Draft Strategy for

Sustainable Construction
A consultation paper July 2007

1
 Draft Strategy for Sustainable Construction

A Consultation Paper

Contents Page No

Foreword 3

1 Executive Summary 4

2 Introduction 12

3 How to Respond 16

Industry Improvement Elements (the Means): Chapters 4 - 8

4 Procurement 19

5 Design 24

6 Innovation 28

7 The People Agenda 32

8 Better Regulation and Business Support Simplification 36

Output Elements (the Ends): Chapters 9 – 12

9 Climate Change 39

10 Water 44

11 Biodiversity 48

12 Waste & Materials 50

Delivery: Chapters 13 & 14

13 Delivery of the Sustainable Construction Strategy 57

14 Monitoring of Achievements 60

Annex 1 Consultation Questions and Response Form 62

Annex 2 Partial Regulatory Impact Assessment 72

Annex 3 List of contributing organisations 76

2
Foreword
The UK construction industry is vast: its output is worth £100bn a year. It accounts for
8% of GDP, and employs 2.1 million people. However, buildings are also responsible
for almost half of UK carbon emissions, half of water consumption, about one third of
landfill waste and 13% of all raw materials used in the UK economy.

To achieve our sustainable development goals, we have to change the way we build.

The Stern Report highlighted the importance of taking early action to combat climate
change and Government is consulting on a Climate Change Bill that will commit the
UK to increasingly stringent carbon budgets. Industry needs to respond to this new
reality. The public sector procures about 40% of non-domestic construction and we will
use this influence to drive up the sustainability of our built environment.

With this in mind this document aims to establish a joint Government and industry
Strategy for Sustainable Construction.

Our aim is to:

• Make a step change in the sustainability of the construction industry and then to
drive continuous improvement;
• Support the development of a committed, skilled and adaptable workforce and
take forward change in the construction industry in order to enhance efficiency;
and
• Create long term certainty so that industry can innovate and lead internationally
in products and services for sustainable construction.

This draft Strategy is just a start. We know it does not contain all the answers – but it
does provide a basis for an intelligent discussion between industry, NGOs and
Government. Over the consultation period Government will be actively engaging with
all stakeholders in order to improve the evidence base, refine the targets and to share
priorities for action.

Our goal is that our construction industry should be a world beater, training a skilled
and committed workforce, and a world leader in environmental responsibility.

Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP Yvette Cooper MP Phil Woolas MP

Minister of State Housing Minister Minister of State
for Competitiveness for the Environment

Rt Hon Margaret Hodge MBE MP Mike Davies Chair,

Minister for Culture Strategic Forum for Construction

3
1 Executive Summary
1.1 This draft Government / industry Strategy provides a catalyst to achieve a step-
change in the sustainability of the procurement, design, construction and operation of
all built assets. We identify priority areas for action and create a process for measuring
progress toward agreed targets.

1.2 At present, there is no single plan of action on sustainable construction that

applies across Government and industry. Instead, there are a variety of policies,
regulations, performance standards, guidance documents and voluntary initiatives that
apply to many issues and audiences produced by many organisations.

1.3 While it is impossible to subsume all of these into one strategy, there is a
pressing need to be clear on our shared aspirations, priorities, actions, milestones,
and deliverables to move closer to achieving our vision for sustainable construction for
the short (to 2010) and medium term (2010 to 2020). In delivering the Strategy we do
not envisage implications for the Planning system.

1.4 This is a draft Strategy for consultation, and the government will consult widely,
in order to achieve an agreed partnership approach with industry to drive forward the
sustainability agenda. The document is aimed at decision-makers in Government, the
construction industry and non Governmental organisations. This strategy document
does not cover the implementation of sustainable development policy in Northern
Ireland or Scotland, which is mostly taken forward using devolved powers. These
include the Building (Scotland) Act 2003, which allows building regulations to be made
to further the achievement of sustainable development.

Our Vision for a sustainable construction industry

1.5 This draft has been developed within the framework of the guiding principles
outlined in the UK Government Strategy for Sustainable Development published in
March 2005 “Securing the Future” and within the context of “Rethinking
Construction”1 which is the industry’s principal change agenda.

1.6 Within the four priority areas for action identified in “Securing the Future”, our
vision for a sustainable construction industry is:

Sustainable Consumption and production

• An industry which will design better products and services reducing the
environmental impacts from the use of energy, resources and hazardous
substances.

• An industry which will reduce, and ultimately eliminate waste in construction

through improved design, procurement, and greater re-use and recycling of
resources.

• An industry where there will be re-use of existing built assets and the
construction of new, long lasting, energy conscious and future-proof (adaptable
and flexible) buildings and structures which are easy to maintain, operate and
deconstruct.

1
http://www.constructingexcellence.org.uk/pdf/rethinking%20construction/rethinking_construction_report.pdf

4
Climate change and energy

• An industry which minimises carbon emissions during construction.

• An industry which builds buildings which have a lower carbon footprint in use,
leading to the construction of zero carbon buildings.

• An industry which builds innovative solutions to climate change challenges for

the future.

Natural resources and enhancing the environment

• An industry which facilitates conservation of water resources in new

construction and refurbishment projects.

• It is an industry which recognizes that Green Infrastructure2 plays a valuable

role in delivering a range of social, environmental and economic benefits to
society.

• An industry which is proactive in creating, managing and enhancing wildlife

habitats and natural landscapes.

Creating sustainable communities

• An industry which employs and nurtures a committed, skilled and adaptable

workforce working in an environment of zero accidents and incidents with
appropriate arrangements for education and training, employment, health and
safety.

1.7 The vision also extends to the ways in which the construction industry and its
clients operate, namely:

• Procurement - Clients will have the capability to procure construction based on

whole life value and the confidence to allow the construction industry to be
innovative in the delivery of sustainable development.
• Integrated teams – The construction industry will maximise the value and
expertise which exists in its supply chains and will consistently offer projects
developed on a whole life value basis.
• Design – Good design is synonymous with sustainable construction. No
building, public space, infrastructure or place can be considered genuinely well
designed if it does not contribute to environmental, social and economic
sustainability - the triple bottom line.
• Innovation – There will be innovation in construction bringing about both
radical change and continuous improvement in the way the industry conducts
every aspect of its business.

2
http://www.tcpa.org.uk/downloads/TCPA_biodiversity_guide_lowres.pdf

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Setting priorities

1.8 In order to realize this vision, effort needs to be prioritised. There are activities
which are already receiving a considerable amount of attention, and others that have
not been developed. The intention of this Strategy is to concentrate on these areas
which can achieve results.

1.9 During the past 18 months we have undertaken a gap analysis, taking views
from industry on which areas should be considered priorities. Following a public
consultation and stakeholder events, we developed a Review of Sustainable
Construction3, which was published in October 2006. That Review laid out many of the
main government and industry initiatives which currently exist, thereby forming a
platform on which to base priorities for the Strategy. Further soundings from industry
were taken in a series of workshops held in January and February 2007 to inform this
analysis of what changes need to take place to enable us to approach the vision
described in paragraphs 1.6 and 1.7 above. This underpins the specific proposals set
out in this Consultation Document.

1.10 The messages emerging from these considerations were clear. There are key
improvements to be delivered across energy, water, biodiversity, waste and materials.
And in order to deliver outputs in those areas, it is important to concentrate on client
and industry improvement in procurement, supply team integration, design,
simplification, innovation and the people agenda. These priorities are developed in the
following chapters, with the industry improvement elements (the means) addressed in
Chapters 4 – 8, followed by the output elements (the ends) in Chapters 9 - 12.

1.11 A consequence of this priority setting exercise is that some areas are not
developed in this Strategy. They are not being ignored – it’s simply that things are
happening elsewhere. One such area is Planning, since the Planning White Paper was
published on 21 May 2007. And although Energy is included as a priority area, a more
comprehensive statement of Government’s energy policy is included in the Energy
White Paper4, published on 23 May 2007. Infrastructure is not highlighted, largely
because Civil Engineering organisations are currently developing a sustainability
strategy for this area. Moreover, many of the sustainability aspects are addressed in an
environmental assessment methodology for assessing infrastructure projects,
CEEQUAL5, and whose use is already included in the Government’s Common
Minimum Standards6. Health and Safety is another area which is not explored in great
detail, as there is a considerable amount of legislation and action already in place,
aimed at improving health and safety in the workplace.

3
http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file34979.pdf

4
http://www.berr.gov.uk/energy/whitepaper/page39534.html

5
CEEQUAL – The Civil Engineering Environmental Quality Assessment and Award Scheme, www.ceequal.com

6
http://www.ogc.gov.uk/construction_procurement_common_minimum_standards_for_the_built_environment.asp

6
How will the vision be achieved?

1.12 Within the priority areas, we set out the direction of travel of Government policy
as it relates to the construction industry. We bring together key initiatives driven by
Government Departments, Agencies, industry bodies and individual organisations with
the aim of providing the industry and its clients with an integrated approach towards
achieving more sustainable outcomes. Some actions are not new, the main aim being
to add clarity, increase awareness and garner industry and client support for
sustainability in the construction sector. We highlight what others can do, proposing
specific actions that will need to be agreed and adopted by individual organisations
and companies within the industry.

1.13 Our work falls into the following categories:

• Being clearer about what we want to do and doing what we have already said
we would do. In this document we set out the priorities to enable the
construction industry and its clients to make progress towards our vision of
sustainable construction.

• Specific commitments from Government Departments and the construction

industry and its clients to deliver on the sustainability targets.

What difference will this Strategy make?

1.14 This Strategy is not about introducing new legislation: rather, its emphasis is on
making existing regulation work better. The aim is to improve the sustainability of the
built environment with a focus on the following key areas:

• Reduced carbon footprint of activities within the construction sector, and better
use of resources7;

• Reduced daily water consumption in new buildings;

• Zero net waste, at construction site level;

• Effective use of Government procurement power as an enabler to transform the

market for innovative and sustainable solutions8;

• Development of voluntary agreements and initiatives by the construction

industry and its clients with the aim of reducing the carbon footprint and use of
resources within the built environment;

• Greater uptake of training programmes, improving skills and increasing

retention rates of skilled workers within a safer industry.

7
UK Government Sustainable Procurement Action Plan, 2007,
http://www.sustainabledevelopment.gov.uk/publications/pdf/SustainableProcurementActionPlan.pdf

8
UK Government Sustainable Procurement Action Plan, 2007,
http://www.sustainabledevelopment.gov.uk/publications/pdf/SustainableProcurementActionPlan.pdf

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What milestone targets have we set?

PRIORITY TARGETS
AREA

 50% of construction projects by value should be undertaken by

integrated teams and supply chains by the end of 2007.1

 Complete review of Government's construction procurement strategies

PROCUREMENT by summer 2008 and the delivery of whole life value.2

From 1 April 2009 only timber and timber products originating either
from independently verified legal and sustainable sources or from a
licensed Forest Law, Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT)
partner will be demanded for use on the Government estate -
appropriate documentation will be required to prove it. From 1 April
2015, only legal and sustainable timber would be demanded.3

 60% of all publicly funded or PFI projects, with a value in excess of £1

million, to have used the Design Quality Indicators4 or equivalents by
the end of 2008.1

DESIGN  20% of all projects, with a value in excess of £1 million to have used the
Design Quality Indicators and BREEAM or equivalents, and achieve an
excellent rating, by the end of 2008.5,6 (proposed new target for
industry)

 100% of construction new build projects on Government estate will

meet BREEAM excellent standard (or equivalent).7

 Increase the current 55% “innovation active” enterprises in the sector8

by 5%, to match and then track the benchmark for all UK enterprises.9

 A 10% increase in the number of enterprises in the sector taking up UK

INNOVATION and European innovation support products and schemes by 2012.9

 Government to update list in Quick Wins (environmental product

standards) in 2007.3

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 SKILLS
 Increase the number of Construction Skills Certification Scheme card
holders to 1.6 million by 2010, and to 2.0m by 2015.6

PEOPLE  Ensure the content of all qualifications are reviewed, and where
appropriate include sustainability components and provide skills
necessary to apply the latest technologies, by 2010.6

 Provision of work experience places to increase to 16,000 by 2010 and to

20,500 by 2015.6

 All domestically trained and competent construction workers to be still

involved in the industry after 5 years - target achievement by 2010, and
for 10 years - target achievement date 2015 .6

HEALTH & SAFETY

 Reduce the incidence rate of fatal and major injury accidents by 10%
from 2000 levels by 2010.10

 Reduce the incidence rate of cases of work-related ill health by 20% from
2000 levels by 2010.10

 Reduce the number of working days lost per 100,000 workers from work
related injury and ill health by 30% by 2010.10

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  All new homes to be zero carbon by 2016, with building regulations
locking in improvements in 2010 and 2013.11

 By 2010 the general level of energy efficiency of residential

CLIMATE accommodation in England to be increased by at least 20 per cent
CHANGE compared with the general level of such energy efficiency in 2000.12

 All new homes built with English Partnerships or Housing Corporation

funding to achieve a 25% improvement over current building regulation
requirements in terms of carbon emissions from April 2008 as set out in
the Code for Sustainable Homes.13

 Introducing Energy Performance Certificates for all homes (on

construction, sale or rent) to be phased in from August 2007 for 4
bedroom houses.14
 Reduce carbon emissions on the central Government office estate by
12.5% by 2010/11 and 30% by 2020 relative to 1999/2000 levels.3

 Central Government's office estate to be carbon neutral by 20123.

 Departments to increase their energy efficiency per square metre by 15%

by 2010 and 30% by 20203.

 To set in place a clear timetable and action plan to deliver significant

reductions in carbon emissions from new commercial buildings within
the next 10 years.15

 Subject to consultation, making it mandatory to have a rating against the

Code for Sustainable Homes for every new home from April 2008.

WATER
 All new homes built with English Partnerships or Housing Corporation
funding to meet Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes (105 litres per
person per day) from April 2008.10
NATURAL
RESOURCE  Amendments will be made in 2008 to the Building Regulations to
PROTECTION introduce a whole building performance standard for new homes, to be
set at a target level of 125 litres/head/day. Defra will review the Water
Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 in 2008 with a view to
introducing component based standards for key fittings.16

 A reduction in water consumption to an average of 3 cubic metres per

person per year for all new office builds or major office refurbishments
on the Government Estate.17

 Reduce water consumption by 25% on the office and non-office estate by

2020 relative to 2004/5 levels.3

 Public consultation on options for ownership and adoption of

Sustainable Drainage Systems will take place towards the end of 2007.

