Sustainable outcomes will result from good site management to encourage resource efficiency, increase materials recovery and avoid disposal costs.
You can achieve sustainable construction by:
- reducing construction, demolition and excavation waste to landfill
- reducing carbon emissions from construction processes and associated transport
- ensuring products used in construction are responsibly sourced
- reducing water usage during the construction process
- carrying out biodiversity surveys and following up with necessary actions
Using water wisely
Water supplies are precious so it is vital we protect them. Your development can play a vital role in securing future supplies. Please work closely with the water companies to plan new supplies and design water-efficient homes.
You must contact us if you are likely to be:
- abstracting water from surface or underground sources
- interrupting the flow or impounding water from a watercourse
- drilling any boreholes within 16m of any flood defence structure
- discharging to a watercourse or into the ground
Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS)
SuDS is a technique that manages surface water and groundwater sustainably. It is extremely effective.
The benefits include:
- reducing flood risk
- minimising diffuse pollution
- maintaining or restoring natural flow regimes
- improving water resources
- enhancing amenity
For more information on SuDs visit the construction industry research and information association website:
Code for Sustainable Homes
The Code for Sustainable Homes is a standard for the sustainable design and construction of new homes. The Code is used in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In England, the Code is voluntary for privately funded development, but publicly funded new housing must achieve Code level 3. In Wales, achievement of Code level 3 has been required from September 2010 for all new housing developments.
Carbon calculator
Our carbon calculator for construction activities can help you make decisions on the sustainability of your construction activities. This tool helps highlight where big carbon savings on specific construction projects can be made. It can also be used to calculate your total carbon footprint from construction and help reduce it.
Case studies that show how we've used the carbon calculator:
Go to our publications catalogue to read case studies for Radcot, Nottingham, Broadland, Dymchurch and Burrowbridge.
Advice for developers
We are updating our 'Advice for developers'. Working with Natural England and the Forestry Commission, it will provide advice on how we can help in the development process, and what issues should be considered. Available July 2012. Meanwhile this earlier edition contains some useful information.
Well-planned developments next to our estuaries can create better places to live and work. Estuary edges design guidance provides information on how to ensure biodiversity in these areas.
