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Sustainable construction by definition requires successful integration of commercially viable and scale-able building methods with consideration of local environmental, economic and social factors.
Bristol is a centre of excellence for this sector, with a cluster of architects, designers and consultants attaining growing international recognition for developing innovative sustainable construction products and services, and a number of showcase sustainable developments, such as the Cabot Circus shopping centre the Environment Agency HQ in the city centre, the Faculty of Environment & Technology at UWE, Lake Shore in Hartcliffe and Knowle West Media Centre in South Bristol. These have contributed to the city's status as the no 1 sustainable city in the UK in 2008. Hanham Hall, on the eastern fringe of Bristol, is the location for one of the first Eco Towns to be developed by Barratt and English Partnerships under the government's Carbon Challenge programme.
The draft Bristol Development Framework 2006-2026, which has been prepared by Bristol City Council, is driving new policy and standards for sustainable construction to become the norm and the foundation of new social housing build programmes and more balanced and sustainable communities in the future such as those envisaged for the new urban extensions to the city.
With the UK Government's ambitious plan for all new homes to be zero carbon from 2016 further supported by the Code for Sustainable Buildings there is great potential for further growth in this market.
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Case Studies
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Friday, 23 July 2010 15:29 |
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Camco is a global developer of greenhouse gas emissions reduction and clean energy projects, with offices in Corsham, Wiltshire. They provide clients with advice, software and services to help reduce and manage their emissions and energy consumption. They are also recognised as being one of the best carbon project developers in the world for delivery of carbon credits, with an award-winning reputation for structuring tailored solutions for buyers of carbon credits.
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Useful links - Sustainable Design & Construction
- BERR Strategy for Sustainable Construction
Government drive to encourage sustainable construction and explain the advantages for business.
- Building Schools for the Future
Government programme to raise educational attainment by rebuilding or renewing every one of England's 3,500 secondary schools.
- Breeam, Code for Sustainable Homes
A new framework for carbon zero construction, encouraging innovation and higher standards.
- Bristol Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment
Information on the deliverability and developability of a number of sites in Bristol which are may have potential for housing development before 2026
- Code for Sustainable Homes
A national standard for sustainable design and construction of new homes. Developers of any new home in England must have a mandatory rating against the Code, assessing its sustainability against nine categories from energy to ecology.
- Code for Sustainable Non Domestic Buildings
Report from the UK Green Building Council expressing the need for a Code for Sustainable Buildings to be introduced, to cover all non-domestic buildings, both new and existing.
- Forum for the Future, Retrofit
Scheme to promote the sustainable retrofitting of existing and historic buildings.
- Future Foundations
Aiming to normalise sustainable construction in the region looking at a range of issues; sustainable communities, low to zero carbon development, resource efficiency and sustainable procurement.
- GreenSpec
A directory of sustainable construction products available in the UK.
- South West Regional Spatial Strategy
Sets the spatial framework for the future development of the South West over the period 2006 to 2026 including provisions for sufficient new homes, retail and leisure facilities whilst taking into account climate change and the regions ecological footprint.
- South West Sustainability Checklist
Online tool devised specifically to guide the design of new developments by making sense of current policy, the Checklist highlights best practice, complementing Ecohomes and the new Code for Sustainable Homes.
- SPD5 Sustainable Building Design and Construction
Publication and part of Bristol City Councils Local Development Framework, used as a basis for deciding on planning applications and incorporating key sustainability considerations such as energy use, waste, water pollution and materials.
- Sustainable Procurement
Policies from Bristol City Council and other local / public authorities is driving demand for sustainable construction supply chain.
- Zero Carbon Homes
Government policy for all homes to be zero carbon by 2016. |
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Key Players
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Acanthus Ferguson Mann Architects
Bristol based architects committed to designing sustainable and environmentally friendly buildings and places.
Bristol City Council
Driving the development of more sustainable homes in Bristol.
Centre for the Study of Sustainable Building
Based at UWE the centre seeks to engage those involved with construction industry and conduct research into sustainable construction.
Constructing Excellence South West - The Bristol Club
Organisation aiming to deliver improved performance in the construction industry. The Bristol Club division was formed to raise awareness of the benefits of best practice, provide guidance and advice, promote sharing & learning to stimulate the regional industry to action.
Quattro Design
Architectural practice and member of Future Foundations with offices in Bristol and Gloucester and a reputation for its expertise in green design.
Skanska
One of the worlds largest construction services companies working in partnership with Bristol City Council and the government to deliver the Building Schools for the Future programme in Bristol.
The Green Register
Bristol based organisation promoting sustainable construction practices. Provides training and networking events and a UK wide construction directory.
Urban Splash
Property regeneration company with a focus on environmental responsibility. Projects include the Lake Shore, Hartcliffe redevelopment of the imperial tobacco headquarters.
West of England Sustainable Construction Network (WESCON)
Set up in 2007 to promote sustainable building across the West of England WESCON provides a forum for discussion and innovation in sustainable building design and construction.
White Design
Bristol based architectural company specialising in sustainable design and sustainable consultancy. Designs include the Knowle West Media Centre.
UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC)
The UK-GBC is a network of industry companies, NGO's, academic institutions and government agencies and provides a large range of information on sustainability in the built environment.
Zero Carbon Hub
An industry led delivery body formed to take forward the practical delivery of the governments 2016 Zero Carbon homes policy for new homes. |
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