Steel construction sector sustainability strategy

The Strategy is set out in the publication Sustainable Steel Construction, Building a Better Future which is downloadable by clicking here

This document sets out a sustainable development strategy for the UK Steel Construction Sector. In accordance with current national initiatives, it sets the scene for sustainable construction within the wider context of sustainable development, and defines the agenda for the strategy. The sector and its importance to both the economy and the achievement of sustainable development objectives, are described. Progress achieved by the Sector is documented and future priority actions, together with relevant on-going initiatives, are set down as a coherent strategy for the future of the sector.

Strategy key messages

1. The steel construction sector’s commitment to greater efficiency and competitiveness has already delivered many of the actions required to achieve a sustainable future as defined by Government.
2. The plans for the future outlined in this strategy will, when adopted across the sector, promote the continued development of this successful and progressive industry and enhance its contribution towards the goal of sustainable construction.
3. The sector accepts that long term commitment is required to understand the developing demands of sustainable construction, to set goals which address relevant issues and to align its activities to meet these goals.
4. Sustainable construction is achievable only when the industry can make decisions based on high quality information and an understanding of whole life considerations. The steel construction sector sets out its commitment in this document to support the construction industry in its efforts to achieve this.
5. In modern construction, the key issue is how the choice of materials can create scope for reducing burdens. The sector recognises that there is an onus on manufacturers and suppliers to develop systems and methods for using their products that will allow design for reduced impacts. There is a further onus on specifiers to use these properly.

In early 2004, the Sector published its first annual review of progress achieved in the delivery of the Sector Sustainable Development Strategy. The report can be downloaded by clicking here.