Var kan jag få råd?
We have tried to provide below a range of sources of advice and information across the whole range of construction projects, including links to grant-giving bodies. We will continue to update this list as we are made aware of further organisations, guidance or opportunities which might be useful.
We have used specific categories to try to help you find organizations that are relevant to your needs. You can either click on the link below to go straight to a particular section, or simply go through the whole list. The categories we have used are:
- UK government and public body links
- UK General links
- Swedish links
- Grant-giving organisations
UK government and public body links
- Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) [formerly the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister - ODPM]: construction legislation, local government, the regions, neighbourhood renewal, planning, regeneration, supporting people and urban issues covered (www.communities.gov.uk). For information on UK building regulations go to www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1130474
- Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA): environment, sustainable development and rural development issues covered www.defra.gov.uk
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) covers the construction industry www.dti.gov.uk/sectors/construction/sustainability/page13691.html
- Environment Agency: interested in waste and pollution on construction sites, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) and operational water use www.environment-agency.gov.uk
- English Partnerships: coordinate land usage in England www.englishpartnerships.co.uk
- Office of Government Commerce (OGC) advises public sector bodies on procurement and commercial activities www.ogc.gov.uk.
- They have produced public sector project management guidance called Achieving Excellence in Construction series, including one on Sustainable Construction at www.ogc.gov.uk/embedded_object.asp?docid=1004954
- Sustainable Development Commission: the Government's independent watchdog on sustainable development www.sd-commission.gov.uk. They have been hosting an on-line debate on sustainable construction
www.sd-commission.org.uk/forum/index.php?tid=667
- The Carbon Trust - helps business and the public sector cut carbon emissions, and supports the development of low carbon technologies. Provides free energy surveys www.carbontrust.co.uk
General links
- Association of Environment Conscious Builders (AECB) - a network of individuals with the common aim of promoting sustainable building www.aecb.net
- Building Research Establishment (BRE). See here for more information about environmental assessment methodologies such as BREEAM and EcoHomes; tools to support the design and specification of more sustainable construction such envest, Environmental Profiles and the Green Guide; the waste management software SMARTStart and SMARTWaste. www.bre.co.uk
- British Council for Offices (BCO) aims to research, develop and communicate best practice in all aspects of the office sector www.bco.org.uk - including their best practice guide in the specification of offices www.bco.org.uk/research/detail.cfm?rid=72.
- Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) is a leading provider of performance improvement products and services in the construction and related industries . Also has details of Construction Industry Environmental Forum (CIEF) and Construction Productivity Network (CPN) www.ciria.org.uk
- Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) (www.cabe.org.uk) - the government's advisor on architecture, urban design and public space. They also promote public money into promoting the best in these fields.
- Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) is a code of practice for improved construction sites www.ccscheme.org.uk
- Construction Industry Council (CIC) is the representative forum for the industry's professional bodies, research organisations and specialist trade associations www.cic.org.uk
- CITB-ConstructionSkills is a partner in ConstructionSkills, one of the Learning and Skills Councils representing the construction sector www.citb-constructionskills.co.uk/supportingyou/supportingyourbusiness/sustainabledevelopment
- The Energy Saving Trust - encourages energy efficiency and the integration of renewable energy sources into the economic fabric of society www.est.org.uk
- The Green Register - a training and networking organisation www.greenregister.org
- The Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) www.ice.org.uk has a sustainability policy www.ice.org.uk/about_ice/aboutice_sustainability.asp and other information on sustainability in civil engineering, including an environmental assessment tool for civil engineering schemes, CEEQUAL
- Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) www.architecture.com/go/Architecture/Debate/Sustainability_2637.html
- School Works is a body working towards better school refurbishment and management www.school-works.org
- Sponge is a network for young professionals in sustainable construction www.spongenet.org
- Sustainability Works: a reference tool for sustainable housing www.sustainabilityworks.org.uk
- WellBuilt! a network for local authority professionals interested in more sustainable construction www.wellbuilt.org.uk
Swedish links
- A broad range of information is available from the Ministry of Sustainable Development. This makes a good starting-point for further investigation. www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/2066
- FORMAS - the Swedish Research Council - has produced guidance and information on sustainable construction amongst its broader sustainable development role. It also holds funds for grants to support researchers or to hold conferences and events www.formas.se
- The National Board of Housing, Building and Planning - Boverket - is the central government authority for planning, the management of land and water resources, urban development, building and housing under the Ministry of Sustainable Development. www.boverket.se
- Vinnova (Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems) is a State authority that aims to promote growth and prosperity throughout Sweden. www.vinnova.se
Other European links
There are a lot of European research projects, organisations, and draft legislation about sustainable construction. Here is a selection:
- EuroAlliance of Companies for Energy Efficiency in Buildings (EUROACE) www.euroace.org
- European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC) www.fiec.org
- PRESCO - the European Thematic Network on Practical Recommendations for Sustainable Construction - one of its key objectives is to create a European Code of Practice for Sustainable Building www.etn-presco.net
Grant-giving organisations