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 WASTE
 By 2012 a 50% reduction of construction, demolition and excavation
waste to landfill compared to 2005.18

SUSTAINABLE  By 2015, zero net waste, at construction site level.18,19

CONSUMPTION
&  By 2020, zero waste to landfill.18
PRODUCTION
MATERIALS
 50% of products with type III Environmental Product Declarations by
2010.6,20 (proposed new target for industry)

 50% of buildings and construction schemes over £1m in value using

stewardship and responsible sourcing principles21 by 2010.6 (proposed
new target for industry)

1
Strategic Forum for Construction.
2
Public Sector Construction Clients Forum, 2006.
3
UK Government Sustainable Procurement Action Plan 2007 (http://www.sustainable-
development.gov.uk/publications/pdf/SustainableProcurementActionPlan.pdf
4
www.dqi.org.uk
5
BREEAM: Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method.
6
These targets are based on the proposals put forward at the industry consultation workshops held in early 2007.
7
http://www.ogc.gov.uk/construction_procurement_common_minimum_standards_for_the_built_environment.asp
8
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) definition of construction sector, including
products and services with contracting; data sourced from Community Innovation Survey 4, 2005, data from 2002-4.33.
9
BERR lead on encouraging improvement in innovation performance in Business.
10
“Revitalising Health and Safety” www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/pdf/prog2006.pdf
11
Department of Communities and Local Government December 2006. “Building a Greener Future” consultation
document.
12
Department of Communities and Local Government, Housing Act 2004
13
Paragraph 2.31 of
http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/173/BuildingaGreenerFutureTowardsZeroCarbonDevelopment_id1505173.pdf
14
Department of Communities and Local Government News release 2007/0110 dated 11 June 2007.
15
Department of Communities and Local Government. New Target.
16
Announced as part of the Housing Green Paper Policy package on 23 July 2007.
17
http://www.sustainable-development.gov.uk/government/estates/targets-guidance.htm#waterconsumption
18
http://defraweb/environment/waste/strategy/index.htm
19
The concept of “Zero Net Waste” is explained in: http://www.wrap.org.uk/construction/index.html
20
An environmental product declaration, EPD, is defined as "quantified environmental data for a product with pre-set
categories of parameters based on the ISO 14040 series of standards, but not excluding additional environmental
information" Type III EPDs are environmental product declarations containing quantified product information, with an
obligated 3rd party validation.
21
See example of responsible sourcing and stewardship under Category 3 Materials, Code for Sustainable Homes at
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/code_for_sustainable_homes_techguide.pdf

11
2 Introduction
2.1 The UK Government is committed to the principles of sustainable development.
The guiding principles outlined in the UK Government Strategy for Sustainable
Development, “Securing the Future”, published in March 2005 set the agenda to
deliver a better quality of life using long-term solutions that will benefit everyone.

2.2 In 2000, the Government published its Strategy for Sustainable Construction:
Building a Better Quality of Life9 which presented a way forward for Government and
industry. Since then, there has been research into and progress towards sustainable
construction by Government, academia, non-governmental organisations and industry.
Much of this was summarised in the Review of Sustainable Construction10 published
by the Department of Trade and Industry in October 2006.

2.3 There is a growing sense of urgency to address sustainable development at all

levels of the construction industry. This sense of urgency is reinforced by recent
reports on global issues such as climate change, water scarcity and poverty.

2.4 Consultation during and following the Review of Sustainable Construction

highlighted the need for a new forward-looking strategy to provide a platform for
action across Government and industry. This document proposes that strategy.

Why produce a Strategy?

2.5 As one of the UK’s leading industries, responsible for over 8% of GDP and
employing over 2 million people, the construction industry has a major impact on the
sustainability of the UK as it affects most aspects of our lives, the environment and
economies worldwide. The industry can therefore help deliver the five guiding
principles for sustainable development as highlighted in the UK Strategy for
Sustainable Development.

2.6 For instance, the construction, occupation and maintenance of buildings

account for around 50 per cent of UK emissions of carbon dioxide. Waste from the
construction sector - over 100 million tonnes a year - dwarfs that generated by
households.

9
http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file13547.pdf

10
http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file34979.pdf

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2.7 The public sector procures about 40% of the non-domestic construction in the
UK. We are committed to driving up the performance of the public estate. We set out in
this document, a series of measures that Government will be taking over the coming
years to improve – dramatically – the environmental performance of its estate. Industry
needs to recognise the imperative of combating climate change. Stern set the scene
and the Government responded by committing, in the Climate Change Bill, to setting
legally enforceable carbon budgets. This is the reality against which Government has
set out its own procurement Strategy. Government looks forward to working closely
with industry to deliver these environmental improvements. We aspire to be world
leaders in all aspects of combating and adapting to climate change and are certain of
the competitive advantage it will bring.

2.8 There are also powerful reasons why a sustainable construction Strategy will be
beneficial to the industry.

2.9 At the broadest level, the resultant increased awareness by organisations of the
influence of the sustainability agenda on future Government thinking, will make them
better placed to face the strategic challenges of the future.

2.10 At a business level there are opportunities to reduce costs and improve
efficiency through, for example, reductions in energy usage and waste. A greater
awareness and understanding of the regulatory framework and future Government
plans allow for better risk management and reduced costs of compliance.

2.11 A competitive market advantage can be obtained through reduced cost and
higher profitability, enhanced reputation, improved customer loyalty, attracting and
retaining the right staff, potential increased market share and enhanced stakeholder
value, by demonstrating how sustainability is linked to core business strategy.

The “Egan” agenda

2.12 Sir John Egan’s “Rethinking Construction”11 was published in 1998. It remains
at the heart of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR)
relationship with the industry through the Strategic Forum for Construction and it
continues to influence the agenda in key areas such as public procurement. For
instance, most recently, the Strategic Forum has sought to ensure that the 2012
Olympics will be a catalyst for the widespread adoption of best practice across the
construction industry by developing its 2012 Construction Commitments12.

2.13 “Rethinking Construction” sets out an approach whereby substantial

improvements in quality and efficiency can be made.

11
http://www.constructingexcellence.org.uk/pdf/rethinking%20construction/rethinking_construction_report.pdf

12
http://www.strategicforum.org.uk/2012CC.shtml

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 Rethinking Construction

Drivers for Improving the Targets for

Change Project Process Improvement

Committed leadership Capital cost -10%

Partnering Construction time -10%

Product
Focus on the customer development
the
supply chain Predictability +20%

Product team integration Defects -20%

Accidents -20%
Project Production of
Quality driven agenda
implementation components Productivity +10%

Commitment to people Turnover & profits +10%

2.14 In 2002 “Accelerating Change”13 identified the 4 main areas of focus which were
key to the delivery of these improvement targets. They are:

• Client leadership
• Integrated teams and supply side integration
• Culture change in ‘people issues’; and
• A focus on the product

2.15 It is therefore to be expected that the themes of procurement, integration, the

people agenda and a focus on the product feature extensively in this Sustainable
Construction Strategy. The construction industry is only going to deliver consistently a
better product if there is widespread adoption of the Rethinking Construction
approach. The Constructing Excellence demonstration projects, selected on the basis
that they will be exemplars of the Egan principles, consistently outperform the wider
industry against a broad range of key performance areas14.

13
http://www.strategicforum.org.uk/pdf/report_sept02.pdf

14
http://www.constructingexcellence.org.uk/

14
2.16 We are also promoting sustainable construction on the demand side through
encouraging the widespread adoption of the 2012 Construction Commitments,
endorsed last July by Margaret Hodge, Tessa Jowell, Ken Livingstone, David Higgins
(Chief Executive, Olympic Delivery Authority) and Peter Rogers (Chairman, 2012 Task
Group). Since then over 300 firms and organisations have signed the Commitments
which feature the following headings:

• procurement and integration,

• commitment to people,
• client leadership,
• sustainability,
• design quality,
• health and safety.

2.17 In addition the Government is using its position (40% of construction output is
for the public sector) to encourage demand for more sustainable construction through
Transforming Government Procurement and through the Common Minimum
Standards. The Construction Clients Group is also reviewing the Clients Charter with a
view, amongst other things, to promote more sustainable construction.

How will the Strategy be delivered?

2.18 BERR will set up a strategic partnership with the construction industry,
involving the Strategic Forum for Construction and its Sustainable Construction Task
Group, to monitor progress and recommend changes to our Strategy to ensure that we
achieve our objectives.

2.19 We set out in Section 14 of this document our proposed approach to

monitoring, evaluating and reporting on our achievements.

2.20 Biennial progress reviews are proposed allowing us to re-set milestones,

priorities and actions as necessary.

2.21 Working together, Government Departments and the construction industry will
ensure that the Sustainable Construction Strategy is relevant, implemented and
monitored. To guide us we have set out a suite of milestone targets designed to
provide the industry and its clients with a clear framework within which we can
develop a programme of actions. These are summarized below and indicate how
success can be recognized.

2.22 This document is laid out in four parts. These introductory chapters are
followed by sections – on the means by which our performance on sustainable
construction can be enhanced (procurement, design, innovation, people and better
regulation); on the ends to be achieved (progress on climate change, water,
biodiversity, waste and materials); and on delivery and monitoring arrangements for
the Strategy.

2.23 What we are seeking is widespread engagement in making the construction

industry more sustainable. The following lays out our approach.

15
3 How to respond
3.1 A formal consultation exercise is being run with the following objectives:

• To establish a consensus on the range and prioritisation of the issues that we

address in the draft Strategy;
• To develop implementation plans to achieve the milestones, identify barriers to
delivery and develop workable solutions;
• To assign measurable actions with a monitoring and evaluation system;
• To obtain commitments from industry, specifically individual businesses,
setting out specific actions and to identify who will be responsible for
implementation of these actions.

3.2 Questions on which we are seeking your input are raised throughout this
document and repeated in Annex 1. Your answers to these questions are important to
help us improve the sustainability of the construction industry.

3.3 We are also looking forward to hearing your views on what you will do and
what actions your business will take to support the vision of sustainable construction.

3.4 The consultation process opened in July 2007 and the last date for receipt of
responses will be 30 November 2007. Replies can be made electronically and the
response questionnaire downloaded from our website:
www.berr.gov.uk/construction/sustain

3.5 A response can also be submitted by letter, fax or e-mail to:

David Hughes
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform
Construction Sector Unit,
1 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0ET
Tel. 020 7215 0993
Fax. 020 7215 6151
e-mail to: david.hughes@berr.gsi.gov.uk

3.6 When responding please state whether you are responding as an individual or
representing the views of an organisation. If responding on behalf of an organisation,
please make it clear who the organisation represents and, where applicable, how the
views of members were assembled.

16
Additional Copies

3.7 This document can be downloaded from BERR’s website (see the link above). If,
however, hard copies are needed, these can be obtained from the BERR Publications
Orderline:

BERR Publications Orderline

ADMAIL 528
London SW1W 8YT
Tel: 0845 015 0010
Fax: 0845 015 0020
Minicom: 0845 015 0030
Web: www.berr.gov.uk/publications

Consultation Questions

3.8 These are contained in Annex 1 and are aimed at obtaining industry comments
and contributions to ensure that the Strategy is developing along the right track.
Government is particularly keen to have consultees’ views on the future direction they
believe the industry might best take over the timeframe envisaged by this document.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

3.9 Information provided in response to this consultation, including personal

information, may be subject to publication or disclosure in accordance with the access
to information regimes (these are primarily the Freedom of Information Act 2000
(FOIA), the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) and the Environmental Information
Regulations 2004). If you want other information that you provide to be treated as
confidential, please be aware that, under the FOIA, there is a statutory Code of Practice
with which public authorities must comply and which deals, amongst other things,
with obligations of confidence.

3.10 In view of this it would be helpful if you could explain to us why you regard the
information you have provided as confidential. If we receive a request for disclosure of
the information we will take full account of your explanation, but we cannot give an
assurance that confidentiality can be maintained in all circumstances. An automatic
confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system will not, of itself, be regarded as
binding on the Department.

3.11 The Department will process your personal data in accordance with the DPA
and in the majority of circumstances this will mean that your personal data will not be
disclosed to third parties.

Partial Regulatory Impact Assessment

3.12 Please see Annex 2.

17
What happens next?

3.13 We aim to run a programme of events during the consultation exercise

designed to engage the wider industry in the prioritisation and development of action
plans to achieve the milestone targets and long-term aspirations. For further
information please contact David Hughes at the Construction Sector Unit at the
address above.

3.14 We intend to publish a summary of non-confidential responses to the

consultation on the BERR website within 3 months of the close of the consultation and
to publish the final Strategy document soon thereafter.

Organisations Consulted

3.15 A list of those organisations and individuals, which have contributed to

formulation of this Consultation Document, is shown at Annex 3.

Code of Practice

3.16 The Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Consultation has been followed in the
preparation of the consultation for this Strategy document. The complete code is
available on the Cabinet Office’s website:

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/regulation/consultation/index.asp

Comments or Complaints

3.17 If you wish to comment on the conduct of this consultation or make a complaint
about the way this consultation has been conducted, please write to:

Kathleen McKinlay,
Consultation Co-ordinator (Bay 566)
1 Victoria Street,
London SW1H 0ET
Telephone: Kathleen on 020 7215 2811
Or e-mail to: Kathleen.mckinlay@berr.gsi.gov.uk

18
4 Procurement
Targets and milestones

4.1 50% of construction projects by value should be undertaken by

integrated teams and supply chains by the end of 2007.15

4.2 Complete review of Government's construction procurement

strategies by summer 2008, and the delivery of whole life value.16

4.3 From 1 April 2009 only timber and timber products originating either
from independently verified legal and sustainable sources or from a licensed
Forest Law, Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) partner will be
demanded for use on the Government estate -appropriate documentation
will be required to prove it. From 1 April 2015, only legal and sustainable
timber would be demanded.17

Background and rationale for action

4.4 The theme of client leadership is a familiar one in the construction industry.
Successive industry reviews, particularly the Latham18 and Egan19 reports, have
identified the importance of the client in driving change and gaining full value from the
construction industry.

4.5 The Sustainable Procurement Task Group chaired by Sir Neville Simms,
reprised this theme when it challenged the Government to use its buying power to
make rapid progress towards the targets set out in the UK Sustainable Development
Strategy – “Securing the Future” (2005). This buying power is particularly strong in the
construction market where the public sector accounts for some 40% of the industry’s
output. That is why construction has been identified as a priority area in the
Government’s response to the Task Group, the UK Government Sustainable
Procurement Action Plan 20 – “We will encourage key suppliers to have plans in place
to reduce the carbon footprint of their activities and their supply chains. Our initial
focus will be on construction.” The Sustainable Development Commission is the body
identified as scrutineer of the Government’s progress on sustainable procurement and
the National Audit Office continues to have an overall Government procurement
watchdog role.

4.6 For the public sector there is already an extensive range of standards, advice
and guidance forming the procurement framework, and these continue to be
developed.

15
Strategic Forum for Construction

16
Public Sector Construction Clients Forum, 2006

17
UK Government Sustainable Procurement Action Plan, 2007,
http://www.sustainabledevelopment.gov.uk/publications/pdf/SustainableProcurementActionPlan.pdf

18
“Constructing the Team”: ISBN 011752994 X

19
http://www.constructingexcellence.org.uk/pdf/rethinking%20construction/rethinking_construction_report.pdf

20
UK Government Sustainable Procurement Action Plan, 2007,
http://www.sustainabledevelopment.gov.uk/publications/pdf/SustainableProcurementActionPlan.pdf

19
4.7 Feedback from the construction industry and Government clients indicates that
the material contained in this range of information is of a high quality. If these were all
effectively implemented, there would be significant progress towards sustainable
construction. However investigations by the Sustainable Development Commission21
and the National Audit Office22 have concluded that many Government construction
projects do not meet the agreed sustainability standards in design, construction or
operation.

4.8 The goal of the Sustainable Procurement Action Plan is for the UK to be among
the EU leaders in sustainable procurement by 2009 and to help achieve a low carbon
more resource efficient public sector. We want to move towards sustainably built and
managed properties and infrastructure throughout the public sector which respect the
Government's wider sustainable development goals, in line with Departmental
Sustainable Operations Targets. Our intention is for Government supply chains and
public services to be increasingly low carbon, low waste and water efficient.

4.9 While it is essential that the public sector plays a full role, we should not forget
that the private sector accounts for more than half of the output from the construction
industry. In addition, the industry itself can play a key role in making construction more
sustainable through its own supply chains.

Actions & deliverables

4.10 Below, we have set out the key actions to which the Government is already
committed in this area and what we intend to do, either to ensure existing
commitments are met or to fill gaps.

4.11 We have also set out what the Public Sector Construction Clients Forum
(PSCCF) and the Strategic Forum for Construction are doing to ensure that practices
within the construction industry are improved.

4.12 In addition, offsite construction is a key approach to deliver measurable

improvements in quality, cost and time predictability and improved health and safety
of construction projects in both the private and public sector. We set out what the
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform will do to share best
procurement practice.

