For me, it’s not about the construction industry being in denial of the 2016 targets which is a common and misguided accusation at best. I believe the construction industry is just worn out and confused by the myriad of existing and proposed guidance. But we’ve got a big old wakeup call coming our way, like all industries, commitments of the Climate Change Act will have to be met.
With the exception of a handful of enlightened businesses, there still appears to be a reluctance from builders and developers to fully engage with the supply chain – perhaps that’s all about the 2011 buzzword of collaboration. But whatever it’s called, I believe that working together is a critical success factor in delivering sustainable construction. Modernising the industry is essential, unlearning the past and embracing new ways of working is paramount. By involving the supply chain at the earliest opportunity can eliminate waste, speed-up construction times and deliver true lean, sustainable construction. This view is echoed in the IGT report, which states that the industry requires new ways of working and the acquisition of knowledge and skills that will provide competitive advantage at home and internationally, building on the UK’s reputation as a world leader in sustainable design. But when in reality the UK construction industry still operates in silos, preferring an elemental building approach to a holistic team effort - this really does have to change.
The IGT report contains three principle tasks to which the industry needs to respond:
1. to de-carbonise their own business 2. to provide people with buildings that enable them to lead more energy efficient lives
3. to provide the infrastructure which enables the supply of clean energy and sustainable practices in other areas of the economy
Let’s ignore the policy that sits above these broad ambitions and concentrate on what we have to work with today. Specifically the greatest challenges will come from the refurbishment of our existing housing stock but that still leaves the new build programmes up and down the country in both the social and private housing sector. Despite commentary from certain quarters declaring ‘new build is no longer where it’s at’, it’s a simplistic and naive view when dealing with the real housing situation. Are we supposed to give up on new build? Would someone like to share that with the local and national house builders? We must not be
disheartened. We need to continue to make sure that every new house that is built in the UK, regardless of its ultimate owner, is world class in every way, it is achievable.
The simple approach of building a thermally efficient and air-tight envelope with the most sustainable, renewable raw material has to be the most sensible approach. Add to this the “fit and forget” principle of timber frame, the zero maintenance appeal only enhances the credentials of timber frame as a build method. So when we review the IGT report which claims that the UK lacks skills and technology, I have to ask the question – did Morrell have his eyes closed to 25% of the UK housing stock built in timber frame? – it’s a big percentage of the UK housing stock just to ignore.
The award winning Cala Homes development at Newhall, Harlow which showcases timber frame housing at its finest is evidence that the construction industry is achieving everything that is being asked of it and more and kicks the IGT report into touch. The UKTFA is showcasing the Newhall development at Ecobuild to demonstrate that timber frame isn’t a wacky green invention, it’s happening up and down the country and answers many of the concerns of the industry.
The UKTFA is fully behind ‘The Green Deal’ designed to make Britain’s homes and businesses warmer and more environmentally friendly but we urge the broader construction industry to engage with UKTFA members to learn how, by working together, the sustainable construction needs of the future can be met. The industry doesn’t need a new report – we just need to recognise that the skills, expertise and know how is here – it’s all around us, we just need to get on and do it and quickly – perhaps even collaboratively.
ENVIRONMENT INDUSTRY MAGAZINE |93|
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