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Materials

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Context

The rapidly increasing demand for greener buildings provides both challenges and opportunities in relation to the materials used. The Code for Sustainable Homes awards credits based on the environmental impact of materials and for materials responsibly sourced.

From the 1st of April 2009, all timber and timber products used on the Government estate must be from legal and sustainable sources or licensed under the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade initiative.

The Progress Report on Sustainable Products, which was published by Defra in July 2008, outlines the work to date and discusses a vision of the future. Other tools are being developed by BRE and industry.

Actions and Deliverables

Overarching Target

That the materials used in construction have the least environmental and social impact as is feasible both socially and economically.

List of Actions & Deliverables which contribute to Overarching TargetBody Responsible for each action/ deliverableTimescale
Pilot product roadmaps to assess impacts of products across the full product lifecycle, to identify and prioritise any particular problems and then develop the most effective solutions for improving sustainability Government and relevant industry supply chain partners Initial mapping exercises - completed summer 2008; agreement on next steps - second half of 2008
Finalising Framework Standards to facilitate the development of sector Responsible Sourcing schemes. Construction Products Association with BRE and BSI 2008  / 2009
25% of products used in construction projects to be from schemes recognized for responsible sourcing. Strategic Forum 2012 - Sample survey of products used in projects.
To develop means of improving access for designers to product Life Cycle Inventory information. Construction Products Association / BRE/ designers and other certification bodies 2008 - 2010

 

What can industry do?

  • Sign up and adhere to the Construction Commitments (of which the target to have responsibly sourced products for 25% of those used in construction projects is part) 
  • Find out more about the Defra Product Roadmaps for Plasterboard, WCs, and Windows

 

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