Key actions to which the Government is already committed:

4.13 As part of the Comprehensive Spending Review a new set of public service
agreements which incorporate the principles of sustainable development are to be
agreed to help deliver objectives and targets.

4.14 Permanent Secretaries are accountable for their Departments’ overall progress
against these achievements and for ensuring, from 2007-08 onwards, that key staff in
their Departments have performance objectives and incentives that drive the
implementation of the Sustainable Procurement Action Plan.

4.15 Budgeting and accounting practice is being improved by providing clear advice
in the HM Treasury’s (HMT) Green Book guidance on environmental appraisal and
through National Audit Office scrutiny to ensure unnecessary obstacles are not placed
in the way of sustainable solutions. In addition, supplementary guidance to HMT’s
Green Book will be issued during 2007.

21
Sustainable Development in government; fifth annual report 2006

22
Building for the Future: Sustainable Construction and Refurbishment on the Government Estate

20
4.16 The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will consult
during 2007 on proposals for a centre of sustainable procurement excellence to
provide coherent quality support, guidance and advice23.

4.17 Defra will establish a Products and Materials Unit to develop evidence on
sustainability impacts across a range of priority products and materials and facilitate
and instigate whole life cycle improvements.24 These products are the focus of a 'road
mapping' process to identify the full range of environmental impacts and develop
interventions to address these impacts. The roadmaps will capture evidence on the
impacts of each product across its life cycle, develop a vision of the future, and begin
to chart short, medium and long-term interventions to help transform each product
towards that more sustainable future. The roadmaps will be developed and
implemented gradually and collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders. If
successful this approach will be expanded to include other products and services.
4.18 The greater use of collaborative procurement will raise standards as will the
inclusion within Government contracts of appropriate arrangements for suppliers and
sub contractors to provide products and services that comply with the Departments’
sustainable operations targets.

4.19 The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) and Government Departments will
work together to strengthen their strategic engagement with key sectors to ensure
suppliers have plans in place to lower their carbon footprint and that of their supply
chains. This Strategy starts to do this with the construction sector.

4.20 The White Paper “Transforming Government Procurement”25 committed the

OGC, working with Departments across Whitehall, to:
• A higher calibre OGC to deliver improved standards focused on driving better
value for money on a whole life costing basis;
• Focus top talent on the most complex and critical procurement projects;
• Strengthen procurement capability in Government Departments; and to
• Encourage greater collaboration between and across Departments.

23
UK Government Sustainable Procurement Action Plan, 2007,
http://www.sustainabledevelopment.gov.uk/publications/pdf/SustainableProcurementActionPlan.pdf

24
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/strategy/strategy07/pdf/waste07-strategy.pdf Ref:Defra, 'Waste Strategy
for England 2007', May 2007, Cm 7086

25
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk./media/4EA/89/government_procurement_pu147.pdf

21
4.21 To deliver this, OGC will have strong powers to:
• Set out the procurement standards Departments need to meet;
• Challenge Departments’ performance and ensure remedial action is taken;
• Ensure appropriately skilled people are in place; and
• Demand collaboration when buying common goods and services.

Key actions to which the Public Sector Construction Clients Forum is

committed:

4.22 The Sustainable Procurement Action Plan26 and “Transforming Government

Procurement” present significant challenges for Government procurement. In the
context of construction there is a key role for the Public Sector Construction Clients
Forum (PSCCF) and its Working Groups in encouraging delivery of the Government’s
aspirations on the ground.

4.23 The PSCCF comprises representatives from the main procuring Departments.
Transforming Government Procurement concluded that the PSCCF should now shift
from policy development to delivery. It has produced a number of key outputs and the
next 12-18 months will be spent ensuring that these are effectively implemented
throughout supply chains working on public sector construction projects.

4.24 In particular the PSCCF will:

• Analyse construction market activity to identify potential demand/capacity
issues;
• Assess public sector client capacity and capability;
• Work to better embed best practice;
• During 2008 review the construction procurement strategies set out in
Achieving Excellence in Construction27 to ensure alignment with the delivery of
whole life value.

4.25 Offsite construction can deliver measurable improvements in quality, cost and
time predictability and improved health and safety of construction projects in both the
private and public sector. However, to employ successfully offsite solutions the
procurement process needs to take account of, and plan for, the fact these are
essentially manufactured products from factories. The procurement of offsite
construction is not necessarily more difficult than in respect of onsite build, though the
procurement process can be different. It is, therefore, vital that clients and their
professional advisers fully understand how to plan procurement programmes to
achieve the full benefits offered by offsite techniques.

4.26 In order to accelerate the take-up of offsite construction BERR is working with
OGC to support Buildoffsite to develop a forum of private and public sector clients to
share best procurement practice for offsite solutions.

26
UK Government Sustainable Procurement Action Plan, 2007,
http://www.sustainabledevelopment.gov.uk/publications/pdf/SustainableProcurementActionPlan.pdf

27
http://www.ogc.gov.uk/ppm_documents_construction.asp

22
Key actions to which the Strategic Forum for Construction is committed:

4.27 To meet the target of at least 50% of construction projects by value being
undertaken by integrated teams and supply chains the Strategic Forum for
Construction is developing an action plan including:

• Convening a high level group to demonstrate the business case for more
integrated working.

• Promoting the adoption of the 2012 Construction Commitments28 throughout

the industry.

In support of the Strategic Forum for Construction BERR will:

4.28 Approach a number of Departments responsible for key construction

programmes and invite them to take part in a series of integration pilots and
demonstrations.

4.29 In partnership with a number of other Government Departments (including OGC

and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)) and the Regional Development Agencies,
run a series of regional roadshows to promote integration and the other best practice
contained in the 2012 Construction Commitments.

The Public Sector Construction Clients Forum will:

4.30 Review the procurement strategies set out in Achieving Excellence29 in

Construction to deliver greater value including supply chain integration.

4.31 Promote the “Fair Payment Charter” which has been developed by the Public
Sector Construction Clients’ Forum to be widely adopted in supply chains on public
sector construction projects.

The Construction Clients Group will:

4.32 Review the Clients Charter to ensure that it is effective in enabling clients to
assemble integrated teams.

4.33 Identify demonstrations of integrated supply teams from private sector clients.

Consultation Questions

4.34 What specific actions could the construction industry take to lead by example
and procure construction projects more sustainably?

28
http://www.strategicforum.org.uk/2012CC.shtml

29
http://www.ogc.gov.uk/ppm_documents_construction.asp

23
5 Design
Targets and milestones

5.1 60% of all publicly funded or Public Finance Initiative (PFI) projects,
with a value in excess of £1 million, to have used the Design Quality
Indicators (DQIs)30 or equivalents by the end of 200831.

5.2 20% of all projects, with a value in excess of £1 million to have used
the Design Quality Indicators and Building Research Establishment
Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) or equivalents, and achieve an
excellent rating, by the end of 2008. (proposed new target for industry)

5.3 100% of construction new build projects on Government estate will

meet BREEAM excellent standard (or equivalent).32

Background and rationale for action

5.4 Good design is integral to all aspects of sustainable construction and underpins
all the sections within this Strategy. It is not an optional extra. Good design is
synonymous with sustainable design. No building, public space, infrastructure or place
can be considered genuinely well designed if it does not contribute to environmental,
social and economic sustainability - the triple bottom line.

5.5 Good design helps to create buildings, spaces, places and structures that are fit
for purpose, soundly built, durable and attractive. It is responsive to context, and a
clear expression of the requirements of the brief; flexible and adaptable to future needs
and technologies; uses resources efficiently; and represents whole life value for
money.

5.6 Delivering design quality requires strong leadership. Recognising this, the
Government has called for all public bodies with a responsibility for delivering and
managing the built environment to appoint a 'design champion'. The Government
wants to encourage the appointment of effective design champions throughout
industry and Government. The role of a design champion will vary from organisation
to organisation, but the purpose remains clear: to provide leadership and motivation,
ensuring that every relevant organisation or project has a clear vision and strategy for
delivering good design.

5.7 The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) is the
Government’s adviser on architecture, urban design and public space. It champions
and promotes better places and spaces and highlights the benefits these can bring.
CABE offers a range of services and best practice guidance. We recommend that early
use is made of both the services on offer and best practice guidance in taking projects
forward.

5.8 Post-Construction Evaluation (PCE) and Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) are

tools which can also be used as indicators of design quality and sustainability.

30
www.dqi.org.uk

31
Strategic Forum for Construction.

32
http://www.ogc.gov.uk/construction_procurement_common_minimum_standards_for_the_built_environment.asp

24
5.9 PCE usually takes the form of an in-depth objective study of how the building
and its systems perform against the original performance specification. It is not
currently that common but has the potential to be used more widely. POE involves
systematic evaluation of about the performance of buildings in use, from the
perspective of the people who use them. It assesses how well buildings match users'
needs, and identifies ways to improve building design, performance and fitness for
purpose. Thus it is very useful in providing a feedback loop between project teams and
the projects they work on.

5.10 Using any one of these tools in isolation will only give a partial picture of design
quality and sustainability. Tools for specifically assessing the environmental quality
and performance of buildings and infrastructure have the potential to be used as
holistic indicators of design quality if used in conjunction with other indicators to build
up a composite picture of design quality across a construction project or site. A good
design process can play a synthesizing role in bringing the use of these tools together
to help deliver sustainable construction, building up a composite picture.

5.11 It is clear that no single sector can address design quality alone. Concerted
action is required needed from the following groups: Government, clients and client
advisers, developers, project teams – architects, engineers, planners, procurers,
contractors, sub-contractors, materials suppliers, finance managers, facilities
managers and professional institutions.

Actions and Deliverables

5.12 Below we have set out the key actions that the Government is taking to support
the industry and its clients either to ensure existing commitments are met or to fill
gaps. We have also identified key actions that businesses in the construction industry
might consider taking.

Key actions to which the Government is already committed:

5.13 The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) to embed further the OGC
Common Minimum Standards33 and the requirement to use BREEAM assessment or
equivalent. BREEAM is a recognised tool for assessing the environmental credentials
of buildings. And as an example of BREEAM’s use, the Department of Health is
currently redeveloping its own version of BREEAM - the NHS Environmental
Assessment Tool. When it is reissued it will be BREEAM for Healthcare and will be an
accredited tool such that for new builds a score of “Excellent” will be required or for
refurbishments a score of “Very Good”.

5.14 Make guidance on whole life costing and whole life values more readily
available to all those involved in procuring buildings.

5.15 Encourage the use of Design Quality Indicators (DQI) and Post Occupancy
Evaluations (POE) on all appropriate Government funded construction projects –
buildings and infrastructure.

5.16 Build upon the success of the Prime Minister’s better public building award and
Ministerial Design Champions.

5.17 Improve civil servants’ sustainable development skills through the National
School of Government.

33
http://www.ogc.gov.uk/construction_procurement_common_minimum_standards_for_the_built_environment.asp

25
What more will the Government do?

5.18 By end 2008, BERR and the Department of Communities and Local Government
(CLG) will explore with the relevant bodies the scope to raise the profile of sustainable
building designs and designers, through relevant design award programmes, including
a possible additional award for modernised buildings, and possible development of an
international award.

What more should businesses do?

5.19 Insist on the appointment of an effective Design Champion on all major

projects.

5.20 Insist on integrated design and construction teams in prequalification.

5.21 Demand the use of DQI (or equivalent), BREEAM, PCE and POE from contractors
to get both objective and subjective information about a project.

5.22 Seek the advice of national and regional Design Review panels34 on projects that
are significant because of the nature of the site, their size, or the uses to which the
projects will be put.

5.23 Involve the end users, operators and maintenance staff of buildings, spaces and
infrastructure projects early on in the design stage through DQIs and equivalent tools
so they can contribute to design.

5.24 Incorporate learning from DQIs in final designs.

5.25 Ensure that lessons learnt from past projects are incorporated in subsequent
projects by systematically carrying out PCEs and POEs.

5.26 Establish cross-professional knowledge transfer networks to share good

practice and learning.

34
http://www.cabe.org.uk/default.aspx?contentitemid=163

26
Consultation Questions

5.27 Is target 5.2 stretching, achievable and realistic? If not then please propose an
alternative. Which organisation or organisations should be responsible for this target?

5.28 Which of the proposed actions for business do you consider to be a priority?
Why? What are the barriers to implementing this action and how might they be
overcome? Who should take the lead in implementing this action?

27
6 Innovation
Targets and milestones

6.1 Increase the current 55% “innovation active” enterprises in the

sector35 by 5%, to match and then track the benchmark for all UK
enterprises36.

6.2 A 10% annual increase in the number of enterprises in the sector

taking up UK and European innovation support products and schemes by
201237.

6.3 Government to update list in Quick Wins (environmental product

standards) in 2007.38

Background and rationale for action

6.4 BERR defines innovation as the successful exploitation of new ideas. It is more
than the generation of new knowledge or technology, but a means of exploiting that to
obtain competitive advantage in markets, and so is a key driver of competitiveness. It
can also include identifying new solutions and ways of working, with application to
products, processes and services39. There is wide scope and potential for major benefit
therefore to use innovation as an enabling mechanism for achieving more sustainable
construction.

6.5 The key challenge is to focus on how innovation might apply to the supply-side
of the construction sector, for example products, design, use of environmental
technologies and sustainable materials, the construction process itself and to
adaptation of the existing built environment to improve its sustainability.

Actions & Deliverables

6.6 Below we have set out the key actions to which Government is already
committed in this area and what more we intend to do, either to ensure existing
commitments are met or to fill gaps. We also set out the key commitments of the
Technology Strategy Board and Research Councils.

35
BERR definition of construction sector, including products and services with contracting; data sourced from
Community Innovation Survey 4, 2005, data from 2002-4.33

36
BERR lead on encouraging improvement in innovation performance in Business

37
BERR lead on encouraging improvement in innovation performance in Business

38
UK government Sustainable Procurement Action Plan 2007 (http://www.sustainable-
development.gov.uk/publications/pdf/SustainableProcurementActionPlan.pdf

39
On 19 June 2007 the Secretary of State for Industry announced the establishment of the first of 5 industry-led action
groups on innovation in services. Two reports were released for publication that day: a Department of Trade and
Industry report on Innovation in Services (www.berr.gov.uk/files/file39965.pdf) and a report by the National Endowment
for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA), “Hidden Innovation” which pinpointed the importance of innovation in
services in a number of sectors, including construction
(www.nesta.org.uk/informing/policyandresearch/highlights/hiddeninnovation.aspx).

28
Working with industry, Government will:

By End 2007

6.7 Have commenced a 2-yearly survey of the level of “innovation active” firms in
the sector as an Innovation Key Performance Indicator (drawing on the UK Innovation
Survey), to assist in target setting and performance monitoring.

6.8 Encourage and support the UK National Technology Platform for the Built
Environment – including the development of its strategic agenda of the industry’s
research priorities.

6.9 Encourage the industry, through the National Technology Platform and the
Strategic Forum for Construction, to develop clear targets for increased R&D,
knowledge transfer, and the use of advanced design methods by their members
through:

• Engagement with relevant Knowledge Transfer Networks – such as those

on the Modern Built Environment, Materials, Resource Efficiency, Integrated
Pollution Management (IPM-Net) (land remediation, waste and water) and
Sensors.

• Identifying, promoting and encouraging research and development through:

o Grant for Research and Development and SMART administered by the
RDAs40 and Devolved Administrations41 respectively
o Knowledge Transfer Partnerships42
o Increased involvement in applied University-based R&D in conjunction
with the Research Councils

• Identifying, promoting and encouraging a target number of collaborative

research projects which can seek support from:
o The Technology Programme43 Collaborative R&D product
o Framework Programme 744
o The EurekaBuild initiative (utilising grant support from the Technology
Programme and the Grant for R&D)

6.10 Encourage engagement in the new EurekaBuild umbrella initiative, which will
provide construction and their supply chain firms with assistance to find research and
development partners in European and other Eureka signatory countries.

