurl.com/37btps.
Lifetime Homes standards is an element in the Code for 42 See www.tinyurl.com/3rfc7g for further details
Sustainable Homes 43 www.greeninfrastructure.co.uk
JUNE 2008
5
5
INNOVATION
Innovation
Context
Innovation is the successful exploitation of new ideas to
obtain competitive advantage. It is integral to developing
new products for the market and new processes and ways of
working. Greater sustainability should be at the heart of policy
JUNE 2008
44 www.tinyurl.com/5hg4n7
5
INNOVATION
The challenge for Government, industry BERR and the TSB are working
and the knowledge base is to establish closely with overseas partners on the
a framework within which innovation, innovation needs of a sustainable
research, development, demonstration, construction industry in the new
and knowledge transfer can thrive. The European Research Area network for the
industry-led National Platform for the construction and operation of Buildings
Built Environment45 is developing a (ERACOBUILD) due to commence in
Strategic Research Agenda identifying Autumn 2008.
future research priorities for the
industry. One of its three priority themes The Government first published “Quick
is reduced resource consumption. Wins”50 procurement standards,
This is also one of the priority themes which are mandatory for Government
for the Strategic Research Agenda departments, in 2003. These standards
to 2030, developed by the European were updated and extended in 2007.
Construction Technology Platform46, Further updates will be published
within which a major Joint Technology later this year. They include minimum
Initiative on Energy Efficient Buildings is specifications for central heating,
being developed47. air conditioning, glazing and water
appliances. BSI51 has also published its
The Technology Strategy Board (TSB) revised standard: 19
has developed an Innovation Platform “Design management systems:
in Low Impact Buildings48 to enable guide to managing innovation”,
industry to deliver more sustainable (BS 7000-1:2008).
buildings though collaborative research
and development (R&D), demonstration The Government Chief Information and
programmes, and design competitions. Chief Technology Officers’ Councils
The Platform will address a number have produced two toolkits for Green
of key themes such as the integration Information and Communications
of technologies into viable buildings; Technology (Green ICT). A Green
design tools for future climate ICT Scorecard is available to aid
change; the use of new materials and the review and improvement of
STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
45 www.nationalplatform.org.uk
46 www.tinyurl.com/4djaoa
47 www.tinyurl.con/53nh7d 50 www.tinyurl.com/5o4bzz
48 www.tinyurl.com/4ucnet 51 www.bsi-global.com
49 www.mbektn.co.uk 52 www.tinyurl.com/56nme2
JUNE 2008
5
Actions and Deliverables
INNOVATION
Complete and publicise the National Platform’s Strategic National Platform; By September
Research Agenda shaping medium to long term MBE-KTN. 2008
research priorities in Reduced Resource Consumption;
Client orientated value; and information technology
and automation. The aim is to promote awareness and
engagement with the research agenda and influence
Research & Development (R&D) direction and support.
To ensure the Knowledge Transfer Network attracts a TSB and MBE-KTN to Summer 2009
critical mass of construction businesses, and identifies Consortium
areas where it has added value with members
successfully exploiting new technologies and techniques
including learning from overseas and other industries.
Eco-towns initiative54. Creating 10 new socially, economic Department for 2016 (up to
and environmentally sustainable (zero-carbon) new Communities and five Eco-Towns)
settlements of up to 20,000 homes. Local Government 2020 (10
(CLG) & Local expected)
Authorities
JUNE 2008
The Carbon Challenge Programme57a will help accelerate English 2009 (first
the home building industry’s response to climate change Partnerships (EP) completed
by fast-tracking the creation of a number of new zero units). 2011
carbon communities initially on EP owned sites which (First completed
STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
53 55
will meet the zero carbon, water, waste and other targets development)
of Code level 6.
54
INNOVATION
Measurement
and Reporting
Ongoing indications of the state of
innovation will be gauged by the
biennial DIUS Community Innovation
Survey, and the TSB, Regional
Development Agencies (RDAs) and
• The Foresight project (sponsored
European Commission statistics on
by DIUS, CLG, Defra and BERR) on
R&D grant awards.
