There seems to be a lot happening in politics and environmental circles this week. Just what does all this mean for construction and facilities management. I am reading the latest draft bill to determine that and will feedback through here.

Two very relevant themes that have jumped out though – zero carbon housing, in production and in use was one of the key areas driving the latest draft bill (The Independent 14th March) – and Tony Blairs comment in the house at question time talking about Building Schools for the Future said “it would plainly be sensible to build into the building schools for the future programme… measures for the use of environmentally sustainable energy and energy efficiency. That is very important and right.”

I have copied that quote from a blog I am finding increasingly useful – zerochampion, written by Phil Clark, recently editor of QS News. The link to this blog can be found in the blogroll panel on the right.

If you have any views on what is happening re climate change at the moment – and how it affects our region – let me know – I am also providing consultation back to government on the draft bill and a member of the Governments Sustainable Development Panel – so can feed your views back into those who may listen.

And don’t forget -LBPC Event on Sustainability – 22 March Solarus Building – Blackpool – Book Now

Martin

Following in the trend of Asda, M&S and the NHS, the John Lewis Partnership have announced plans for a green future for its energy and buildings. All future John Lewis and Waitrose stores will be based upon sustainable designs.
This will affect all aspects of new buildings and refurbishment projects, from design and planning through to construction and maintenance.

Stuart Hampson, chairman of John Lewis Partnership said via Sky News “The scale of construction work now in prospect presents a tremendous opportunity for us to develop and implement new standards to minimise our impact on the environment and on the communities of which our shops are a part.”

We are seeing trend of customers to green their built environment performance. However, following on from the Stern Report and Constructing Excellences briefing on the Stern Review, this will place even more pressure on our industry to develop its skills knowledge and understanding : there are far too few people out there with the right skills and knowledge at the moment. It will also be of interest how this ‘greening’ drops down the supply chains.

Click here for more information on the Stern Report and CE Briefing

This makes the Elevate Carbon Challenge all the more important as we prepare for a green future.

The Lancashire Best Practice Club event in April will address sustainability issues. Check out the Events Page for more information.

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