By Spring 2009
6.11 Encourage the development of at least two low-carbon communities through
the Carbon Challenge Programme managed by English Partnerships; the Programme
aims to spur the house-building industry’s response to climate change by accelerating
the creation of a number of zero and near-zero carbon communities.

40
Regional Development Agencies

41
Devolved Administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

42
www.ktponline.org.uk/

43
UK Government Technology Programme

44
European Community 7th Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration
Activities (2007-2013)

29
The Technology Strategy Board, working with Government will:

By End 2007

6.12 Develop a Technology Application Area concerned with the Built Environment,
helping define appropriate opportunities for support through the Technology
Programme’s bi-annual collaborative research competitions, alongside underpinning
technology developments in the Materials, Design Engineering, Sustainability and ICT
technology themes.

6.13 Develop an Innovation Platform proposal on “Low Impact Buildings”. If BERR’s,

Defra’s and CLG’s proposal is approved by the new executive Technology Strategy
Board, the intended focus is on the reduced consumption of energy, water and
materials in the built environment. Two initial priority areas are proposed:

• Development, including robust validation and demonstration of affordable,

high-efficiency insulation technologies for solid-walled homes
(approximately one third of the domestic housing stock – 7 million homes),
together with integration of renewable energy systems.

• Technologies for new housing to meet the energy and water efficiency
targets set out in the Code for Sustainable Homes and anticipated future
Building Regulations, leading to net zero-carbon new dwellings by 2016
(subject to consultation).

By Spring 2008

6.14 Review the progress of the Knowledge Transfer Network for the Modern Built
Environment. Funded by the Technology Programme, the network is operated by BRE,
CIRIA, BSRIA45 and Arup and aims to encourage the transfer and adoption of
technology-based knowledge to the sector. As part of the review the TSB46 will seek
views from companies actively engaged in the KTN as to progress and future direction
of the network.

6.15 Consider how the UK can maintain its participation in the European Research
Area Network for sustainable building (ERABUILD), which will propose a successor
project to focus on renovation for sustainable buildings and improved use of
Information and Communications Technology in better value-driven construction
processes. This would allow the UK to learn from and co-develop the latest techniques
in Europe in fields such as:

• Retrofitting insulation/cladding, low-carbon energy integration and water

conservation systems to different building types, including incentive
mechanisms;

• “Breathable” buildings and components – improving thermal performance

while maintaining indoor environment quality.

6.16 Develop a work theme within the Low Impact Building Innovation Platform (if
approved) to test and demonstrate equivalent resource efficient technologies and
building systems for selected types of non-domestic buildings.

45
BRE – formerly the Building Research Establishment; CIRIA, the Construction Industry Research and Information
Association and BSRIA, the Building Services Research and Information Association

46
Executive Technology Strategy Board

30
By End 2008

6.17 Build on the forthcoming Office of Science & Innovation Foresight report on
“Sustainable Energy Management and the Built Environment project” – as and when it
reports. This project is sponsored by CLG, Defra and BERR.

6.18 Encourage the research, development and demonstration of innovative

adaptation techniques and more durable systems and components to improve the built
environment’s (buildings and infrastructure) ability to contend with the anticipated
effects of climate change.

The Research Councils will:

From 2007

6.19 Take full account of sustainability principles, opportunities for the use of
environmental technologies and the resultant Sustainable Construction Strategy in the
development of construction-relevant Research Programmes. Subject to budget
approval, EPSRC47 will seek to develop a third phase of its Sustainable Urban
Environment programme, alongside its construction-relevant Innovative
Manufacturing Research Centres (IMRCs) and its Sustaining Knowledge for a Changing
Climate programme48 within the UK Climate Impacts Programme.

47
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

48
http://www.k4cc.org/

31
7 The People Agenda
Targets and milestones

Skills

7.1 Increase the number of Construction Skills Certification Scheme

(CSCS) card holders to 1.6 million by 2010, and to 2.0 million by 2015.
(proposed new target for industry)

7.2 Ensure the content of all qualifications are reviewed, and where
appropriate include sustainability components and provide skills necessary
to apply the latest technologies, by 2010. (proposed new target for Sector
Skills Councils (SSCs))

7.3 Provision of work experience places to increase to 16,000 by 2010 and

to 20,500 by 2015. (proposed new target for SSCs)

7.4 All domestically trained and competent construction workers to be

still involved in the industry after 5 years - target achievement by 2010, and
for 10 years - target achievement date 2015. (proposed new target for SSCs)

Health & Safety

7.5 Reduce the incidence rate of fatal and major injury accidents by 10%
from 2000 levels by 201049.

7.6 Reduce the incidence rate of cases of work-related ill health by 20%
from 2000 levels by 201050.

7.7 Reduce the number of working days lost per 100,000 workers from
work related injury and ill health by 30% by 201051.

Background and rationale for action

7.8 Built environment industries are labour intensive, with around 2.25 million
people employed.

7.9 The industry relies on a flow of new recruits and the image of the industry is
crucial in attracting them. Safety and how construction impacts on surrounding
communities both have a bearing. Most workers need specific skills, and the industry
needs to ensure new entrants and existing workers are competent. Construction is
characterised by traditional build processes, but there is increasing use of new
techniques, products, materials, in response to regulatory, competitive and customer
pressures. Associated training is essential so that the industry can deliver on its
commitments, and the expectations placed on it.

49
“Revitalising Health and Safety” www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/pdf/prog2006.pdf

50
“Revitalising Health and Safety” www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/pdf/prog2006.pdf

51
“Revitalising Health and Safety” www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/pdf/prog2006.pdf

32
7.10 The four built environment Sector Skills Councils (SSCs): AssetSkills;
ConstructionSkills; Proskills; SummitSkills; have developed, or are developing their
Sector Skills Agreements and Sector Qualification Strategies. They work together
through ConstructionSkills and the Built Environment Skills Alliance (BESA) of the
SSCs to help to develop a shared vision for a framework of standards and
qualifications that will support productivity and lead to improved performance across
the Built Environment. All the SSCs have suites of National Occupational Standards
(NOS) of competence. These reflect best working practices including ethical,
sustainability, international, legislative, health, safety and welfare, equal opportunities,
respect for people requirements.

7.11 Construction and built environment SSCs have begun to work together on
sustainability-related skills work (development of the Skills Matrix/work on a forward
Sustainability Strategy), but work is still in its early days. There are good examples on
awareness raising. E.g.: ‘Top 10 things for SMEs to do’ on sustainability.

7.12 There are many successful skills initiatives and pilot programmes in place,
mainly driven by the SSCs. Many built environment companies do not engage in
training, though it is difficult to generalise. Many small firms train apprentices, and
large contractors, which usually do not employ trades people (or few), have training
programmes for their site/project managers. The Institutions have Continuing
Professional Development (CPD) programmes in place.

7.13 There has been some progress on safety; latest figures for 2005/06 put fatalities
at 59 (as against 69 for 2004/05). However figures for 2006/07 are likely to show a
worrying increase in fatalities. The major contractors take a strong lead, driving
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) – around 1 million registrations to
date. There is strong regulation, policed by HSE under the Health and Safety at Work
Act 1974, Construction Design and Management Regulations (2007). There is also
increasing attention to health aspects, with work to improve the management of
occupational health in the construction industry that, in part, builds on the
Leicestershire occupational health pilot programme (2005/6).

7.14 Corporate Social Responsibility and Respect for People appear not yet to be
widespread, although some programmes are in place. However, the principles
underpin much of the work that the industry undertakes in this area.

7.15 The Academy for Sustainable Communities is the Government’s national centre
for delivering the skills and knowledge needed to make sustainable communities
(‘place-making’). It was established following the Egan Review of Skills for Sustainable
Communities (2004), and works at a strategic level across the public, private and third
sectors, and key professional groups. As the only national organisation with the
mandate to work in this area, the Academy has a unique role supporting the
construction sector to deliver sustainable communities.

7.16 The SSCs will play a key part, in conjunction with their industry and union
partners, in helping to prioritise, and take forward specific skills and training related
actions, including the development of relevant occupations standards, National
Vocational Qualifications, and other training and development programmes.

7.17 ConstructionSkills would have a key role in monitoring progress against these
milestones, in conjunction with the Learning and Skills Council, and training providers
as necessary. Detailed mechanisms have yet to be sorted out.

7.18 Account will also need to be taken of developments arising from the Leitch
Review of Skills (December 2006), and the Government’s response to Leitch. Also

33
relevant is the Callcutt Review, which is looking at barriers to the delivery of housing,
including sustainable housing, such as skills aspects. This Review is due to report later
in 2007. At this stage, implications for the proposals set out in this draft Strategy are
unclear.

Actions & Deliverables

7.19 Below we have set out the key actions that the SSCs are being asked to commit
to. They take account of existing strategies, but represent the priorities and further
work we consider necessary either to ensure existing commitments are met or gaps
are filled. Following these are questions where we would like your views and your
thoughts on what more industry could and should do.

Key actions to which the Sector Skills Councils are being asked to commit:

7.20 Champion and encourage a systematic and informed approach to training and
development by companies, especially covering sustainability aspects.

7.21 Focus primarily on influencing the influencers (planners, designers and other
professionals, clients, major contractors; project/site managers), and by so doing
increase overall demand for relevant training and development.

7.22 Work with partners to secure the inclusion of modules on sustainable

development in relevant professional training/education; and ensure that sustainable
construction is a mandatory component of CPD for the professional institutions,
building control, and planning officers.

7.23 Continue to work with the other Sector Skills Councils, Government, and other
partners, to ensure that industry awareness and skills needs associated with Building
Regulations are identified and addressed in good time.

7.24 Work to encourage good on-site practice covering sustainability, through

improved provision and demand for comprehensive induction training for trades
people and operatives, and company participation in Considerate Constructors and
similar schemes.

7.25 Continue to work with the Academy for Sustainable Communities to champion
‘place-making’52, and help to deliver the essential generic skills across the professions
to enable the delivery of sustainable communities.

7.26 Build on the opportunities and momentum generated by the 2012 Olympics, to
encourage associated training and employment opportunities.

7.27 Work with the Regional Development Agencies to stimulate a change in

workplace culture in line with sustainability, to assist the development of relevant skills
and knowledge, to encourage engagement between local companies and colleges.

7.28 Work with the Learning and Skills Council (nationally and regionally) and the
Skills for Business Network to ensure that: Train to Gain Brokers have sufficient
knowledge of the built environment industries; the programme operates effectively for
industry’s needs; and construction companies are able to make the most of
opportunities under the Train to Gain programme.

52
Making Places: Creating Sustainable Communities: Academy for Sustainable Communities, www.ascskills.org.uk

34
7.29 Continue to work with the Health and Safety Executive, which will take forward
existing and future strategies and programmes, and enforce relevant legislation and
regulations, that contribute to the drive to improve health and safety in the industry.

7.30 Specific deliverables, and arrangements for monitoring progress, would be

agreed with the Sector Skills Councils. Actual delivery mechanisms would need to be
considered further – e.g. the role of the ConstructionSkills National Skills Academy.
The Health and Safety Executive and Academy for Sustainable Communities have
detailed deliverables and targets for their specific strategies and programmes.

Consultation Questions

7.31 If you agree that the proposed key actions and deliverables covered in the
People Agenda reflect the main priority areas to deliver sustainability for the industry,
what specific work streams and targets would help deliver these commitments?

7.32 Do you agree that these work streams and targets should be peer-reviewed by
industry experts (e.g. relevant Sector Skills Councils), prioritised, and Action Plans
developed to take the best ideas forward?

35
8 Better Regulation and Business
Support Simplification
Making Regulation Work

8.1 The Government is committed to cutting red tape for business and the public
and voluntary sectors. Regulation is essential: it provides protection and brings
invaluable benefits. Better Regulation is about getting the balance between regulation
and protection right: it is not about removing vital protections. Rather, it is about
finding more effective ways of designing and delivering protection without increasing
costs or deterring compliance:

• Cutting the cost of regulation. Government Departments have accepted a 25%

reduction in the administrative burdens affecting the private and third sectors
by 2010 and are set to deliver more than £2bn savings.

8.2 This is one of the most radical reform agendas in the world. And the
Government is committed to further and on-going reform. The real test will be whether
businesses feel the impact on the ground. Government is responding to what
business, front line public sector staff and third sector organisations want. Government
and these sectors must work together to achieve this.

8.3 Following feedback from stakeholders, the Government has improved its
website where proposals for regulatory simplification can be posted directly to
Government. Proposals and Departments’ responses can be viewed making it fully
transparent and accountable. This website ( http://www.betterregulation.gov.uk/)
provides businesses and the public with an opportunity to influence the way
Government regulates. Government wants ideas or suggestions on how regulations
impacting individuals or organisations can be improved, be it a way to reduce the time
it takes to fill in a form or addressing overlaps between regulations. Every idea or
suggestion submitted to this website will be published, as will all Government
responses.

Examples

HSE - Reporting injuries at work can now be done by phone in a move which will save
businesses both time and money. The HSE has improved the reporting process so it
can be done in a 30 minute phone call instead of 2.5 hours of form filling, which cost
the industry an estimated £21m.

Forestry Commission - The Forestry Commission’s e-Business system eFIDs, which

allows firms to buy timber and arrange deliveries electronically, has been nominated
for a Government Computing magazine’s CG Awards for Innovation. The system has
been a great success with 100% of the Commission’s competitive sales now being
conducted electronically. One customer has already saved £70,000 per year and it’s
predicted to save the industry up to £1m per year when fully implemented.

36
The Environment Agency supports businesses by providing advice on legislative
compliance and good environmental practice.

Services include:
• A public register of accredited carriers of waste, on the Agency’s web site.
• Awareness campaigns on relevant issues, to help compliance with environmental
obligations and good practice.
• Levelling the playing field for legitimate businesses through robust enforcement
against those deliberately flouting the law.

The Agency also makes it easier for theconstruction industry to usewaste-derived

products by working with WRAP to develop Quality Protocols for wastes which
reducethe regulatory burden.These setout best practice for collection and
minimum processing requirements for different waste types whichcan increase the
use of construction wastes and give confidence in thequality of waste-derived
products.

Collaboration with the construction sector is alsounderway todevelop a

Construction Sector Plan with businesses and organisations representing construction
contractors. Sector Plans direct and inform Environment Agency activities as well as
guiding industry. In particular the Construction Plan will:
- Help the Agency identify the issues where it can make the biggest difference as a
modern regulator, encompassing both voluntary measures and actions it will enforce;
- Identify milestones for construction businesses showing how they can move from
basic regulatory compliance, through established good practice, to best practice
activities and practices, and ultimately towards environmentally sustainable practices.
In support of the plan the Agency is developing closer liaison with the construction
sector and exploring ways in which it can co-ordinate its work with other regulators
and ensure maximum consistency in how it approaches issues. The use of combined
instruments to achieve environmental outcomes is also being explored.

The NetRegs website provides free information to SMEs on complex environmental

regulations for different types of construction project. This is supported by all the main
UK environment regulators: (Environment Agency (England and Wales), the Scottish
Environmental Protection Agency, and the Environment and Heritage Service for
Northern Ireland.

Business Support Simplification Programme (BSSP)

8.4 The Chancellor in his budget statement in March 2006 announced the
Government’s plan to simplify the existing (estimated) 3000 business support schemes
to 100 or fewer by 2010. This initiative involves central Government Departments and
their agencies and local authorities.