“Sustainable Energy Management
A desire for better indicators of the and the Built Environment” which
state of innovation in the sector will will report in autumn 2008.
be explored in the context of the DIUS
• The Government response58 to the
and NESTA56 - led work to develop an
Commission for Environmental
innovation index progress on wich
Markets and Economic Performance
will be reported in the first annual
report60 undertook to examine
innovation report to be published in
the product approvals regime
21
autumn 2008.
for innovative products in the
construction sector to understand
better the barriers to introducing
Future Work innovative, sustainable products.
• The European Union’s Lead • The Energy Technologies Institute59,
Markets Initiative57 on sustainable with a focus on supporting
construction (one of six pilot markets development programmes
chosen), which aims to influence and contributing to low carbon, secure
promote demand for the supply of energy supplies, may also consider STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
6 People
Reduce the incidence rate of fatal and major injury accidents by 10% year on
year from 2000 levels.
STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
60 www.constructionskills.net
6
PEOPLE
Context
The training and development scene for Although suppliers may think a training
the built environment is characterised need exists, it is not always clear that
by a large number of players: various firms or individuals want a specific
Sector Skills Councils (SSCs); bodies training product or service. This is
such as the Academy for Sustainable why it is so important that the skills
Communities (ASC)61 and the Green system is shaped around the needs
Building Council (UK - GBC)62; and of employers.
training providers. The SSCs have
Fostering demand by promoting and
developed, or are developing, their
instilling a culture of training and life
Sector Skills Agreements and other
long learning / continuous professional
high level skills strategies. The ASC
development, is at the heart of
is a centre of excellence working
this Strategy. This is intentionally
at a strategic level, supporting
a high level, generic approach,
the construction sector to deliver
sustainable communities.
which gives scope on which a wide 23
range of sustainability-specific skills
A number of responses to the organisations can build. Championing
consultation on the draft Strategy effective brokerage mechanisms,
highlighted training supply aspects, and working with the training/
such as the perceived need for more development supply side to create a
accessible training provision in better understanding of the benefits
particular areas. Others focused on the of training/development, especially
need to encourage customer demand sustainability aspects, will be important.
for skills development among both Work to drive improved health and
companies and individuals. Unless safety in the industry will also feature. STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
demand is nurtured, training products
Generating demand and uptake for
and services will not be used, and the
learning and training will require
knowledge/skills base will not develop.
increased awareness, understanding
and engagement at community and
individual levels, particularly among
children and young people. This
should generate a supply of motivated
people interested in further training
and development.
61 www.ascskills.org.uk
62 www.ukgbc.org
JUNE 2008
6
PEOPLE
Net increase of 230,000 qualified people recruited Strategic Forum 2010 - from Annual
and trained in the industry compared with 2006 Labour Force
Survey
Net increase of 260,000 qualified people recruited Strategic Forum 2012 - from Annual
and trained in the industry compared with 2006 Labour Force
Survey
Promotion of the value of CPD, and facilitating Construction Industry 2008 and
access to suitable developmental training on Council, professional continuing
sustainability aspects. institutions, BERR.
STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
PEOPLE
List of Actions & Deliverables Body Responsible Timescale
which contribute to the for each action/
Overarching Target deliverable
Fully trained, qualified and competent workforce Strategic Forum 2010 - Annual
on all projects Labour Force
Survey and trade
association site
audits
Reduce the incidence rate of fatal and major injury Strategic Forum 2010 - Information64
accidents by 10% year on year from 2000 levels provided by HSE
Reduce the incidence rate of cases of work-related Strategic Forum 2010 - Constructing
ill health by 20% from 2000 levels Better Health, HSE 25
Surveys
10% year on year reduction in the incidence rate Strategic Forum 2012 - Information
of fatal and major injuries from 2010 levels provided by HSE
30% increase from 2007 level of micro-SMEs Strategic Forum 2012 - Surveys
63(Small and Medium Sized Enterprises) and SMEs undertaken by
taking up Health & Safety training and education ConstructionSkills, STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
64at an organisational level Working Well
Together,
Constructing
Excellence, HSE
BETTER REGULATION
7 Better
Regulation
Context
The Government is committed to cutting red tape for business,
the public and voluntary sectors. Proportionate, risk based
regulation can help provide protection and deliver significant STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
BETTER REGULATION
Actions and • Following a commitment in the
recently published Enterprise
Deliverables Strategy, Enterprise: unlocking the
UK’s talent71 all new regulatory
The Actions & Deliverables requirements will be examined to
required to meet this overarching assess whether small firms can be
target are reflected in individual exempted from or be subject to
Government Departmental plans70. simplified enforcement. If this is
New construction-specific initiatives not possible for legal or policy
have not been introduced and so a reasons departments will seek to
table of Actions and Deliverables has work with small firms to design
not been presented in this chapter. specific approaches for them.
The Government will also consult
on the introduction of a new
Future Work system of “regulatory budgets”
for departments which will
29
• Any new policy will have risk provide a means of controlling
based evidence to support its the totality of new costs from the
implementation, and will be regulation Government introduces
informed by consultation and over a period.
Impact Assessment. Any new
regulation will be proportionate, • Regulation will be supported by high
transparent, accountable, quality and timely guidance, and
consistent and targeted, and will effective communication of change.
not produce perverse incentives • Regular Government reviews
STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
70 www.tinyurl.com/5g2zr4 71 www.tinyurl.com/2mhpkp
JUNE 2008
8
8
CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION
Climate Change
Mitigation
Context
In response to the threat of climate change, the Government
has already committed to a number of actions including
setting legally binding CO2 reduction targets, and will
introduce five year carbon budgets through the Climate
Change Bill72. Other actions are included in the Planning
JUNE 2008
72 www.tinyurl.com/25j33o
73 www.tinyurl.com/yukna5
74 www.tinyurl.com/594gr3
75 www.tinyurl.com/2gsgoo
76 www.tinyurl.com/ydw9ch
All products used in the construction 8
industry have embodied environmental
79 www.tinyurl.com/26sm48 82 www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
80 www.tinyurl.com/36rgk5 83 www.tinyurl.com/5banqt
81 www.energysavingtrust.org.uk 84 www.tinyurl.com/6grq8l
8
All new homes to be zero carbon from 2016, with CLG 2016
Building Regulations70 locking in improvements in
2010 and 201387.
The latest report was published on 18th • Further policies and measures for
March 200890. reducing emissions; and
• Carbon accounting and budget
STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
management.
88 www.tinyurl.com/4jt6xe
89 www.tinyurl.com/3lbu5a
90 www.tinyurl.com/5zlo84
8
non-domestic buildings.
As part of the consideration of existing
buildings, Government will look at
ways in which the energy efficiency of
existing non-domestic buildings might
be improved. During 2008 English
Heritage is launching a research
project to measure the energy use and
embodied energy of Victorian terraced
homes and to lead the enhanced advice
on the cost-effectiveness of various
energy-saving measures.
91 For full details see: www.tinyurl.com/3nb69c
JUNE 2008
9
CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION
9 Climate
Change
Adaptation
Context
JUNE 2008
92 www.tinyurl.com/44fuml
93 www.tinyurl.com/42nzuj
9
96 www.tinyurl.com/552n3q
94 www.greeninfrastructure.co.uk 97 www.tinyurl.com/25j33o
95 www.tinyurl.com/ypdd2y 98 www.tinyurl.com/6fde79
JUNE 2008
9
CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION
Measurement
and Reporting
A range of measures is in place to report on the actions
JUNE 2008
99 www.tinyurl.com/4l2xmf
100 www.tinyurl.com/4o54p2
9
10
WATER
Water
Context
JUNE 2008
WATER
Household water demand accounts The Government as client is leading
for more than half of all public water the way. From April 2008, water use
supply use in England and Wales, and in all new domestic property financed
many of the new homes to be built in by Government must reach level three
the next decades are in areas currently of the Code for Sustainable Homes46,
designated as water-stressed; hence, equal to 105 litres per person per day.
