While we are seeing greater sustainability initiatives encouraging change, with many clients now calling for BREEAM Excellent, real change is only going to be achieved through greater involvement of the supply chain in the design process.
Everyone has their part to play in integrating sustainability within their area of expertise, but for it to happen and not impact negatively, such provisions must be included in the final design. We regularly see green gadgets 'bolted on' to designs, which prove difficult to incorporate into the build and have even been know to bring a project to a grinding halt.
For a sustainability to be fully integrated in UK construction, it must start at the design stage and filter through the supply chain. Designers also need to challenge the traditional approach and look to other construction methods where sustainability is in the very fabric of the build process. Modular construction as an example can achieve BREEAM Excellent, achieve up to 50% above the current Part L regulations, 100% recycling rate off site and 25% recycled content within the module.
We fully believe sustainable construction is achievable. There may be challenges along the way, but as an industry we must focus our attention on new approaches and modern methods of construction if we are to meet client and Government targets and ultimately achieve the end goal of sustainability - to provide resources and a world for use by future generations.
Ian Kemp
Business Development Director
Caledonian Building Systems