8.5 By 2010 all existing publicly-funded business support will close, merge into or
be delivered through a joint new business support portfolio of 100 or fewer products
and services.

37
8.6 Business Link53 (including businesslink.gov) should be the primary channel for
all publicly-funded business information, support and advice.

8.7 An introductory document (currently in circulation and open to responses) sets

out the aims of a cross-Government programme to simplify business support. The
document can be found on the BERR’s Small Business Service website by following
this link http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file38859.pdf. A full consultation was published in
June 200754.

Consultation Questions

8.8 We would be grateful for information from you on specific pieces of legislation
which are impeding your ability to be more sustainable in your business operations.

53
www.busnesslink.gov.uk

54
http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file39908.pdf

38
9 Climate Change
Targets and milestones

9.1 All new homes to be zero carbon by 2016, with building regulations
locking in improvements in 2010 and 2013.55

9.2 By 2010 the general level of energy efficiency of residential

accommodation in England to be increased by at least 20 per cent compared
with the general level of such energy efficiency in 200056.

9.3 All new homes built with English Partnerships or Housing Corporation
funding to achieve a 25% improvement over current building regulation
requirements in terms of carbon emissions from April 2008 as set out in the
Code for Sustainable Homes.57

9.4 Introducing Energy Performance Certificates for all homes (on

construction, sale or rent), to be phased in from August 2007 for 4 bedroom
houses58.

9.5 Reduce carbon emissions on the central Government office estate by

12.5% by 2010/11 and 30% by 2020 relative to 1999/2000 levels.59

9.6 Central Government's office estate to be carbon neutral by 201260.

9.7 Departments to increase their energy efficiency per square metre by

15% by 2010 and 30% by 202061.

9.8 To set in place a clear timetable and action plan to deliver significant
reductions in carbon emissions from new commercial buildings within the
next 10 years. 62

9.9 Subject to consultation, making it mandatory to have a rating against

the Code for Sustainable Homes for every new home from April 2008.

55
Department of Communities and Local Government December 2006. “Building a Greener Future” consultation
document.

56
Department of Communities and Local Government, Housing Act 2004

57
Department of Communities and Local Government. Paragraph 2.31 of
http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/173/BuildingaGreenerFutureTowardsZeroCarbonDevelopment_id1505173.pdf

58
CLG News release 2007/0110 dated 11 June 2007

59
UK Government Sustainable Procurement Action Plan, 2007 (http://www.sustainable-
development.gov.uk/publications/pdf/SustainableProcurementActionPlan.pdf

60
UK government Sustainable Procurement Action Plan, 2007 (http://www.sustainable-
development.gov.uk/publications/pdf/SustainableProcurementActionPlan.pdf

61
UK government Sustainable Procurement Action Plan, 2007 (http://www.sustainable-
development.gov.uk/publications/pdf/SustainableProcurementActionPlan.pdf

62
Department of Communities and Local Government. New Target

39
Background and rationale for action

9.10 The recent Stern Review63 confirmed the urgency of taking action to tackle
climate change – both its causes and effects. The threat of global warming is one that
is already impacting on all of us and demands change from Government, industry and
the public alike. At present the built environment accounts for around 47% of
greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. 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. Extreme weather
conditions, hotter drier summers, sudden rainfall and rising sea levels can all damage
buildings, roads, railways and drainage systems.

9.11 In response to the threat of climate change, the Government has already
committed to a number of actions including setting 5 year carbon budgets in the
Climate Change Bill64, setting a clear target to make all new homes zero carbon by 2016
and introducing the Code for Sustainable Homes. Others are included in the Planning
White Paper (published 21 May 2007), the Energy White Paper (published 23 May
2007), the Housing Green Paper Policy package (published on 23 July 2007) and
Planning Policy Statements65. These proposals and actions will begin to address the
energy efficiency of buildings, design and construction practices, the development of
new energy saving technologies and support for changing behaviours. And there is an
awareness that good local environmental design can help mitigate climate change
through the provision of shade and shelter. However, we recognise that there is a lot
more to do both to ensure the commitments that we have already made are delivered
and to fill the gaps in our approach.

9.12 Similarly tackling climate change will require direct action from the construction
industry. Collectively and individually, the construction industry will need to consider
how it is going to develop its workforce skills, its practices and procedures to ensure
they are appropriate to deliver the quality of product that will be required in this new
environment. The industry will also need to consider supply chain issues, to ensure
they can meet the demand for certain products and approaches, and, in recognition of
the problems of poor construction highlighted in the Housing Green Paper, itsquality
assurance systems. CABE's Housing Audit has shown that 82% of houses built in the
last five years is not good enough, so industry must take a more responsible
approachto ensurethere is a significant improvement in thequality if theproducts it
provides. Its quality assurance proceduresmust ensurethat there is evidence
todemonstrate that its products are not only fit for purpose but that theyactually
perform to their design specifications. Government can, and is, supporting this
through a number of policies, for example the Code for Sustainable Homes, the Energy
Efficiency Commitment66 / Carbon Emission Reduction Target67 and the Micro-
generation Strategy68. However, the shift in mind-set, behaviour and investment
patterns needs to come from the industry itself.

Adaptation

63
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/independent_reviews/stern_review_economics_climate_change/sternreview_index.cfm

64
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/climatechange-bill/index.htm

65
http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1143803

66
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/energy/eec/index.htm

67
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/cert2008-11/index.htm

68
http://www.berr.gov.uk/energy/sources/sustainable/microgeneration/index.html

40
9.13 Although climate change is beginning to be taken into account in the
development of building standards and construction guidance, more needs to be done
to develop and implement adaptation strategies. More variable and extreme weather
conditions will have a major impact on infrastructure, buildings and occupants.
Innovation is required to future-proof new structures, and adapt current built assets to
cope with climate change.

9.14 Defra manages the Adaptation Policy Framework to identify key risks and
opportunities for climate change, providing long term policy direction and
transparency. The UK Climate Impacts Programme69 (UKCIP) is funded by Defra and
provides scenarios that show how our climate might change and co-ordinates research
on dealing with our future climate. An example of current guidance which is available
is the developers’ check list70.

9.15 Chapter 10 (Water) also addresses adaptation issues.

Actions & Deliverables

9.16 Listed below are the key actions to which Government is already committed in
this area and the additional actions we intend to take, either to ensure existing
commitments are met or to fill gaps. We have also given some examples of actions
that the construction industry is taking to ensure that it is in a position to benefit from
and contribute to action to tackle climate change.

Key Actions to which the Government is already committed:

9.17 Increasing the energy performance standards for new homes via the building
regulations by 25% in 2010, 44% in 2013 and moving to zero carbon in 2016.

9.18 Making it a condition of Government funding that all new homes built by
registered social landlords and other developers and all new homes developed by
English Partnerships will comply with level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

9.19 Subject to consultation, making it mandatory to have a rating against the Code
for Sustainable Homes for every new home from April 2008.

9.20 Introducing Energy Performance Certificates. These will be available for

marketed homes in Home Information Packs, which will be phased in from 1 August.
They will be rolled out across other buildings on sale, rent and construction by January
2009.

9.21 Supporting improvements in the energy efficiency of existing homes by

ramping up delivery under the Energy Efficiency Commitment / Carbon Emission
Reduction Target; and by extending our obligation on suppliers to deliver energy
efficiency in the home until at least 2020.

9.22 Further increasing the demand for improved energy efficiency from the public
through, for example, the Energy Saving Trust’s Energy Efficiency Best Practice
Programme, grant and support schemes, research, and a national network of Energy
Efficiency Advice Centres.

69
www.ukcip.org.uk/

70
http://www.london.gov.uk/climatechangepartnership/docs/adapting_to_climate_change.pdf

41
9.23 Supporting the development of the Energy Technologies Institute - a new
partnership with some of the world's biggest energy companies to develop secure,
reliable and cost-effective low-carbon energy technologies for commercial
deployment.

9.24 Further supporting the development and uptake of new energy efficient
products through for example, the market transformation programme, and guidance
on micro-generation technologies which will enable informed decisions to be taken by
the construction industry and consumers.

9.25 Promoting of the use of biomass for heat and power and as a source of
renewable construction materials through the Biomass Energy Centre71 and the
National Non-Food Crops Centre72.

What more will the Government do?

9.26 We will set in place a clear timetable and action plan to deliver substantial
reductions in carbon emissions from new commercial buildings within the next 10
years.

9.27 We will work through the 2016 Zero Carbon Homes Task Force, to identify the
barriers to implementation of the 2016 zero carbon homes target. This will focus on
energy supply, skills, regulatory compliance, capacity and supply chain issues,
research and consumer attitudes, and will work to put in place measures to address
them.

9.28 We will develop proposals for improving the energy efficiency of existing non-
domestic buildings.

9.29 The Biomass Strategy and the Government response to the two year progress
report on theStrategy for Non-Food Crops and Uses were both publishedon 23 May
2007. These new publications take forward actionsproposed in the Government
response to the Biomass Task Forcereport andthe Non-Food Crop Strategytwo year
progress report respectively and together aim toincrease the sustainable use of
biomass heat and powerand low carbon renewable construction materials used in
buildings73.

9.30 We will take forward the Government’s Adaptation Framework, which will be
published at the end of 2007.

9.31 Climate Risk Assessment will help to protect business' investments and
infrastructure in the face of a changing climate and is a process that is being developed
by Government through the Adaptation Policy Framework to manage both their own
work and to support continued adaptation activity across the UK.74

What action is the industry already taking?

71
www.biomassenergycentre.org

72
http://www.nnfcc.co.uk/index.cfm

73
The Biomass Strategy seeks to realise a major expansion in the supply and use of biomass in the UK. The response
to the two year progress report on Non-Food Crops provides a refocused action plan for developing the strategy up to
the end of 2009. Both documents can be found at:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climatechange/uk/energy/renewablefuel/index.htm

74
http://www.ukcip.org.uk/climate_impacts/

42
Examples include:

9.32 British Institute for Facilities Management (BIFM) is leading better awareness of
sustainability issues amongst the Facilities Management (FM) community through
competency and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes to Facilities
Managers in the correct operation of commercial buildings. The aim is for at least 50%
of the FM workforce to be accredited by 2010.

9.33 The Construction Products Associationis showing leadership by looking at

possible solutions to identify the barriers and opportunities along with key milestones
and targets needed for industry and Government to ensure we are on the path towards
zero carbon by 2016.

9.34 The UK cement industry achieved a 28% reduction of direct emissions of CO2
from manufacturing between 1990 and 2005, thereby saving of over 3.7 million tonnes
of carbon dioxide; improved specific energy consumption by 27% over the same
period – hitting its 2010 target in 2006 - and between 1998 and 2005 reduced its fossil
fuels consumption by 23%.

Consultation Questions

9.35 Are there other actions that the Government should be taking to help the
construction industry rise to the challenge of climate change?

9.36 What targets could industry specifically sign up to, to increase the positive
impact they can have on climate change through their activities?

43
10 Water
Targets and milestones

Potable water use

10.1 All new homes built with English Partnerships or Housing Corporation
funding to meet Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes (105 litres per
person per day) from April 2008.75

10.2 Amendments will be made in 2008 to the Building Regulations to

introduce a whole building performance standard for new homes, to be set
at a target level of 125 litres/head/day. Defra will review the Water Supply
(Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 in 2008 with a view to introducing
component based standards for key fittings.76

10.3 A reduction in water consumption to an average of 3 cubic metres per

person per year for all new office builds or major office refurbishments on
the Government Estate.77

10.4 Reduce water consumption by 25% on the office and non-office estate
by 2020 relative to 2004/5 levels78.

Surface water management

10.5 Public consultation on options for ownership and adoption of

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) will take place towards the end of
2007.

Background and rationale for action

10.6 Water is an essential but scarce resource. It is commonly accepted that current
water consumption patterns are unsustainable. Demand from society is rising while
drier summers are predicted through much of Europe due to climate change. The need
for water conservation is recognised and measures are coming on stream to
encourage the construction industry to design higher standards of water efficiency for
new buildings These include the Code for Sustainable Homes in England, the recent
consultation on mandating water efficiency in new buildings, and Ofwat’s work in the
Water Saving Group on infrastructure charge discounts for water efficient
developments.

10.7 This Strategy covers the two main activities associated with water in the built
environment: potable water use and surface water management.

75
Department of Communities and Local Government December 2006. “Building a Greener Future” consultation
document.

76
Announced as part of the Housing Green Paper Policy package on 23 July 2007.

77
http://www.sustainable-development.gov.uk/government/estates/targets-guidance.htm#waterconsumption

78
UK government Sustainable Procurement Action Plan 2007 (http://www.sustainable-
development.gov.uk/publications/pdf/SustainableProcurementActionPlan.pdf

44
10.8 Defra is currently developing a new National Water Strategy to be
publishedlater this year, which will set out a coherent policy framework to
underpinthe Government'scommitments for water availability and quality. It will
outline the evolving priorities, and focus water policy through a climate change lens.
The aim is to improve standards of service and quality, while balancing environmental
impacts, water quality, supply and demand, and social and economic objectives. Water
efficiency will be a key area of that Strategy.

Potable water use

10.9 Nationally, the current domestic usage of potable water has grown in recent
years and is calculated at an average of 154 litres per person per day. This compares
with less than 120 litres per person per day in certain parts of Europe. Since the South
East of England and East Anglia receive less rainfall per person than countries such as
Algeria and the Sudan and the supply-demand gap is becoming more difficult to
balance. It is vitally important that we seek to reduce consumption substantially within
the next decade, and particularly in those areas where supplies are scarce.

10.10 A number of water efficiency technologies exist for the construction industry
but these are often aimed at new developments rather than existing build. They range
from rainwater capture systems to innovative products, for example dual-flush toilets,
low flow tap and shower fittings and sensor flow taps. Many of these features can be
applied to both domestic and commercial buildings. The industry aims to phase out
high-flow fittings by 2020.

10.11 The onus for promoting conservation is on water companies, regulatory bodies
and the public, though it is often not demand-led. Advances in water efficient
technology and innovation in recent years have generally not been widely adopted
(aside from dual flush toilets). This Strategy provides the opportunity to build on
existing measures for water efficiency, and for the entire construction sector to take a
lead, building on benchmarks and existing good practice.

Actions & Deliverables

10.12 We have set out below the key actions to which Government is already
committed in this area and additional actions we intend to take, either to ensure
existing commitments are met or to fill gaps. We have also set out actions that
businesses in the construction industry could take. Following this list are a number of
questions on which we would welcome your views and your thoughts on what more
industry could and should do.

Key Actions to which the Government is already committed:

10.13 Defra is currently looking into the feasibility of a product information / labelling
scheme through the Market Transformation Platform Programme. This supports
theinitiative of the Bathroom Manufacturer's Association which will be launching a
voluntary scheme for bathroom products in September 2007. Defra will continue to
work with stakeholders todevelopbetter information to support the identification
ofwater efficiency products.

10.14 Regional measures to deal with water scarce areas. Defra’s consultation on
water metering, launched January 2007, focused on water stressed areas and
proposed to give water companies greater powers to increase metering.

10.15 CLG and Defra are currently considering the outcome of their consultation on
improving water efficiency in new buildings (which discussed a number of options
including the introduction of a whole building performance standard and changes to

45
the water fittings regulations). They will publish a further policy statement shortly
indicating proposed next steps.

10.16 Government is separately looking at ways of improving the water efficiency of

existing domestic and commercial buildings, e.g. market transformation, reducing
financial barriers, consumer education and awareness raising as well as regulation.

10.17 Government is also considering ways of regulating high water use fittings e.g.
wet rooms, spa baths etc, by amending the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations
1999 to make them notifiable to the local water company. This would enable water
companies to exercise discretionary powers to install a water meter, so that water
charges could reflect the true cost of the water used.

