Assessing the environmental impact of buildings in the UK
- Building Research Establishment, Watford (United Kingdom)
The protection of the environment is one of today`s key issues demanding international action. In the UK, the government has issued a {open_quotes}green{close_quotes} White Paper and two updating reviews, setting out its Agenda; businesses are also responding by developing environmental policy statements as part of their business strategy; general public concern is evident through changes in purchasing practices and an increasing interest in recycling waste such as paper, cans, and bottles. In Europe, initiatives are being taken to develop ecolabelling schemes specifically for assessing consumer products. Environmental management systems are being developed through BSI and internationally. Underlying these concerns is a perception that industrialised economies have significantly and irreversibly changed (or perhaps about to change) the planet`s climate, atmosphere and ecosystems. This perception is fuelled by reports in the media of rising pollution, poor air quality, threats to ecosystems such as historic hedgerows, and even graffiti and litter. This paper describes action taken by the BRE to set standards for environmentally friendlier buildings which uses market forces to bring about environmental sensitivity in the industry. BREEAM is an environmental assessment method, embodies in an accreditation scheme, which is enjoying considerable success in the UK. The paper describes its development and underlying philosophy and provides details of its content and operation.
- OSTI ID:
- 41767
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9402130-; TRN: 95:003330-0002
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: U.S. green building conference, Gaithersburg, MD (United States), 16-17 Feb 1994; Other Information: PBD: 1994; Related Information: Is Part Of US green building conference - 1994; Fanney, A.H.; Whitter, K.M.; Traugott, A.E.; Simon, L.N. [eds.]; PB: 150 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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