Here is the next part of the BuildScrap.com extract for sustainable construction that we have been reading and thought we’d share with you

Q2: Does the industry have views on the use of building and planning standards across the country to promote the
sustainability of developments?

1). There was a high level of agreement from the respondents that building and planning standards provided the essential vehicle to deliver a sustainable built environment in the UK. Some suggested Government should also offer fiscal incentives to property owners and developers to operate, maintain and upgrade their buildings.

2). There was concern about the development of different local building standards across the country, adopted via planning policy, which was confusing and added to the costs of construction. National standards, rather than local standards, were the preferred way forward and great support was given to the Code for Sustainable Homes to signpost future standards.

3). Some indicated that the Strategy should describe the link between standards, regulation and other Government initiatives. The Strategy should establish a framework which would give developers and contractors a clear picture of planning standards. The framework should set out the national minimum requirements and what was expected over and above this minimum for each local area.

5). Many suggested that sustainability should be integrated with Building Regulations, planning standards and the Common Minimum Standards to achieve clarity and ensure compliance. Enhanced mandatory building and planning standards would create a level playing field in which high quality development proposals were encouraged. Periodic tightening of the standards required through Building Regulations against a timetable announced in advance would give developers the confidence to undertake the necessary research and product development.

6). Some suggested that “Inter-operability” between the different elements of construction should be visible. A high level road-map would be helpful. This roadmap should indicate roles and responsibilities across each stage of the construction process and the tools that were available to guide the process.

7). Some contended that the planning regime should not be used to promote sustainability. For instance, requiring details of a building’s likely carbon emissions would require significant investment ahead of planning approval and increase development costs.