10.18 A fuller range of measures is from the Water Savings Group – see Defra website:
www.defra.gov.uk/environment.

What more will the Government do?

10.19 If regulatory minimum standards for water efficiency are adopted, consider
whether the water efficiency standards at the higher levels of the Code for Sustainable
Homes might be used to progressively raise these regulatory standards as is currently
proposed for code energy efficiency standards.

What more should business do?

10.20 Encourage metering of all existing buildings on refurbishment and change of
ownership. Defra to consult with the water companies79.

10.21 Defra’s Market Transformation Programme is leading on developing codes of

conduct / sets of standards for rainwater and grey water systems. Industry to develop
installation and maintenance codes of practice.

10.22 Develop codes and standards for training of plumbers on installation of water-
efficiency systems (including elements covering rainwater and grey water systems).

10.23 Development of training programmes for Facilities Managers and plumbers on

the need for, and operation of, water-efficient buildings.

Surface Water Management

10.24 Good surface water management is a key issue for the construction industry,
during the construction phase and afterwards.

10.25 A failure to take account of surface water during the construction phase can
result in water pollution and disruption to the construction programme.

10.26 Building Regulations requires developers to consider all types of drainage

systems, and lists them in order of preference. Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS)
come first in this list, with conventional pipes last.

10.27 The philosophy behind SUDS is to mimic natural drainage patterns, removing
pollutants from urban run-off and help manage flood risk at source. Landscaped SUDS
features can be part of green space and green corridors and have the potential to
contribute significantly to biodiversity.

79
Defra Consultation on Water Metering in Areas of Serious Water Stress” January 2007

46
10.28 Many organisations are championing improved surface water management and
many clients, contractors and consultants are aware of requirements for flood risk
management through planning policy statements.

10.29 SUDS offer three principal benefits in both new developments and retro-fitted
into existing developments, as follows:

• Water Quality: Surface water discharges are a source of diffuse pollution. Under
the Water Framework Directive, diffuse pollution is likely to require greater
focus in the future. SUDS are one mechanism for addressing this issue.

• Flood Risk: Efforts are been made to improve levels of flood protection in
developments, driven by current needs and the prospective impact of climate
change. SUDS, in conjunction with surface water management planning and
flood routeing,can be an effective way of managing flood risk.

• Amenity: SUDS require more imaginative use of open space within

developments so that theycan be integrated within the 'green space' within the
public realm.Done properly, this can contribute to more attractive built
environments and bring other benefits to communities.

10.30 A feature of SUDS is that they largely comprise 'soft engineering' which implies
lower carbon inputs through: less deep digging, less use of imported engineering
materials and less waste material for disposal.Whilst there is guidance in the
implementation of SUDS, it is predominantly the exception rather than the rule for new
developments. However, during construction a number of contractors will utilise
surface water management plans to manage the pollution from the construction site.

Actions & Deliverables

10.31 Listed below we have set out the key actions that Government will take in this
area to ensure existing commitments are met or to fill gaps. There are also questions
on which we would like your views and your thoughts on what more industry could
and should do.

What more will Government do?

10.32 Defra is currently examining options for resolving barriers to the take up of
SUDS. It is anticipated that a public consultation on options for ownership and
adoption of SUDS will take place towards the end of 2007.

10.33 Promote surface water management through an update to the Practice Guide
on Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 2580.

Consultation Questions

10.34 Do the targets and milestones presented at the start of the chapter appear
realistic, achievable and sufficiently ambitious over the time frames envisaged? If not,
then please suggest alternatives and who should be responsible for their
implementation.

10.35 Are there any issues not covered in the above, which you feel should be
addressed? If so, what are they and what targets and milestones would you propose?

80
Communities and Local Government (2007) Development and Flood Risk: A Practice Guide Companion to PPS25
'Living Draft', http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1506265

47
11 Biodiversity
Background and rationale for action

11.1 It is well documented that throughout the twentieth century, the increased
modernisation of our lives has harmed biodiversity. The pressures of urban expansion
place an ever-increasing demand on natural resources. However, development and
biodiversity conservation can work together through adherence to relevant legislation,
national and regional planning policies and biodiversity strategies and action plans.

11.2 Available evidence suggests that we will be subject to at least 50 years of

climate change which we cannot prevent. We will therefore have to adapt to its
unavoidable impacts. Efforts to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas
emissions (e.g. growing biofuel crops or building wind farms) could create significant
new pressures, as well as some opportunities, for biodiversity. In seeking to conserve
biodiversity in a rapidly changing climate, we need to consider how ecosystems will be
affected by changing climatic conditions and how the activities of the construction
sector may exacerbate or reduce impacts on biodiversity.

11.3 The England Biodiversity Strategy, Working with the grain of nature, published
in 2002, represents the bringing together of England’s key contributions to achieving
the EU Gothenburg target to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010. The Strategy aims to
embed biodiversity in all sectors of policy and decision making. A full report on the
first four years of the Strategy was published in November 200681, describing progress
made and setting out forward work programmes to 2010. Additionally, Planning Policy
Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation (May 2006) shows how
development plans and development control should treat nature conservation issues.

11.4 The long term vision in the England Biodiversity Strategy is to conserve and
progressively enhance biodiversity as an essential component of urban infrastructure,
thereby contributing to the quality of the urban environment and urban living and
helping sustain thriving communities. One of the possible outcomes is that by 2010,
conservation and enhancement of biodiversity maybe considered throughout the
urban environment (including as part of all urban master planning, design and
construction). For example, one way that this could occur would be for all construction
projects over £500,000 to put in place a plan to protect and enhance the existing nature
conservation features on, or adjacent to a site. Where this is not possible, mitigation or
compensation would be provided to lessen the impact on, or replace as appropriate,
the feature(s) of nature conservation value.

11.5 This Sustainable Construction Strategy will help to ensure that conservation
and enhancement of biodiversity is considered throughout the built environment.

81
Working with the grain of nature – taking it forward: Volume 1 - a full report on progress under the England
Biodiversity Strategy 2002-2006

48
Actions & Deliverables

What more could businesses do?

11.6 The Construction industry could deliver further benefits for biodiversity by
introducing a scheme whereby construction companies that are committed to
biodiversity-related good practice could obtain recognition.

11.7 The construction sector could deliver further benefits for biodiversity by
developing active partnerships with conservation-focused NGOs or Government
agencies such as Natural England.

11.8 Another option would be to convene a construction and building materials

industry workshop, bringing together companies from the design, planning,
contracting, and building materials sectors and Government Departments to increase
awareness about biodiversity and to develop new initiatives that deliver benefits to
biodiversity. Such a workshop could also incorporate some companies that fall within
the mining and forestry sectors, since these are closely associated with the building
materials sector.

Consultation Questions

11.9 The aim of the proposal in paragraph 11.8 would be to create an integrated
approach to maintain and where possible enhance biodiversity as a result of
construction sector activity. Please say what you think would be helpful to companies
in the construction sector to support the aims of maintaining and enhancing
biodiversity.

49
12 Waste & Materials
12.1 Waste

Targets and milestones

12.1.1 By 2012, a 50% reduction of construction, demolition and

excavation waste to landfill compared to 200582.

12.1.2 By 2015, zero net waste83 at construction site level84.

12.1.3 By 2020 zero waste to landfill85.

Background and rationale for action

12.1.4 Waste continues to be a major issue for the construction sector. The
Government signalled the importance of construction waste in its new waste Strategy
for England86 published in May 2007. The industry is beginning to move away from
waste management to resource management which will ultimately lead to improved
economic performance. Longer term objectives should be more focussed on reducing
the environmental impacts associated with waste production and resource
management. This will require further development of life cycle data, especially
resource use, of key construction products.

12.1.5 Waste regulation has been a principal driver of behaviour change within the
construction sector. A reduction in construction, demolition and excavation waste will
be significant for the environment as well as business efficiency. Leading companies in
the industry have already demonstrated that waste reduction and recycling deliver
worthwhile savings. And a study commissioned by Defra87 identified that recovering
energy from waste wood (currently mostly landfilled) represents a large potential
carbon saving opportunity.

12.1.6 In addition, there are cost-neutral opportunities to close the loop and use higher
recycled content and reclaimed product in projects. Continued increases in the landfill
tax (both the standard rate and the inactive waste rate), and an increase in the
aggregates levy rate, as announced in Budget 2007, will help drive resource efficiency
and reduce waste, as well as diverting waste from landfill into re-use and recycling.

12.1.7 There are several existing Government sustainability targets, including:

82
http://defraweb/environment/waste/strategy/index.htm

83
The concept of “Zero Net Waste” is explained in: http://www.wrap.org.uk/construction/index.html

84
http://defraweb/environment/waste/strategy/index.htm

85
http://defraweb/environment/waste/strategy/index.htm

86
Waste Strategy for England 2007, see http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/strategy/index.htm

87
Carbon Balances and Energy Impacts of the Management of UK Wastes, report by ERM (with Golder Associates) for
Defra, March 2007:
http://www2.defra.gov.uk/research/project_data/More.asp?I=WR0602&M=KWS&V=Carbon+balance&SUBMIT1=Search&
SCOPE=0

50
 • Government to reduce waste arising by 5% by 2010 relative to 2004/5 levels
and by 25% by 202088. And
• Government to increase recycling rates to 40% by 2010 and 75% by 2020.89

12.1.8These are high level targets for the economy as a whole, towards which the
construction industry will need to contribute.

Actions and Deliverables

12.1.9 Below we have set out the key actions to which Government is already
committed and what more we intend to do, either to ensure existing commitments are
met or to fill gaps. Following these are questions on which we would welcome your
views and your thoughts on what more industry could and should do.

Key Actions to which the Government is already committed:

12.1.10 Setting clear standards for good practice through the supply chain, on
resource efficiency within public sector procurement of construction projects – and
potentially in the private sector through client and developer commitments to similar
standards. Common Minimum Standards90 are in place for the procurement of built
environments in the public sector and include a range of requirements for public sector
clients on waste minimisation and management and resource efficiency, such as a
minimum requirement for recycled content.

12.1.11 Continuing intervention to help develop markets for recovered materials –

through quality standards, and sector agreements with manufacturers, including
through the work of the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP), whose remit
includes developing markets for recovered materials, and engagement with the BERR
funded Integrated Pollution Management (IPM-Net) Knowledge Transfer Network,
which covers land remediation, water use and waste/pollution issues. For example,
Defra’s Market Transformation Programme (MTP) and WRAP have helped develop a
voluntary agreement with the major plasterboard manufacturers and their trade
association to reduce plasterboard waste to landfill and increase collection and
recycling. It is intended to agree a sector-level agreement with the remaining elements
of the supply chain.

12.1.12 Improving evidence on the environmental impacts of construction products.

Evidence shows that buildings, construction and appliances account for 20-35% of all
environmental impacts91. Through the MTP, Government is improving theevidence
base on priority construction products and, building onthis work, is developingpolicy
roadmaps, which will chart the sustainability impacts(including waste and resource
efficiency) and propose a range of corrective interventions acrossthe life cycle of
tenpriority products including plasterboard (see 12.1.11) and window systems.

88
UK government Sustainable Procurement Action Plan 2007 (http://www.sustainable-
development.gov.uk/publications/pdf/SustainableProcurementActionPlan.pdf

89
UK government Sustainable Procurement Action Plan 2007 (http://www.sustainable-
development.gov.uk/publications/pdf/SustainableProcurementActionPlan.pdf

90
http://www.ogc.gov.uk/construction_procurement_common_minimum_standards_for_the_built_environment.asp

91
EU-25 study, 'The Environmental Impact of Products' (EIPRO), May 2006

51
12.1.13 Setting an implementation framework to help deliver Government objectives
on waste and resource efficiency. The Building Research Establishment (BRE) and
consultants, AEAT, are developing, in discussion with the sector, a Government-
funded Construction Waste & Resources Roadmap.

12.1.14 Developing clear regulation guidance and ensure consistent application of

regulatory compliance. The Environment Agency is working with the construction
sector to launch a Sector Plan that will set milestones for reduced waste and greater
resource efficiency on construction sites. The agency will improveits relationship with
construction businesses to offer more consistent guidance and regulation and remove
barriers to better environmental practices.

12.1.15 The Environment Agency is running a three-year awareness campaign

“Sitewise ll” to improve the environmental performance of the construction industry
as part of its small & medium sized enterprise strategy.

12.1.16 Raising awareness of improved waste management and resource efficiency

within the construction industry through the BERR voluntary code of practice for Site
Waste Management Plans (SWMPs), launched in July 2004, and Integrated Pollution
Management (IPM)-Net Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN).

What more could Government do?

12.1.17 Defra is currently consulting on proposals to make SWMPs mandatory,

building on the existing voluntary code and the experience of those who have already
adopted SWMPs. The consultation closes on 9th July 2007. Depending on the
consultation outcome, regulations could come into effect in April 2008. As well as
encouraging greater resource efficiency, SWMPs are also intended to close down the
market for illegal waste operators and to reduce the amount of waste crime and fly-
tipping in the construction sector.

12.1.18 Clients to include contractual requirements for measurement and improvement

of material resource efficiency for projects in England over £1m in value by 200992.
Government has a role in applying these to its own projects but also in encouraging
the private sector to make such commitments. WRAP might have a role in encouraging
the private sector to sign up to this commitment.

Resource efficiency encompasses waste reduction, use of recovered materials in

construction, and recycling. The £1m threshold would capture around 10% of projects
by number, 60-70% by value. Client requirements will encourage contractors to
perform beyond the minimum regulatory standard for proposed Site Waste
Management Plans (SWMPs), which will require measurement but not necessarily
adoption of improved performance. This will also contribute to the Government’s
sustainable procurement policies.

12.1.19 Government to achieve waste-neutral construction in its major construction

projects by 201293. Waste neutrality depends on reducing waste, segregating material
for re-use and recycling and using more recovered material – and procurement clauses
would require action on all these aspects.

To meet this proposed benchmark, one option is that the value of re-used or recycled
materials employed on a construction project will at least equal the value of materials

92
For more details on this proposed target see Annex C3 to Waste Strategy for England 2007 (Box C3.3 on page 15) at
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/strategy/strategy07/pdf/waste07-annex-c3.pdf

93
For more details on this proposed target see Annex C3 to Waste Strategy for England 2007 (Box C3.4 on page 16) at
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/strategy/strategy07/pdf/waste07-annex-c3.pdf

52
delivered to site that are wasted, while satisfying the criterion of no net adverse
environmental impact from the adoption of good practice. It is proposed that value be
credited for improvements in re-used and recycled content above standard practice
and the value of materials reclaimed for use off-site. Value will be debited for
materials delivered to site but not incorporated in the construction works (e.g. unused,
off cut and damaged materials). The balance is termed “net waste”. ‘Zero net waste’
could be defined in this way.

What more should businesses do?

12.1.20 Develop and implement a programme to encourage smaller contractors to

measure current performance, identify good practice and reduce site waste. By way of
example The National Specialist Contractors Council are developing a programme for
their members.

12.1.21 Halve the amount of construction waste produced at site level by 2015 as a
means of encouraging resource efficiency. This waste reduction proposal relates to the
amount of waste generated on building and new build projects with a baseline of 2007,
measured through performance indicators, such as cubic metres of waste per 100 sq.
metres, or wastage rates of products and materials. This will contribute to the zero net
waste site target.

12.1.22 Manufacturers to consider the resource efficiency of their products throughout

their lifecycle e.g. designing out waste / less resources used, appropriate packaging,
take-back schemes, and designing products for reuse and recyclability.

12.1.23 Designers/architects to consider waste minimisation and use of reclaimed and

recycled materials within an overall framework of sustainable design. Consider the
longevity of buildings and disassembly / deconstruction at the end of the buildings life.

