- Case studies
- Projects seeking partners
- Lessons learnt
- Best practice today
- Life-cycle costing made simple
- Sustainable refurbishment
Best practice today
2. Minimise pollution
The main source of pollution caused by the construction sector is pollution to the atmosphere of greenhouse gasses from heating and lighting buildings during their occupation and management.
- Pollution from the construction process can take many forms other than the pollution to the atmosphere of greenhouse gasses. In the most extreme cases contractors in the UK could find themselves being prosecuted by the Environment Agency for breaches of the Environment Act (1995) and, if found guilty, fined. However pollution from construction sites can take many forms that may escape the notice of the relevant authorities, but can still damage the local environment. Oil and fuel spillages, fly-tipping, and mud/silt from sites or lorry wheels are perhaps the most common causes of pollution from construction.
- Many of the materials commonly used in construction can also pose a pollution risk in their manufacture or in use.