Jul 31 2007
Reducing on-site waste, using sustainable materials, and increasing skills in the workforce are just some of the targets set out for the construction industry in a draft Government and Industry Sustainable Construction Strategy.
The proposed joint strategy, launched today for consultation, aims to help the industry deliver more sustainable construction methods and products.
The draft strategy's key areas include:
- Reducing the carbon footprint of activities within the construction sector
- Production of zero net waste at construction site level
- Developing voluntary agreements and initiatives between the construction industry and its clients with the aim of reducing the carbon footprint and use of resources within the built environment
- Creating a safer industry by improving skills, boosting the numbers of workers taking part in training programmes, and retaining more skilled workers.
Stephen Timms, Minister for construction at BERR said:
"The threat of global warming is of enormous concern to the community, and it demands change from Government, industry and the public alike.
"Currently the built environment accounts for around 47% of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK (Construction accounts for 1.5%). Not only must the construction industry rise to the challenge of reducing those emissions, it must also consider how it will adapt its products to deal with the impacts of unavoidable climate change."
The draft strategy sets out a vision for a sustainable industry and proposes mechanisms by which this vision can be realised, including:
- More effective use of the Government's procurement power
- Greater recognition of design quality as integral to all aspects of sustainable construction
- Increased use of sustainable materials.
Stephen Timms continued:
"People in the construction industry have helped us to build this consultation document, so the message is clear: these changes in working practice are wanted by the government and industry alike. However this strategy is not about introducing new legislation, it is about making existing regulation work better."
Mike Davies, Chairman of the Strategic Forum for Construction, said:
"It is important for the industry to demonstrate its commitment, and developing a strategy jointly with Government is a key component of this. The strategy proposes some challenging targets. There are some quick wins and some where longer term measures need to be in place.
"Most importantly, the strategy requires all parts of the industry and our stakeholders to work together. To develop a sustainable future we must combine the processes for improving the built environment with the policies to increase competitiveness, and this will be the key to the success of this strategy."
The proposed strategy is now available and feedback from the industry and other stakeholders is welcome. The deadline for comment is November 30, 2007.