12.1.24 Contractors and subcontractors, through the use of SWMPs, to consider waste
reduction by designing out waste, more efficient use of materials through accurate
ordering and on-site requirements such as adequate storage, logistics etc; and by
encouraging the setting of targets following the waste hierarchy (Reduce, Reuse,
Recycle).

53
Consultation Questions
12.1.25 Is it feasible to halve construction, demolition and excavation waste to landfill
by 201294 from a baseline of 2005? Is the baseline date appropriate, and what
specifically has to be done, and by whom, to achieve this target?

It is proposed that this target would not cover the diversion of waste from
landfill to exempt sites, backfilling quarry voids, site restoration and landfill
engineering. The target would therefore only cover (i) the estimated 18 million
tonnes per year95 of unprocessed, inert Construction, Demolition and Excavation
(CD&E) waste (suitable for reprocessing into aggregate) entering licensed
landfill for waste disposal and (ii) non-inert and mixed CD&E wastes96.

12.1.26 Do the targets, milestones and proposals for waste appear realistic, achievable
and sufficiently ambitious over the time frames envisaged? If not, then please suggest
alternatively what these should be and who should be responsible for their
implementation.

12.1.27 We propose new measures in paragraphs 12.1.18 and 12.1.19 to stimulate

action to improve resource efficiency, reduce waste and increase diversion from
landfill (through more re-use, recycling and recovery). Are these measures achievable
and sufficiently ambitious? What needs to be done and by whom to achieve these
aims?

12.1.28 New measures to stimulate action from companies to improve resource

efficiency are proposed in paragraphs 12.1.20 – 12.1.24. Please prioritise these
proposals and identify quick win opportunities with high impact.

94
For more details on this proposed target see Annex C3 to Waste Strategy for England 2007 (Box C3.2 on page 15) at
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/strategy/strategy07/pdf/waste07-annex-c3.pdf

95
Survey of Arisings and Use of Alternatives to Primary Aggregates in England, 2005: Construction, Demolition
and Excavation Waste, Report for CLG by Capita Symonds, (2007).
http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/125/SurveyofArisingsandUseofAlternativestoPrimaryAggregatesinEngland2005Co
nstructioe_id1508125.pdf

96
Data is less certain: WRAP estimate 15-20 million tonnes per year.

54
12.2 Materials
Targets and milestones

12.2.1 50% of products with type III Environmental Product

97
Declarations by 2010 . (proposed new target for industry)

12.2.2 50% of buildings and construction schemes over £1m in value

using stewardship and responsible sourcing principles98 by 2010. (proposed
new target for industry)

Background and rationale for action

12.2.3 To assess fully the position of materials in a sustainability context requires

consideration of a complex set of environmental, social and economic factors across
their whole life-cycle. Use of life-cycle assessments (LCA) of materials and products
has advanced in recent years alongside improvements in life-cycle methodologies.

12.2.4 The aim is to understand which parts of the life cycle have the greatest impacts,
and where and how interventions can be focused to improve the environmental
performance of products and services.

12.2.5 A programme of work within CEN (Comité Européen de Normalisation) under

Mandate 350 will provide a standardised voluntary methodology for the assessment of
the integrated performance of buildings. The scope of the work is to develop a
voluntary standardised methodology for the assessment of the sustainability aspects
of new and existing construction works and for standards for the environmental
product declaration of construction products99. The resulting standards will provide the
means for the quantification of the impacts of the construction industry and for
understanding the results of its decisions.

12.2.6 Responsible sourcing is an area of growing importance to the construction

sector. The supply chains delivering these products and the stewardship that they
show to their “service performance” (energy in use, thermal properties and ease of
maintenance) and “end of life” (how the material is recycled, recovered or disposed of)
is a matter of utmost importance when considering sustainability objectives.

Actions & Deliverables

12.2.7 Below we have set out the actions that the construction industry might consider
taking. Following these are questions on which we would welcome your views and
your thoughts on what more industry could and should do.

Key Actions to which the Government is already committed:

97
An environmental product declaration, EPD, is defined as "quantified environmental data for a product with pre-set
categories of parameters based on the ISO 14040 series of standards, but not excluding additional environmental
information" Type III EPDs are environmental product declarations containing quantified product information, with an
obligated 3rd party validation.

98
See example of responsible sourcing and stewardship under Category 3 Materials, Code for Sustainable Homes at
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/code_for_sustainable_homes_techguide.pdf

99
An environmental product declaration, EPD, is defined as "quantified environmental data for a product with pre-set
categories of parameters based on the ISO 14040 series of standards, but not excluding additional environmental
information" Type III EPDs are environmental product declarations containing quantified product information, with an
obligated 3rd party validation.

55
12.2.8 Take forward actions from Defra’s and DTI’s100 response to the two year
progress report on the Strategy for non-food crops and uses, issued in May 2007.101

12.2.9 The Forestry Commission has initiated and continues to support the UK
Woodland Assurance Standard, amechanism providing assurance to users and buyers
of wood that theproduct is derived from a sustainably managed source.

What more could Government do?

12.2.10 Already identified in the Code for Sustainable Homes was the suggestion that a
probable future development regarding the environmental impact of materials is to
reward resource efficiency, as well as the use of resources that are more sustainable,
by developing Ecopoints102 per square metre as a measure for this item. However it
may be that the Green Guide to Specification103 will remain as a simple route for
assessing the environmental impact of materials for smaller developments.

What more should businesses do?

12.2.11 Development of a suite of LCA tools to encompass design through to

deconstruction.

12.2.12 Encourage material producers and users to adopt best practice for example
through Environmental Management Systems, performance monitoring, product
labelling and encouraging suppliers to adopt the same standards through supply chain
management. For instance the Electrical Contractors' and the Heating and Ventilation
Contractors' Associations have worked with CHAS (a national contractor safety pre-
qualification scheme) to draft a set of 'core criteria' for assessing the environmental
management capability of contractors of all sizes. The 'core criteria' cover climate
change and a range of environment management issues in addition to waste
management.
12.2.13 Set up independently verified product stewardship certification schemes for the
product sector. The Building Research Establishment will start a development process
for a Responsible Sourcing of Materials scheme during 2007.

12.2.14 Commission a project to look at the scope for setting a target for the use of
renewable materials in construction in the UK.

Consultation Questions
12.2.15 Do you agree that the targets and milestones proposed for Materials will
deliver improved resource efficiency with reduced environmental and societal impacts,
and are sufficiently ambitious? If not, then please propose alternative targets.

12.2.16 What can you do to implement a whole life approach to sustainability in your
business?

100
Department of Trade and Industry. Now Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, BERR.

101
http://defraweb/farm/crops/industrial/non-food/index.htm
102
http://www.bre.co.uk/filelibrary/cap/076.pdf

103
http://www.bre.co.uk/greenguide/page.jsp?sid=435

56
13 Delivery of the Strategy
13.1 A key part of the Strategy will be the development of an Implementation Plan
setting out the specific actions to which a wide variety of organisations will commit.
Many actions already appear in this document together with timetables and named
organisations responsible for delivery. We list below key groups of organisations
which will play a central role in developing implementation plans.

Key delivery organisations:

• Central Government Departments

• Regulators
• Local Authorities
• Regional Development Agencies (RDAs)
• Learning and Skills Councils; Sector Skills Councils
• Strategic Forum for Construction, including work being undertaken by
organisations such as the Specialist Engineering Contractors' (SEC) Group
• Construction Umbrella Bodies
• Civil Engineering Organisations
• Individual companies large and small

The Regions

13.2 Many of the actions set out in this delivery plan will be delivered locally, but will
have an influence through best practice at a regional and national level. While it is
right that national bodies have taken a key role in developing this consultation draft
and promoting its implementation (e.g. through construction umbrella bodies),
Regional Development Agencies, Local Authorities and others, have a central role to
play. Government expects relevant aspects of the Strategy to be embedded within
Regional Economic Strategies, Regional Spatial Strategies, and Regional Housing
Strategies, and to be embedded in procurement practice by the public sector.

13.3 Government is looking specifically to the RDAs to provide strategic leadership

at the regional level through their own actions and investments as well as through
their business support role to the construction industry.

13.4 Local Authorities and RDAs have distinctbut complementary roles and an
interest in collaborative working. The RDAs sit on design review panels in the interest
of influencing qualitative aspects of development proposals and achieving the highest
possible standards of design in the built environment. Collaborative working also takes
place in terms of physical regeneration ofplaces in the regions and it is here they also
work with English Partnerships and the Housing Corporation among others. Delivery of
this Strategy should provide the opportunities for further collaboration around
common objectives.

13.5 Government, through CLG, will also encourage the embedding of sustainable
construction targets within the strategies of the Regional Centres of Excellence.

13.6 An explanation of the specific roles of the RDAs/Local Authorities/Regional

Assemblies in the delivery of the Strategy is set out below.

57
Regional Development Agencies

13.7 RDAs’ statutory duties include duties to:

• further economic development and regeneration;

• promote business efficiency, investment and competitiveness;
• promote employment;
• enhance development and application of skills relevant to employment; and to
• contribute to sustainable development.

13.8 These duties sit well within the broader overall vision for the Sustainable
Construction Strategy. In terms of the overall targets within the Strategy, the RDAs
will seek to embed these within their Regional Economic Strategies, which have
sustainable development at their ‘core’.

13.9 In terms of construction, these strategies also drive decisions about the physical
infrastructure and regeneration activities necessary for the regions to flourish
economically, and include programmes for minimising any subsequent environmental
impact. Regional Economic Strategies have strong connections with other regional
strategies such as Regional Transport Strategies, Regional Housing Strategies and the
regions’ Spatial Strategies.

13.10 The RDAs and their regional partners have a key role to play driving
implementation of the Sustainable Construction Strategy at the regional, sub-regional
and local level, building on the work that is already underway. What follows is a
number of actions to which the RDAs are already committed and intend to undertake,
either to ensure existing commitments are met or to fill gaps.

What the Regional Development Agencies are already committed to:

• A number of construction Centres of Excellence have been established in the

regions to raise awareness among the industry and Constructing Excellence104
has provided the expertise in setting these up. These Centres of Excellence
provide a direct link between public agencies and industry to facilitate a step-
change improvement in the performance of their regions’ construction/built
environment sector in terms of productivity and quality. This is done through
engagement with construction employers and all organisations involved with
the development of the built environment to work towards the national
objectives of Constructing Excellence.

• Regional Design Review Panels have also been established across the regions
to help drive forward the quality of design in the built environment and actively
support the demonstration and showcasing of exemplar buildings, whether
through direct development of pilot demonstration projects or in partnerships
through conditions set down in funding agreements.

104
http://www.constructingexcellence.org.uk/

58
 • The RDAs have agreed to use a set of Common Minimum Standards105 relating
to physical development linked to sustainability and best practice for all projects
in which they invest.

• Underpinning this is a broad range of guidance, conditions and advice which

Local Authorities, RDAs, English Partnerships and the Housing Corporation are
required to take into account in developing their policies and in making
procurement decisions.

What more will the RDAs do:

• Provide leadership through innovation; business support to industry; and

work with training providers to develop skills of individuals.

• As clients, RDAs (and regional partners) are responsible for the physical
development of the region. As such, RDAs can frame tender documents to
include targets on sustainable development.

• Ensure that all construction activity in which RDAs are directly involved,
should exceed the minimum sustainability standards.

• As a statutory consultee, RDAs can influence the outcome of planning

application proposals to build higher quality and more sustainable
buildings.

• Develop the necessary partnerships locally to deliver the Strategy in the

regions to meet local needs – for example, to link these to procurement
partnerships as set out in “Procuring the Future”106.

Regional Assemblies and Local Authorities

13.11 In terms of the delivery of the Strategy, Local Authorities and Regional
Assemblies, like the RDAs,will have a key role to play in delivery. Both bodies have
important planning functions. Local Authoritiesalso havean important role for
enforcement ofboth planning and developmentstandards.

13.12 Regional Assemblies are involved in both the preparation of Regional Economic
Strategiesled bythe RDAs andin the preparation ofRegional Spatial Strategies.

13.13 The targets contained intheSustainable Construction Strategy will need to

beembedded withinthe RegionalEconomicandSpatial Strategiesand local public
sector procurementguidance and practice.

13.14 The Sustainable Construction Strategy can be used tocomplement the work
local authorities are already doing in driving forwardsustainable development.

105
http://www.ogc.gov.uk/construction_procurement_common_minimum_standards_for_the_built_environment.asp

106
http://www.ogc.gov.uk/documents/1B_Tom_lloyd_smith_Procuring_the_Future.pdf

59
14 Monitoring of Achievements
Targets and milestones

Overall Target

14.1 To carry out a biennial review of progress and re-set the milestones
and actions accordingly.

Key Milestones

14.2 To prepare a summary report in 2009 and 2011 of progress against the
Strategy.

14.3 To share progress and best practice in a biennial conference in 2009

and 2011.

14.4 To audit the Government’s achievements in 2010.

14.5 To audit industry performance involving the Strategic Forum for

Construction / Sustainable Construction Task Group in 2010.

14.6 Approach: This Strategy profiles a blueprint for action by Government and
industry to improve the sustainable construction performance of the UK against given
targets and actions, recognising that changes are needed from time to time.

14.7 The Strategy will need to respond to changing operational issues, achievements
and new circumstances. The Plan, do, Check, Act cycles provide a useful approach.

14.8 Plan: The consultation process will result in an integrated Government and
industry Strategy for Sustainable Construction.

14.9 Doing it!: Over time, actions will be implemented and progress towards the
targets achieved. In addition, some milestones may change and new information may
drive changes in the Strategy itself.

14.10 Check: It is proposed to develop a regular monitor of progress. Every 2 years a

progress report will be published by BERR in partnership with industry – involving the
Strategic Forum for Construction.

14.11 Action: The reports will identify: achieved targets, exceeded targets and targets
not achieved together with new opportunities and issues that require new milestones,
targets and actions.

14.12 Progress against the targets set out in Rethinking Construction is already
tracked against an annually published set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

14.13 The publication of the first set of UK Construction Industry KPIs in 1999 was
followed by the Respect for People Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in 2002 and the
Environment KPIs in 2003. In addition, there has been a gradual development as the
major sectors of the construction industry published KPIs specific to their area of
activity.

14.14 Each year, on behalf of BERR, the KPI consortium carries out data collection
surveys of clients and suppliers across the UK. Existing KPIs relevant specifically to this

60
Sustainable Construction Strategy, could be identified as part of the mechanism of
reporting on the progress of our achievements.

61
Annex 1: Consultation Questions
and Response Form
Invitation

You are invited to comment on the Government’s proposals for the Strategy for
Sustainable Construction, as contained in this document.

Your views are particularly sought on the actions proposed to achieve the milestone
targets in each Section of the document future. It should be noted that, although all
these proposals are being consulted on as part of a package of measures, they are not
mutually exclusive, i.e. one or more of them could be amended in the light of the
consultation exercise.

How to respond
Comments are invited on any aspect of the consultation documents. However, to assist
our analysis of responses we would appreciate it if you could complete the response
form below either electronically or in hard copy. Please feel free to submit additional
comments, evidence and/or supporting documentation.

Responses can be returned by post or by e-mail. The deadline for receiving responses
to this consultation is 30 November 2007. All responses received before the deadline
will be considered.

