The Responsible Construction Leadership Group (RCLG) and the Australian Constructors Association’s (ACA) Sustainability Working Group came together last week to talk about the adoption of industry-wide sustainability standards.
Key construction players, site shed manufacturers and the NSW Government came together to discuss standards for temporary site accommodation.
The RCLG’s Sustainable Site Facilities projectl lead and built senior project engineer for sustainability & quality, Joe Karten said site accommodation not only has an environmental impact, but can positively impact the wellbeing of its occupants.
"There is a real desire within the industry to set best-practice sustainability standards for temporary site facilities," he said.
"Contractors and subcontractors often spend their entire careers working from a temporary site facility and these buildings are currently not afforded the same workplace quality as that of the buildings they are constructing."
This is set to change as demand grows, with NSW Public Works recently including a sustainable site shed requirement within the Sydney light rail tender.
As demand grows the RCLG is keen to ensure that minimum standards enable sustainable site facilities to be not only commercially viable for head contractors but that manufacturers are able to comply with any minimum sustainability standard requirements that are developed.
“RCLG was excited to kick-start the discussion by bringing to the table a recommended scope of works that looks to improve areas including internal environment quality, energy use, water use, and resource efficiency," Karten said.
Over 22 organisations from across the industry participated in the workshop hosted by John Holland and facilitated by Kevin Nuttall, including NSW Public Works, Downer, Coates Hire, Ausco Modular, ATCO, Royal Wolf, Built, Mirvac and Lendlease.
The RCLG Working Group has reviewed and updated specifications based on the workshop feedback and is now seeking further input from industry.
“We are looking forward to engaging further with industry and encourage all those along the construction supply chain to review the scope of works and provide their feedback as soon as possible” Karten said.
Feedback on the Sustainable Site Facilities scope of works can be provided via email joekarten@built.com.au by August 30, 2016.
For further information or to download free tools visit www.responsibleconstruction.org.
For organisations interested in becoming involved in the RCLG contact the Secretariat@responsibleconstruction.org