encouraging efficient water use in This will allow flexibility about the
the home is crucial. The Government choice of individual water fittings whilst
is introducing Building Regulations70 still enabling the achievement of an
to improve the water efficiency of overall performance level for the home.
new homes from April 2009. This will
The Water Saving Group105, chaired by
require a whole building standard of
the Minister for the Enviroment, has
125 litres per person per day. It has also
led the work to reduce the demand
integrated water usage targets into the
Code for Sustainable Homes46 and will
for water in households in England. 41
Established in 2005, the group
be working to encourage wider uptake
brings together key water industry
of the Code over the coming years103.
organisations in order to combine their
One method to encourage households skills and experience to work together
to save water is to install a water meter. on a package of measures to promote
Changes to legislation in 2007 will allow the efficient use of water in households.
companies in areas of serious water The Group is currently (2008) reviewing
stress to install meters in households, water efficiency measures in the
where there is a resource case to do so. industrial and commercial sector, and
Government will be commissioning an is also working with BSI and others
independent review of metering and to develop a code of practice for
STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
water charging that will look at how non-potable water use in rainwater
to progress metering beyond current harvesting systems.
arrangements104.
The Department for Communities and In due course, there may be European
Local Government (CLG) is currently standards and labelling schemes
undertaking a study into the water for some categories of water using
efficiency of new non-domestic products, as the European Commission
buildings, including the possibilities for develops proposals to take forward
whole building performance standards the measures in its Communication on
for non-domestic buildings. Water Scarcity and Drought106. Defra will
continue to work with the Commission
Over the coming year (2008/9), Defra and other Member States on the
will consult on revisions to the Water proposals, including the establishment
Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations. of minimum water efficiency standards
These regulations set out the maximum for products such as dishwashers and
permitted water usage of toilets, urinals, washing machines via the Framework
washing machines and dishwashers. Directive for the Eco-design for Energy
The review will consider enforcement Using Products107. Defra will encourage
issues, advances in technical standards the Commission to do the same for
and water conservation, and the case other water using products within
42 for setting new performance standards its wider proposals for eco-design
for key water using fittings. Subject to requirements under the Integrated
consultation, any revised regulations Product Policy Framework108.
will be issued in 2009. These will work
alongside the new Building Regulations In early 2008, Defra completed a
for water efficiency of new homes by consultation on improving surface
discouraging the replacement of water water drainage, which incorporated
efficient fittings installed in new homes a discussion regarding the future
by ones that use more water, and will development of Sustainable Drainage
work to improve water efficiency in Systems (SUDS). The uncertainty
existing and non-domestic buildings. surrounding the responsibility for the
JUNE 2008
106 www.tinyurl.com/4tjeao
107 www.tinyurl.com/ya9543
108 See: www.tinyurl.com/5g5jor for details
of this framework
10
WATER
Actions and Deliverables
List of Actions & Deliverables Body Responsible Timescale
which contribute to the for each action/
Overarching Target deliverable
All new homes built with English Partnerships English Partnerships, From April 2010
and Housing Corporation support to meet Code Housing Corporation38
for Sustainable Homes Level 3 standards for and CLG
water efficiency (from April 2008), and (subject to
funding) Level 4 standards from 2011 (105 litres
per person per day).
Defra will review the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Defra 2009
Regulations 1999 in 2008 with a view to setting
new performance standards for key fittings.
