JCT wants legally binding sustainability commitments in contracts

Future building contracts could include legally binding commitments to sustainability. The Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) started a consultation exercise on 4 February aimed at gauging the industry’s appetite for the idea.

JCT secretary general Professor Peter Hibberd said: “As over 70% of all building contracts are under a JCT form, we have an opportunity to gain consensus from, and perhaps provide leadership to, the industry to help improve its record on sustainability.

”The construction industry generally appears to accept that something has to be done about sustainability, and as it is the largest industry in the economy, it has to take responsibility, and to some degree leadership, in introducing changes.”

Companies involved at all levels are being asked to provide responses to whether contractual provisions and guidance would be effective in improving the industry's sustainability.

The consultation exercise follows a summit meeting held in December between JCT, the government and its agencies, senior company executives, plus the Construction Confederation, led by chairman James Wates of the contracting firm that bears his name.

The closing date for responses is February 29 and respondents can submit thoughts electronically through the JCT website.