Date of article: 17/08/2007
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Reducing on-site waste, using sustainable materials and increasing skills in the workfroce are just some of the targets set out for the construction industry in the Government's draft sustainable construction strategy, launched for consultation 30 July
The proposed strategy aims to help the industry deliver more sustainable construction methods and products, including:
. reducing the carbon footprint of activities within the construction sector;
. producing zero net waste at construction site level;
. developing voluntary agreements and initatives between the construction industry and its clients with the aim of reducing the carbon footprint and use of resources within the built environment and
. creating a safer industry by improving skills boosting the numbers of workers taking part in training programmes and retaining more skilled workers.
The strategy also aims to make more effective use of the Government's procurement power, increase the recognition of deisgn quality as integral to all aspects of sustainable construction, and increase the use of sustainable materials
Stephen Timms, Minister for construction at DBERR, says:
"The threat of global warning 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 for reducing those emissions, it must also consider how it will adapt its products to deal with the impacts of unavoidable climate change
"People in the construction industry have helped us to build this consultation document, so the message is clear: these changes in working practices 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."
The strategy is now available for feedback from the industry and other stakeholders. The deadline for comment is 30 November 2007.
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