109 www.tinyurl.com/5e99q9
11
BIODIVERSITY
11
Biodiversity
45
That the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity
within and around construction sites is considered
throughout all stages of a development.
actions instigated.
conservation agencies
Set up a cross-sectoral workshop and task group UK Green Building End of 2008
to develop a roadmap for the industry to maintain Council
and enhance biodiversity in support of the target.
111 www.tinyurl.com/65nyfz
112 Association of Local Government Ecologists
11
BIODIVERSITY
Measurement Examples of key themes are:
113 www.greeninfrastructure.co.uk
114 www.tinyurl.com/4qe2ca
115 www.planningportal.gov.uk
JUNE 2008
12
WASTE
12
Waste
48
WASTE
Context
The construction industry in England waste production. These include
uses around 400 million tonnes of the landfill tax, the standard rate
materials every year. Around 90 million of which for non-inert material will
tonnes of CD&E inert waste is produced, increase to £48/tonne in 2010/11, the
with half of this recycled as aggregates, aggregates levy which encourages
including at the site of production. the use of recycled rather than virgin
Estimates suggest at least a further 20 materials, new legislation making Site
million tonnes of non-inert and mixed Waste Management Plans (SWMPs)
CD&E waste is also produced annually. mandatory for construction projects in
The overarching target focuses on the England worth over £300,000 and the
total amount of CD&E waste being Code for Sustainable Homes46 against
disposed of via landfill, estimated which ratings were made mandatory for
at over 25 million tonnes a year in all new homes from May 2008118.
England. Work is underway via Defra’s
Waste Data Strategy116 to strengthen
In order to meet the challenging target 49
of halving CD&E waste to landfill by
understanding of CD&E waste
2012 (as a result of reduction, reuse,
production, recovery and disposal. With
recycling and recovery) complementary,
data expected to be more robust in 2008
action by industry will be needed
than previous years, this is taken as the
through all elements of the supply
baseline year for measuring progress
chain. While the overarching target
towards the 2012 target.
of halving waste to landfill may not
Given the scale of the construction automatically translate at a sector or
industry’s resource use and the quantity individual business level, all of the
of CD&E waste entering landfill, the actions detailed below will provide an
important contribution to cutting CD&E
STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
Waste Strategy for England 2007117
identified construction waste as a waste to landfill. In addition, some
priority sector for action. A number of companies have already set their own
fiscal and legislative tools are already challenging waste targets based on a
driving up resource efficiency in the clearly demonstrated business case.
construction sector and driving down
WRAP
WASTE
Measurement Future Work
and Reporting Even if all agreed actions are met,
there will still be a large amount of
Sector level organisations(*) will CD&E waste arising from construction
monitor delivery of actions for which activities, with landfill likely to remain
they are responsible and progress a necessary outlet for significant
against their own commitments and quantities of CD&E waste beyond
targets, collating aggregated data 2012. Reducing these quantities will
from individual businesses where require an integrated supply chain
appropriate. Similarly, WRAP will approach which addresses both waste
co-ordinate progress against the minimisation and recovery.
Construction Waste Commitment.
Measurement of the overall volumes Defra, in conjunction with a new
of CD&E waste going to landfill will be construction waste group representing 51
conducted by Defra, drawing on all sectors of the industry along with
a range of available data sources WRAP and Envirowise, will look at the
including the CLG aggregates survey, following areas for further work:
landfill operator returns and other data
• incorporating waste minimisation
streams identified in the Waste Data
principles into building design and
Hub Strategy120.
throughout the supply chain;
• improving our knowledge base via
life cycle assessments of construction
products and encouraging them to STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
be used efficiently;
• obtaining better waste data
and evidence;
• developing and rolling out necessary
tools; and
• improving take back or exchange
opportunities for unwanted and
waste materials.
