There’s a theory that politicians form committees to be seen do be doing something on something about which they really don’t know what to do. It was probably devised by Yes, Minister’s Sir Humphrey.
But the valuable thing about such committees is that they do give other voices the chance to catch the ear of decision makers when they’re shaping policy and at their most receptive to informed, expert input.
Which is a Sir Humphrey way of getting round to say the timber sector’s involvement with the government’s Sustainable Buildings Task Group is a positive move.
Unveiled last year (TTJ November 29/December 6, 2003), the body’s remit, without promoting sectoral interests, is to review how construction can improve its sustainable performance. It will look at planning and construction processes, waste, property life cycles, water and energy consumption, and the use of timber and other materials.
The group comprises a wide range of ‘stakeholders,’and among them is Bryan Woodley, chief executive of the UK Timber Frame Association. Like other members, he will make a submission to form the basis of group discussions, culminating in the publication of a final report at Easter. Topics Mr Woodley is suggesting include procurement policy; the potential of off-site fabrication; certification scheme mutual recognition; the lessons to be learned from the forestry and timber industries’ sustainable management experience; and the importance of ’embedding’ sustainability in construction education and training.
And there are other developments under way in the sustainable construction debate. This week the WWF unveiled its new ‘Building Towards Sustainability’ report (ttjonline.com) and MP Andrew Stunnell is tabling a private member’s bill on making UK housing ‘greener’ and more secure.
In timber and engineered wood products and timber frame, this industry has ready-made solutions to help UK construction achieve sustainability as demand for housing soars. The key, as the sector is clearly acknowledging, is to remain engaged in the discussion at all levels. Otherwise ministers make decisions on their own, which, as Sir Humphrey always stressed, should be avoided at all cost.
