The challenges for sustainable
construction

The 'Review of Sustainable Construction 2006', published by the Department of Trade & Industry, has highlighted the
main goals for achieving sustainable construction. A key aspect is managing the environment and resources that focuses on the need to tackle: energy and climate change, waste, water issues and the Built Environment.

 

The Government has announced that its strategy to tackle these issues, whilst providing the increased number of new homes required, will be based on the combination of:

- Review and revision of the Building Regulations

- Modification of the Planning System

- The introduction of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

 

Climate change

The Stern Report of 2006 has underlined the economic, social, and environmental necessity of taking steps to combat climate change now. Following the changes to Part L Conservation of Fuel and Power of the Building Regulations introduced in 2006, the Government has indicated its intent to make further changes in 2010 and 2013, and the ambition to see all new homes ‘zero carbon’ by 2016. The Code for Sustainable Homes sets out voluntary standards beyond those required by Building Regulations that will form the basis for the next set of improvements.

 

Waste

Construction and demolition waste accounted for some 90 million tonnes in England and Wales in 2005. Although much of this is used for recycled aggregates and recycled soil for landfill engineering or restoration, significant quantities are nevertheless disposed of in landfill and other sites. Focus will be on minimising waste through best practice design and construction methods, and recycling waste at construction sites.

 

Water issues

Progress is expected towards minimum standards for water efficiency in new homes. The Code for Sustainable Homes refers to minimum standards at every level, but at present these are only voluntary.

 

The Built Environment

Planning and design will be at the forefront in providing sustainable communities, however construction materials and methods will have an important role to play to ensure efficiency of build and low environmental impact. A number of tools have been developed to aid design and assess sustainable construction.