Published: 07 February 2006
Framework for Construction
Alun Michael, Minister of State for Industry and the Regions is seeking views to provide the Government with a framework to guide future progress in the construction industry.
The draft Strategy for Sustainable Construction Report 2006 consultation will seek views from key construction stakeholders on the direction they think the industry should take with a view to developing & maintaining a more sustainable future.
According to the government, the review will indicate how, under this umbrella of sustainable development, Government and industry are responding to the challenges of sustainable construction through a sustainable, innovative & productive economy that delivers high levels of employment; and a just society that promotes social inclusion, sustainable communities and personal wellbeing.
The review will look at aspects such as
· building design and the code for sustainable homes
· new construction methods and best practice
· improved embedded energy systems
· waste minimisation
· enhancement of biodiversity and
· greater efficiency in carbon emissions and thorough assessment of the impact of climate change
Alun Michael said:
"This consultation shows where we think the industry should go in terms of its future development as well as indicating where businesses believe their efforts should be concentrated.
I hope that the Strategy will encourage industry to propose a positive response to some of the big questions it faces.
The purpose of the review is to create a framework within which the industry can continue to make a strong contribution to improving the quality of our lives and take account of the dynamics of the modern built environment."
The government claims that the consultation is an update of the existing 'Building a better quality of life' produced by the then DETR and that it focuses on the principle of Sustainable Development to which the Government as whole is signed up to.
The Government produced a strategy document Building a better quality of life - a strategy for more sustainable construction in April 2000, (as part of a suite of guidance spanning across many sectors of industry and society generally).
Due to the major developments which have occurred both in Government policy and within industry it is widely believed that a review of the existing construction strategy and update is now appropriate.
Especially since it follows on from the publication, in March 2005, of the UK Sustainable Development Strategy, which reinforces Government's overall commitment to work with the industry sectors to strengthen business.
The European Union is also currently re-appraising its Sustainable Development Strategy.
There will be consultation through a Stakeholder event on 7 March to gauge the industry focus on the process and it is hoped that the review will be completed by the early Summer of 2006.
Further information
DTI Construction website
Building a better quality of life - a strategy for more sustainable construction
UK Sustainable Development Strategy
Delivering sustainable development at european level
EU Sustainable Development Strategy
Better Buildings – Better Lives
To find a business you can trust, click on the related categories below: