The documents cover windows, plasterboard, flooring, joinery and packaging and set out practical recommendations, actions and targets to improve performance.
They examine and document the sustainability impacts of these construction materials throughout their lifecycle, identify actions currently taking place to address these, and highlight the areas where further work is needed.
The other three action plans have been produced as part of the construction industry's Strategy for Sustainable Construction (see letsrecycle.com story) in conjunction with relevant trade associations and the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP).
They are: the Joinery Resource Efficiency Action Plan; the Flooring Resource Efficiency Plan, and, the Construction Products Packaging Resource Efficiency Action Plan.
The documents were launched at the Building Environment Solutions Technology Show this morning, alongside a series of material-specific seminars and an address from recycling minister Lord Henley.
Lord Henley said: “”The Sustainability Action Plans for plasterboard and windows and the Resource Efficiency Action Plans for joinery, flooring and packaging, are good examples of the initiatives the construction industry has developed to take responsibility to address the challenges of sustainability, at various lifecycle stages.
“The Plans are the result of extensive debate and collaboration and will help us achieve the overarching objective of leading the world in sustainable construction, production and consumption.”
In summary, the plans are:
The Windows Sustainability Action Plan: Windows were chosen because of their widespread usage and the strong record the industry has in identifying and implementing sustainability improvements. The Windows Sustainability Partnership is made up of representation from across the windows supply chain, from manufacture through to disposal.
The Plasterboard Sustainability Action Plan was prepared by Gilli Hobbs of built environment advice body BRE on behalf of Defra and the Plasterboard Sustainability Partnership (PSP). The PSP is made up of the broad range of stakeholders involved in the production, installation and disposal of plasterboard as well as the relevant government departments and regulatory agencies.
The Flooring Resource Efficiency Action Plan was instigated and prepared by the Contract Flooring Association (CFA) whose members include flooring contractors, manufacturers, distributors and consultants from across a wide range of flooring finishes including carpets, underlays, vinyls, rubber, timber, adhesives and flooring accessories. Funding for the project to develop the Action Plan came from a joint partnership between WRAP and the BRE Trust. A Flooring Sustainability Partnership (FSP) has been established to implement the plans.
The Joinery Resource Efficiency Action Plan was instigated and prepared by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) which represents manufacturers, distributors and installers of timber doors, windows, conservatories and staircases. Funding for this project was provided by WRAP and the BRE Trust. A Timber Resource Efficiency Partnership (TREP) has been established to implement the plans.
The Packaging Resource Efficiency Action Plan, which will be finalised shortly, is being developed to specifically look at actions that will help achieve industry's own target of decreasing packaging waste by 20% by 2012, as its contribution to the joint industry and government Strategy for Sustainable Construction. Development of this Action Plan was initiated by the Construction Products Association. The plan was written by an industry stakeholder group supported by researchers from the BRE. One of the key recommendations concerns timber pallets and the need to radically increase the number of times they are used. The work was funded by WRAP and the BRE Trust.
Partnership
Jane Thornback, of the Construction Products Association, said: “The Resource Efficiency Action Plans were prepared concurrently and together form a wealth of new knowledge, practical recommendations and actions which can be implemented by industry with the support of trade associations, industry partners and government bodies.”
“The Resource Efficiency Action Plans identify key aspects of a product's lifecycle where improvements lead to better sustainability. The new guides are part of a growing library of material-specific Action Plans which will be managed by WRAP. Partnerships have been set up with industry bodies to act as custodians of the action plans and to implement them.”
Mike Falconer-Hall, programme manager for materials recycling at WRAP, added: “These five Action Plans show how seriously the construction industry is addressing the important issue of sustainability and resource efficiency in key materials and products. They have been made by industry, and will benefit industry widely.”
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