Plain English Guide

Sustainable construction is a rapidly developing subject which encompasses a wide variety of interest groups. The Sustainability Team at Constructing Excellence recognised the need for a 'Plain English Guide' after numerous comments from our members about the lack of clear, concise information on the subject.

The guide is designed to appeal to a broad cross section of staff across the whole construction supply chain, and not necessarily those who are involved with sustainability issues on a day-to-day basis. After all, every single member of staff can influence overall sustainability and is capable of reducing their negative impacts. Sustainability benefits can only be maximised if all designers, planners, developers, suppliers, construction workers, building managers and individual occupants properly understand the systems and technologies they are working with.

We hope that the Guide will help with the following:

• Understanding the language of sustainable construction
• Demonstrating the impact of the construction industry on sustainability
• Explaining how the construction industry can be more sustainable
• Providing a starting point for thought and action on the subject

Sections of the guide

Although we hope you'll benefit from all parts of the Plain English Guide, it is divided into a number of sections so that relevant information can be accessed quickly and easily.

Section 1: Introduction






Section 2: Construction and Sustainable Development
A look at how the construction industry fits into the subject of sustainable development. What impacts does the industry have on the environment and why should it bother trying to be more sustainable?




Section 3: Who is responsible for sustainable construction?
A run down of some of the key decision makers who influence sustainable construction - both within government and beyond.




Section 4: Energy, Pollution and Climate Change
A description of the major impacts caused by energy consumption and pollution within the construction sector - together with some of the main solutions for reducing them.




Section 5: Water
The construction industry has particularly high water requirements - particularly in the manufacture of materials such as steel and concrete. This section looks at a variety of solutions for both commercial and domestic water savings.




Section 6: Waste and Materials (including Modern Methods of Construction)
The construction industry produces almost a quarter of all waste in the UK. The problems associated with 'traditional' waste disposal are discussed and more sustainable solutions are identified.




Section 7: Natural Resources and Conservation
All construction activity has the potential to impact on natural habitats and the established built environment. Creating, enhancing or at least conserving wildlife habitats and our built heritage should be a priority on all projects.




Section 8: Procurement Solutions
The procurement of goods, services and buildings has traditionally been based on two overriding considerations: price and quality. However, the choices people make about what they buy and how they buy it can have a huge impact on all aspects of sustainable development.



Section 9: Social Aspects of Sustainability
Social aspects are often missed out of the construction industry’s considerations of sustainability despite the important effect that they have on long-term value for money and the well-being of building occupants.




Section 10: Measuring Sustainability in the Construction Industry
In order to remain competitive, construction companies increasingly have to demonstrate their environmental record by providing reliable performance information. A number of tools and methodologies are now available to allow companies and organisations to measure their progress.




A full version of the Plain English Guide, including all of the above sections, is available here.

Photos: Introduction - Avebury; Construction and Sustainable Development - Terry Wha; Who is responsible? - Maltesen; Energy, Pollution and Climate Change - Startagain; Water - dyanna; Waste - mahalie; Natural Resources - recursion see recursion; Procurement - Thingermejig; Social Aspects - HBG UK Ltd; Measuring - Constructing Excellence