120 www.tinyurl.com/5v8p8n
JUNE 2008
13
13
MATERIALS
Materials
Context
The rapidly increasing demand for greener buildings
provides both challenges and opportunities in relation to the
materials used. Accurate, accessible and timely information
on the environmental and social impact of using different
materials is increasingly desired by designers, contractors and
JUNE 2008
121 A Responsible Sourcing Scheme is a documented set of criteria setting out the
obligations of an organization in managing the supply of construction products
in accordance with a set of agreed principles of sustainability.
13
MATERIALS
As a result of significant work in the Enforcement, Governance and Trade
1990s funded by Government, the initiative122. Other material sectors
Building Research establishment are now beginning to think about
(BRE) and the manufacturing trades establishing responsible sourcing
associations, developed a system for schemes with input from relevant
Environmental Profiling of construction stakeholders and establishing
products and common building performance levels.
elements (later incorporated into the
There is now a growing industry
BRE Green Guide to Specification80).
emerging using renewable construction
More recently, the surge in demand
materials which in the right context,
for greener construction products is
can deliver buildings with enhanced
stimulating the manufacturing sector
environmental properties – for example
to invest and innovate in the hope
through performance in use (energy
of capturing more market share as
procurers adopt more sustainable
consumption, thermal properties, 53
ease of maintenance) and at “end of
procurement policies.
life” (how the material is recycled,
Government, through the policy of recovered or disposed). However,
procuring only legal and sustainable further work is needed to gain a better
timber and timber products has, for this understanding of the overall impacts of
material, altered the market demand using such materials - from the growing
and changed the behaviour of the and processing of the raw materials,
timber trade. From the 1st of April 2009, through to the decommissioning
all timber and timber products used on and disposal stages. Government
the Government estate must be from is investing in this area through the
legal and sustainable sources Defra Renewables and Low Carbon
STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS
List of Actions & Deliverables Body Responsible Timescale
which contribute to the for each action/
Overarching Target deliverable
55
14
EMBEDDING AND REPORTING PROGRESS
Embedding
and Reporting
Progress
56
The construction industry and Government will have key roles
in implementing this Strategy.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The UK Green Building Council Regional Development Agencies (RDAs)
(UK-GBC) is working with members and will support this Strategy through
other stakeholders to create a ‘Roadmap strategic alignment and working in
to Sustainability’, a shared vision of partnership with the rest of the public
a sustainable built environment that sector while understanding the needs
provides a path for the industry, its of business. RDAs will:
clients and policy makers to follow126.
• Apply the Common Minimum
CIRIA will provide a means through Standards129 for all construction
which the many different stakeholders works carried out directly or with
in construction can work together to RDA financial support - these include
promote this Strategy throughout the standards set out in the OGC’s
industry. This will be performed using Achieving Excellence23 initiative;
member contacts, networks and events
• Require that where RDA investment
(including CIEF127), where appropriate,
relates to housing development 57
to promote the Government’s targets for
they will require achievement of at
sustainable construction.
least the same levels of the Code
Constructing Excellence will use its for Sustainable Homes46 and
extensive network of organizations complementary housing quality
and businesses from across the built standards now required by English
environment to communicate and Partnerships39;
promote the Strategy. It will also
• Support innovation in partnership
engage its local club network to
with the Technology Strategy Board
promote the Strategy to SMEs and
and align their investments to
regional offices of major players.
STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
achieve this;
To aid uptake of sustainable practise,
the Construction Clients Group has • Support Small and Medium Sized
produced a Plain English Guide to Enterprises with a particular focus
Sustainable Construction128. on resource efficiencies;
• Support sustainable development in
their regions through the Integrated
Regional Strategies;
• Be signatories to the
Construction Commitments130.
15
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Acknowledgements
59
16
Contact
60
Details
Copies of the Strategy are available at:
www.tinyurl.com/yua68g
For further information or questions please contact:
Department for Business, Enterprise
& Regulatory Reform
Construction Sector Unit
1 Victoria Street
JUNE 2008
Printed in the UK on recycled paper containing a minimum of 75% post consumer waste.
Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform. www.berr.gov.uk