Additional copies of this consultation document and the response form may be
downloaded from the BERR website, www.berr.gov.uk, or obtained as hard copies
from:

David Hughes
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform
Construction Sector Unit,
1 Victoria Street
London. SW1H 0ET

Please return your response to this consultation as soon as possible and in any event
no later than 30 November 2007. Please reply direct to the BERR contact:

David Hughes
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform
Construction Sector Unit,
1 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0ET
Tel. 020 7215 0993
Fax. 020 7215 6151
e-mail to: david.hughes@berr.gsi.gov.uk

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Response form for the consultation on the Strategy for Sustainable
Construction

1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Respondent Details

Name: Please return your responses by

Organisation:
30 November 2007, by post or e-mail to:
Address: David Hughes
Department for Business, Enterprise
and Regulatory Reform,
Construction Sector Unit,
1 Victoria Street
Town/City: London SW1H 0ET
County/Postcode: Tel. 020 7215 0993
Fax. 020 7215 6151
Fax: e-mail to:
david.hughes@berr.gsi.gov.uk
Email:

63
Organisation type (tick one box only)

Approved Inspector Manufacturer

Architects Trade body or association

Civil/Structural Engineer Private individual (unaffiliated)

Commercial Developers Professional body or institution

Consultancy Property funder

House or property developer Research/academic organization

Housing Association Specific interest or lobby group

(Registered Social Landlords)

Individual in practice, trade or
Other non-governmental profession
organisation
Journalist/media
Builder/other contractor
(please specify) Insurer

Local authority – Building Control

Other (please specify):
Local authority –
Environmental health

Local authority – other

(please specify)
Please use an X in answering the following questions

Is your response confidential? Yes No

If “yes” please explain why.

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Consultation Questions

General

Q1 Do you think that the broad coverage of the key themes and sub themes in this
draft Strategy is correct? If not, then what themes or sub themes should
additionally be covered?

Q2 In large part this Strategy focuses on the delivery of environmental targets. Is

that the right focus?

Q3 What other measures should Government be doing to support the construction

industry to become more sustainable – this could cover any aspect of the
industry and/or any aspect of its supply chains?

Q4 Does industry have views on the use of building and planning standards across
the country to promote the sustainability of developments?

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Q5 What more could the construction industry do collectively to contribute to
aspects of sustainability – what targets and actions could it sign up to?

Q6 If you represent part of the construction industry, what actions could your
organisation sign-up to, to improve particular aspects of sustainability?

Q7 How do you think progress should be measured against the targets? Who
should be responsible for measuring, evaluating and reporting on the actions of
both Government and industry in moving towards the targets?

Q8 What in your view are the major costs and benefits of this Strategy for industry,
clients, Government and the public at large?

66
Q9 Do you think that there will be compliance issues for small business and one-off
clients that disadvantage these groupings relative to larger businesses and
clients? If so, what are they?

Q10 Sustainability is a world-wide challenge, not simply a UK preoccupation. How

can we best ensure that UK business takes full account of the trade
opportunities this offers?

Q11 How can the Strategy be refreshed in future?

Procurement

Q12 What specific actions could the construction industry take to lead by example
and procure construction projects more sustainably?

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Design

Q13 Is target 5.2 stretching, achievable and realistic? If not then please propose an
alternative. Which organisation or organisations should be responsible for this
target?

Q14 Which of the proposed actions for business do you consider to be a priority?
Why? What are the barriers to implementing this action and how might they be
overcome? Who should take the lead in implementing this action?

The People Agenda

Q15 If you agree that the proposed key actions and deliverables covered in the
People Agenda reflect the main priority areas to deliver sustainability for the
industry, what specific work streams and targets would help deliver these
commitments?

Q16 Do you agree that these workstreams and targets should be peer-reviewed by
industry experts (e.g. relevant Sector Skills Councils), prioritised, and Action
Plans developed to take the best ideas forward?

Better Regulation

Q17 We would be grateful for information from you on specific pieces of legislation
which are impeding your ability to be more sustainable in your business
operations.

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Climate Change

Q18 Are there other actions that the Government should be taking to help the
construction industry rise to the challenge of climate change?

Q19 What targets could industry specifically sign up to, to increase the positive
impact they can have on climate change through their activities?

Water

Q20 Do the targets and milestones in this chapter appear realistic, achievable and
sufficiently ambitious over the time frames envisaged? If not, then please
suggest alternatives, and who should be responsible for their implementation.

Q21 Are there any issues which have not been covered which you feel should be
addressed? If so, what are they and what targets and milestones would you
propose?

Biodiversity

Q22 The aim of the proposal in paragraph 11.8 would be to create an integrated
approach to maintain and where possible enhance biodiversity as a result of
construction sector activity. Please say what you think would be helpful to
companies in the construction sector to support the aims of maintaining and
enhancing biodiversity.

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Waste

Q23 Is it feasible to halve construction, demolition and excavation waste to landfill

by 2012107 from a baseline of 2005? Is the baseline date appropriate, and what
specifically has to be done, and by whom, to achieve this target?

Q24 Do the targets, milestones and proposals for waste appear realistic, achievable
and sufficiently ambitious over the time frames envisaged? If not, then please
suggest alternatives and who should be responsible for their implementation.

Q25 We propose new measures in paragraphs 12.1.18 and 12.1.19 to stimulate

action to improve resource efficiency, reduce waste and increase diversion from
landfill (through more re-use, recycling and recovery). Are these measures
achievable and sufficiently ambitious? What needs to be done and by whom to
achieve these aims?

Q26 New measures to stimulate action from companies to improve resource

efficiency are proposed in paragraphs 12.1.20 – 12.1.24. Please prioritise these
proposals and identify quick win opportunities with high impact.

Materials

Q27 Do you agree that the targets and milestones proposed for Materials will deliver
improved resource efficiency with reduced environmental and societal impacts,
and are sufficiently ambitious? If not, then please propose alternative targets.

Q28 What can you do to implement a whole life approach to sustainability in your
business?

It is appreciated that not all consultees will wish to express an opinion on every
question. Where no response is given it will be presumed that consultees do not wish

107
For more details on this proposed target see Annex C3 to Waste Strategy for England 2007 (Box C3.2 on page 15) at
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/strategy/strategy07/pdf/waste07-annex-c3.pdf

70
to contribute to the consultation on that specific matter. Where consultees strongly
support particular aspects of the guidance please use the comments sections of this
form to note that support.

Please note that provision is made throughout this questionnaire for you to provide
additional comments. If, however you wish to provide detailed comments on any
aspect of the consultation then please append additional materials and supplementary
documents, clearly marked and cross referenced to the relevant questions, as
necessary.

Thank you for your time.

Please note:

All information in responses, including personal information, may be subject to

publication or disclosure under freedom of information legislation. If a
correspondent requests confidentiality, this cannot be guaranteed and will
only be possible if considered appropriate under the legislation. Any such
request should explain why confidentiality is necessary. Any automatic confidentiality
disclaimer generated by your IT system will not be considered as such a request unless
you specifically include a request, with an explanation, in the main text of your
response.

Confidential responses will nevertheless be included in any statistical summary of

numbers of comments and views expressed, although individuals will not be
identified.

Names and addresses may be held in an electronic database of interested parties for
the purpose of distributing future consultation documents on similar issues. However,
any such details will not be given to any third party.

A summary of responses to this consultation will be published at www.berr.gov.uk

Paper copies will be available on request from:

David Hughes
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform
Construction Sector Unit,
1 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0ET
Tel. 020 7215 0993
Fax. 020 7215 6151
e-mail to: david.hughes@berr.gsi.gov.uk

71
Annex 2:
Partial Regulatory Impact
Assessment
Introduction

A2.1 A number of consultation workshops including representatives of various sub-

sectors of the construction industry were conducted by the Department of Trade and
Industry’s108 Construction Sector Unit during January-February 2007 in order to inform
development of the consultation document.

A2.2 Many measures included in this draft have already been initiated. The purpose
for their inclusion is to add clarity, increase awareness and garner industry support for
sustainability in the construction sector. For these, a Regulatory Impact Assessment
(RIA) will have already been completed or is being undertaken. The following explains
this approach in the particular areas of procurement, water, waste and people issues.

Small Firms Impact Test

A2.3 There may be some impact on small firms, potentially in the fields of
procurement and people, largely in terms of possession/access to the necessary skills
and associated resources. The question of impact on small firms will be revisited
should the consultation process reveal further relevant issues.

Procurement

Aim

A2.4 Clients will have the capability to procure construction based on whole life
value and the confidence to allow the construction industry to be innovative in its
delivery of sustainable development.

Objective

A2.5 An aim of the Strategy is to exhort those organisations which operate in the
construction supply chain to recognise the importance and relevance of the
sustainability agenda and then to encourage them to improve their performance in key
areas.

Rationale for inclusion

A2.6 Rethinking Construction109, Sir John Egan’s 1998 report into the construction
industry in Great Britain found that the highly fragmented structure of the industry
(more detail below under “Competition Assessment”) combined with a lack of client
leadership militated against effective and cohesive working; particularly with regard to
supply chains and therefore effective procurement. Although some improvement has

108
Department of Trade and Industry. Now Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, BERR.

109
http://www.constructingexcellence.org.uk/pdf/rethinking%20construction/rethinking_construction_report.pdf

72
been achieved in terms of overall procurement efficacy there is still considerable
potential for further progress. The public sector is a large customer for construction
(circa 27% of annual construction spending is by the public sector. If PFI projects are
included, the figure rises to around 40%) which provides a major opportunity to realise
a step change in supply chain behaviour.

Consultation

A2.7 Government Departments consulted in the course of the development of the

Strategy which have been instrumental in its development include BERR, CLG, Defra,
OGC, HSE and the Cabinet Office.

Options

A2.8 We are proposing that existing measures should be more effectively

implemented.

Sectors and Groups affected

A2.9 The major groups affected by the Strategy are construction clients and
industrial supply chains. Initially, recommendations contained in the Strategy are
likely to bear disproportionately on small and occasional clients who lack
sophistication and expertise in the field of procurement. For example, the results of
BERR’s on-going KPI survey reveal that from 3,100 separate reporting clients who
commissioned work in excess of £2.5 million, 2,500 (80%) reported just once. If lower
value contracts were included it is likely that the proportion of “one time” clients
would be higher, therefore it is not un-reasonable to assume that the majority of
construction clients rarely procure construction work.

Benefits

A2.10 The benefits will be more sustainable buildings which will result in lower
emissions, less water and energy consumption.

A2.11 In addition, the Strategy will seek to benefit businesses by pulling together
advice and guidance currently available from a wide range of sources rather than
introduce new guidance for standards for procurement. The most recent important
Government measures include the Sustainable Procurement Action Plan110 and
Transforming Government Procurement111.

A2.12 Further benefits are anticipated from increased clarity and focus on best
practice that the Strategy will seek to achieve. Overall, in conjunction with wider
Government initiatives the measures for procurement will seek to use Government
procurement to deliver more sustainable solutions.

110
http://www.sustainabledevelopment.gov.uk/publications/pdf/SustainableProcurementActionPlan.pdf

111
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk./media/4EA/89/government_procurement_pu147.pdf

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Costs

A2.13 The Strategy does not seek to impose incremental costs on the sector.
Moreover, it will aim to highlight and reinforce existing measures; therefore no
additional costs should arise.

Competition Assessment

A2.14 The construction industry in Great Britain is made up of numerous small firms –
in 2005 there were a total of 182,644 private contractors on the BERR’s register, of
which more than 90% had 13 or less employees (Source: Department of Trade and
Industry’s Construction Statistics Annual Report 2006). Industry structure is therefore
diffuse and disparate, with no one firm holding more than a 10% market share. The
majority of small firms tend to restrict operations to a localised area; hence
competition likewise tends to be locally or regionally rather than nationally based; with
only the larger contractors conducting operations on a national scale.

A2.15 The measures will not discourage firms from entering the market or introduce
any on-going costs. Barriers to entry to construction are traditionally low, rendering
entry to and exit from the market straightforward, a situation which these measures
will not change. Likewise, market structure will not change: as stated above, the
industry primarily comprises micro firms which will continue to be the case.

A2.16 The sector does not have a reputation for rapid innovation; however the
measures in the Strategy, whilst not revolutionary will seek to encourage an improved
approach to procurement. It is considered therefore that there will be no adverse
impact on competition as the Strategy will seek to improve procurement practices in
terms of sustainability throughout the industry, and will enable the sector overall to
compete more effectively.

Enforcement, Sanctions and Monitoring

A2.17 There are a range of proposals in other documents which describe various
sanctions and forms of enforcement in detail. Reference documents include the
Sustainable Procurement Action Plan, Transforming Government Procurement and
Common Minimum Standards for the Built Environment112.

A2.18 Existing measures contained in these documents are considered adequate to

ensure industry compliance.

Climate Change

A2.19 Since the elements in this section are either the subject of Government
initiatives which are being developed separately or are industry led measures, an initial
RIA has not been undertaken.

Water

A2.20 The Strategy provides the opportunity to build on existing measures for water
efficiency and for the entire construction sector to take a lead (on sustainable
construction), building on benchmarks and existing good practice. Consequently, the
aim is to enhance and reaffirm support for relevant current initiatives being promoted
by Defra.

112
http://www.ogc.gov.uk/construction_procurement_common_minimum_standards_for_the_built_environment.asp

74
A2.21 Defra and CLG are the Departments which have overall responsibility for water
and building regulations respectively; hence the measures contained in this section
have been drawn up in close consultation with the relevant representatives of these
Departments. Furthermore, in January 2007 Defra initiated a consultation on Water
Metering in Areas of Serious Water Stress. The measures proposed in this consultation
would give water companies greater powers to install water meters. A partial RIA was
provided with the consultation document.

Waste

A2.22 Measures included in the consultation document have chiefly been drawn from
the following sources:
• Waste Strategy for England 2007 (led by Defra);
• Consultation on Site Waste Management Plans for the Construction Industry
(April 2007, Defra);
• Sustainable Development Strategy (ODA);
• Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP); and
• The Building Research Establishment (BRE).

A2.23 In common with other parts of the Strategy, the measures in this section are
largely existing Government or industry initiatives which the Strategy will seek to
support and reinforce. Other measures, such as (2) above are relatively new, long term
aims which have been developed by WRAP in conjunction with other interested
parties, including Defra. This proposal is still under development. It is hoped that this
consultation exercise will contribute to the debate on this issue and hence further
support its development.

A2.24 Other measures have been drawn from existing initiatives. These have been
the subject of partial RIAs; therefore the formal RIA process has not been repeated
here.

People

A2.25 The Strategy will aim to raise awareness of sustainable working practices. The
main concern is that existing, and in some cases relatively new (although not yet fully
embedded) programmes and initiatives should work effectively. Where actions are
proposed, they are consistent with the Skills Strategy 2005 (see partial Regulatory
Impact Assessment (15 February 2005) prepared by DfES (available at
http://www.dfes.gov.uk/publications/skillsgettingon/docs/ria.pdf).

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Annex 3: Listing of the main non-
government organisations which
have contributed to development
of this Consultation Document

• Members of the Sustainable Construction Task Group and the Strategic Forum
for Construction
• Sustainable Development Commission
• Regional Development Agencies
• Attendees at the consultation workshops held for this exercise during January
and February 2007

• The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE)

• The British Electrotechnical & Allied Manufacturers Association (BEAMA)
• Building Research Establishment
• Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE)
• Carbon Trust
• The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)
• Civil Engineering Contractors Association
• Construction Clients Group
• Construction Confederation
• Construction Industry Council
• Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA)
• Construction Products Association
• Construction Skills
• Defence Estates
• Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA)
• Energy Saving Trust
• Environment Agency
• Faber Maunsell
• The Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA)
• The Federation of Master Builders (FMB)
• The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
• The Home Builders Federation (HBF)
• The Institution of Civil Engineers
• Lafarge SA
• The National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC)
• The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• Skanska UK plc
• The Specialist Engineering Contractors' (SEC) Group
• Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP)
• And members of the National Platform and the Modern Built Environment
Knowledge Transfer Network

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Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform. www.berr.gov.uk

First publishedJuly 2007.Crown Copyright. URN 07/1246

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