Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
to complex problems, current mainstream sustainable construction practices and
incentives often lead to good intentions having unintended consequences and driving
perverse behaviour, which Wolstenholme (2009) referred to above as making
'expedient and superficial commitments'.
Three interpretations of what sustainable construction has involved in practice
in Europe are shown in
Table 15.4
. The key ideas that recur in these definitions are
to minimise the amount of energy and resources used in the construction process,
reduce the amount of waste and pollution, and to respect the various stakeholders
- particularly the users - both now and in the future. This last aspect seems to be
a particular problem in construction where the client and contractor are so often
separate and indifferent to one another's needs. It seems obvious that an efficient
building is one that supports the client's needs, yet in
Chapter 6
we noted the
problematic nature of the relationship between clients and contractors. It is not
surprising that research has shown that well-designed and well-constructed hospitals
aid the recovery of patients, that good schools are those that are designed with
Table 15.4
Three interpretations of sustainable construction
In Finland, since 1998, it means
Intensified energy efficiency & extensive utilisation of renewable energy resources
Increasing the sense of wellbeing over a prolonged service life
Saving of natural resources and promotion of the use of by-products
Reducing waste and emissions
Recycling building materials
Supporting the use of local resources
Implementation of quality assurance and environmental management systems
In The Netherlands, since 1999, it means
Consume a minimum amount of energy and water over the life span
Make efficient use of raw materials
Generate a minimum amount of pollution and waste
Use a minimum amount of land and integrate well with the natural environment
Meet user needs now and in the future
Create a healthy indoor environment
In the United Kingdom, since 2000, it means
Minimising the consumption of carbon-based energy
Improving whole life value by supporting best practice construction
Delivering buildings and structures that provide greater satisfaction,
wellbeing and value to customers and users
Respecting and treating stakeholders more fairly
Enhancing and better protecting the natural environment
Being more profitable and using resources more efficiently
Source:
Adapted from EU (2001) and HM Government (2008)
