In the March column we referred to the DTI launch of the new Sustainable Construction Strategy consultation. The aim being to provide the Government with a framework to guide future progress in the construction industry. Launched on 2 February by the Rt. Hon Alun Michael, in the form of a draft Strategy for Sustainable Construction Report 2006 it aims to seek the views of key construction stakeholders.
Recipients of the draft were asked if they thought the draft goes too far, not far enough or is flexible enough to have got it about right; whether the structure and content is right; whether it will prove cost-effective and practical; and finally, whether the targets and visions that the draft incorporates comprise a challenging but achievable set of objectives to ensure that future development of the construction industry is as sustainable as possible over the period from now to 2020.
On 7 March, the DTI held a Stakeholder Event in London as part of its consultation process for reviewing the UK’s Sustainable Construction Strategy. The DTI’s Stakeholder Event was attended by participants widely drawn from across the range of stakeholders that make up the UK’s construction sector. The participants reviewed the DTI’s Sustainable Construction Strategy which included on pages four and five, a table entitled ‘Targets and Visions for Sustainable Construction to 2015 and Beyond’. In the breakout session participants were asked to endorse or alter the targets, set for implementing sustainable construction in the UK.
According to the final report of the Stakeholder Event, despite participants’ being unable to endorse the targets offered, their responses do indicate a broad acceptance of the principle that the construction industry’s pursuit of sustainable construction should be target-led and milestone driven. Additionally, there was a tendency for them to regard the short-term targets generated by the Sustainability Forum’s workshops as unrealisable or naďve but the longer term ones as being more likely to be achievable.
The final report also confirms that participant’s responses reveal:
• A general acceptance of the need for targets and milestones to measure progress in the pursuit of sustainable construction.
• Uncertainty about the detail of the issues and targets under consideration.
Additionally, participants also sought clarity about a number of things including:
• Detailed definition of the issue being targeted.
• Precise specification of the target, including the metric being employed.
• Baseline against which a target is set.
• Implementation plan for achieving the improvement/reduction sought.
Going forward, the next steps to be taken will involve further work by the Sustainability Forum. In view of the participants being unable to endorse the current Sustainability Forum’s workshop targets they concluded more work is needed to ascertain targets that whilst challenging are also realistic and acceptable to the industry. As the DTI has proposed workshops in the latter part of 2006 and 2007 it is likely that the targets will be taken forward at this time or through the Sustainability Forum. Whilst the targets are considered as a first step the workshops may result in clarification of the targets which in turn may be acceptable to the industry.
A further update will be provided when the DTI issues a further review to take account of any changes or new developments.
Disclaimer
The content of this article does not constitute legal advice. You should always consult a suitably qualified lawyer for professional advice about any specific legal matter of concern to you. George Davies Solicitors, its partners and staff do not assume any responsibility for information contained within this document and disclaim all liability relating to such information.
About George Davies Solicitors
George Davies were highly rated, in the North West, in nine different categories of the 2005 Legal 500 review and in Chambers and Partners UK Directory. They specialise in all aspects of commercial law and boast a substantial Property Department within which sits a niche Construction team with experience in a full spectrum of construction law services. The firm was commended in the Legal 500 for their strong movements forward in a variety of property and construction deals and Chambers specifically mention its achievements in Construction. The Head of Construction, Catherine Kay can be contacted on 0161 234 8861 or emailed at catherinekay@georgedavies.co.uk
- Solar powered air conditioning: the facts
- Shedding light on office lighting design
- A Glossary of construction terms
- Time obligations in building contracts and rem...
- Avoiding corrosion
- Why chilled beams have hit the roof
- How underfloor heating drives down whole-life...
- Clarifying the issues
- Providing safe hot water is vital
- How limited are your downlighter covers?
There is an obvious need for the industry to be more energy efficient and pay more attention to the ways in which energy is both used and wasted. Do you think we have the products on the market to meet our needs?
