DEPARTMENT FOR
BUSINESS, ENTERPRISE AND REGULATORY REFORM News Release (2007/032)
issued by The Government News Network on 30 July 2007
Reducing on-site
waste, using sustainable materials, and increasing skills in the
workforce are just some of the targets set out for the
construction industry in a draft Government and Industry
Sustainable Construction Strategy.
The proposed joint strategy, launched today for consultation,
aims to help the industry deliver more sustainable construction
methods and products.
The draft strategy's key areas include:
* Reducing the carbon footprint of activities within the
construction sector
* Production of zero net waste at construction site level
* Developing voluntary agreements and initiatives between the
construction industry and its clients with the aim of reducing the
carbon footprint and use of resources within the built environment
* Creating a safer industry by improving skills, boosting the
numbers of workers taking part in training programmes, and
retaining more skilled workers.
Stephen Timms, Minister for construction at BERR said:
"The threat of global warming is of enormous concern to the
community, and it demands change from Government, industry and the
public alike.
"Currently the built environment accounts for around 47% of
greenhouse gas emissions in the UK (Construction accounts for
1.5%). Not only must the construction industry rise to the
challenge of reducing those emissions, it must also consider how
it will adapt its products to deal with the impacts of unavoidable
climate change."
The draft strategy sets out a vision for a sustainable industry
and proposes mechanisms by which this vision can be realised, including:
* More effective use of the Government's procurement power
* Greater recognition of design quality as integral to all
aspects of sustainable construction
* Increased use of sustainable materials.
Stephen Timms continued:
"People in the construction industry have helped us to build
this consultation document, so the message is clear: these changes
in working practice are wanted by the government and industry
alike. However this strategy is not about introducing new
legislation, it is about making existing regulation work better."
Mike Davies, Chairman of the Strategic Forum for Construction, said:
"It is important for the industry to demonstrate its
commitment, and developing a strategy jointly with Government is a
key component of this. The strategy proposes some challenging
targets. There are some quick wins and some where longer term
measures need to be in place.
"Most importantly, the strategy requires all parts of the
industry and our stakeholders to work together. To develop a
sustainable future we must combine the processes for improving the
built environment with the policies to increase competitiveness,
and this will be the key to the success of this strategy."
The proposed strategy is now available and feedback from the
industry and other stakeholders is welcome. The deadline for
comment is November 30, 2007.
Notes for Editors
1. In October 2006, the DTI published a Review of Sustainable
Construction1, and it was presented as the first step in
development of a future strategy.
2. The strategy is to be one which embraces all relevant
Government departments - not just BERR - as well as industry. The
Project Board for this work comprises representatives from
industry (the Strategic Forum for Construction's Sustainable
Construction Task Group) and the Sustainable Development
Commission, as well as officials from Defra, BERR, OGC and DCLG.
3. On Monday 23 July, Housing Minister Yvette Cooper announced
the launch of the Government's Housing Green Paper -
'Homes for the future: more affordable, more
sustainable'. It set out plans to create three million new
homes by 2020, including greener homes with high environmental
standards and flagship developments to lead the way. More
information can be found here: http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1511923
4. Copies of the consultation document can be found at: http://www.gnn.gov.uk
Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform
7th Floor
1 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0ET
Public Enquiries +44 (0)20 7215 5000
Textphone +44 (0)20 7215
6740
(for those with hearing impairment)
http://www.berr.gov.uk
http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file34979.pdf
NEWS RELEASE