The UK Green
Building Council (UKGBC) has released a comprehensive guidance document to
promote the practical application of circular economy principles on
construction projects.
By providing
detailed yet accessible information, Circular
economy guidance for construction clients is designed to enable client
organisations to include more ambitious circular design and construction best
practices in project briefs for non-domestic projects.
“The guidance aims
to ensure that the construction supply chain can effectively deliver circular
economy goals and that budget, project management, and timescale risks are all
minimised and mitigated,” said Anna Surgenor, UKGBC’s Senior Sustainability Advisor.
The document,
produced through extensive consultation with and input from UKGBC’s membership
and industry stakeholders, identifies and addresses the common commercial
obstacles that clients may encounter, while providing practical support and
evidence in the form of the business case to assist in setting clear circular
objectives.
“UKGBC set out to
present the commercial rationale for the adoption of non-traditional,
non-linear approaches, and we feel that the industry can no longer ignore the
business case in support of circular principles, said Ms Surgenor.
The guidance has
been made possible thanks to the generous support of Circular Economy Programme
Partner The Crown Estate and Sponsors: Cleveland Steel and Tubes Limited,
Clarion Housing Group, ISG, HS2, Telford Homes and TFT. The resource will serve
as a living document, which will be updated with ongoing input from UKGBC
members.
Judith Everett,
Chief Operating Officer at The Crown Estate said: “At the Crown Estate our
purpose is to create brilliant places through conscious commercialism.
"We recognise
that our ability to deliver on our purpose is impacted by our planet’s finite
resources and growing population, and the consequent pressure this puts on our
climate, as well as natural and built environments. This is why we are partnering
with UKGBC on the circular economy programme which aims to support clients
looking to lead the way and specify circular economy principles.
"We believe
through business leadership we can make positive strides towards creating a
more circular built environment.”
