More now from the Draft Strategy for Sustainable Construction.  A very important question that BuilderScrap.com wants answered!

Q: Sustainability is a world-wide challenge, not simply a UK preoccupation. How can we best ensure that UK business takes full account of the trade opportunities this offers?

1. Respondents overwhelmingly felt the Strategy would put UK firms in a good position to undertake business overseas. More information on overseas opportunities and on UK capabilities was needed. UK businesses need to increase their rate of innovation; case studies and exemplars were ways to encourage this.

2. Some respondents suggested that UK business would be better placed to take advantage of overseas opportunities by further investment in skills; by participation in international initiatives (such as the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and international R&D programmes); by clients insisting on sustainability in procurement; and by the use and promotion of internationally recognised standards.

More feedback the BuilderScrap team has found on Sustainable construction.  We’ve been analysing data in the past 5 posts from both clients and the construction industry in relation to this draft strategy.

Q.What in your view are the major costs and benefits of this Strategy for industry, clients, Government and the public at large?

1. In general, responses to this question did not provide significant quantitative data on costs and benefits.

2. The benefits highlighted by respondents included reduced environmental impacts (noted by 20% of respondents); reduction in long-term running costs (almost 20%); the potential for exporting environmental knowledge (10%); improved image (10%); and improvements in health, safety, crime, flooding, fuel poverty and local employment (also about 10%).

3. Other suggested benefits included improving skills; benefits to business including greater clarity and streamlining of initiatives; better long term security of investment; and improved efficiency and cost management.

4. Most respondents believed there would also be costs in implementing this Strategy, though reduced running costs could mitigate some or all of these over time. Almost 40% of respondents highlighted increased capital costs; almost 20% increased training costs; 15% time and management costs; and 10% research costs.

5. Some respondents estimated the additional costs of attaining level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes at around £3k – £5k per house.

6. Some respondents suggested that more stringent environmental regulations could influence company decisions on whether to locate manufacturing facilities in the UK.