Sustainability

Sustainability

Sustainable Construction

BHSE is keen to participate and adhere to the principles of sustainable construction and will ensure, so far as is reasonably practical that its operations have minimum impact on the environment.

As a reputable developer, we take a proactive approach to environmental issues by recognising that our work has considerable environmental impact, both positive and negative, which in the long term affects the sustainability of the business.

We have developed an Integrated Management System, which seeks to promote a process of continuous improvement to minimise environmental impacts and enhance environmental performance. Our environmental policy establishes commitment and legal compliance, setting out objectives and targets to ensure continuous improvement, responsibility and implementation throughout all operations including design, construction and office management. This process is monitored and reviewed on a regular basis and is communicated internally and externally. BHSE seeks to ensure that employees, sub-contractors and suppliers buy into our environmental policy. We recognise that partnering is vital in sharing best practice. The principal objectives within the company are:

   To improve whole-life environmental performance of the project

   Reduce waste disposal to landfill.

   Increase re-use/ recycling. Reduce polluting emissions.

   Reduce consumption of energy and water.

   Reduce impacts on flora, fauna and landscape and enhance nature conservation.

Senior management and all levels of site staff are being trained in environmental issues which are developing a strong commitment to supporting the aims of the company.

Being mindful of our obligations under the Control of Pollution Act we make strenuous efforts to ensure that nuisance from noise, dust and construction debris arising from the works is minimised and controlled.

Hazardous or environmentally damaging substances are identified in our risk assessments, method statements and COSHH assessments and methods of handling and disposal strictly adhered to.

Key themes for more sustainable construction are: -

	Design for minimum waste
	Lean construction
	Minimise energy consumption in construction and use.
	Avoid polluting
	Conserve water resources
	Respect people and the local environment
	Preserve and enhance biodiversity
	Set targets (i.e. monitor and report, in order to benchmark performance)

At the design development stage, the selection of recycled products or materials will be considered relative to their performance and use in the building. This extends to glass, plastic, wood, paper, aggregates, insulation materials, roofing materials and other manufactured products.

During the design development stage we will assess the design to maximise the use of sustainable materials, products and lean construction techniques.

Some examples of these may include: -

	Off Site manufactured construction components
	Use of solar glass
	Selection of CFC free products
	Use of cellulose insulation for voids
	Rainwater harvesting systems
	Adjustment of storey heights to use full height of sheet materials
	Adjustment of grid sizes to accommodate component modular sizes (e.g. brick/block standards)
	Selection of low maintenance materials relative to building life cycle requirements
	Avoidance of composite products for ease of eventual disposal and recycling.
	Consider heat recovery ventilation systems

During the construction planning stage we will direct our attention towards sustainable construction methods and best practice. Consideration will be given to programme constraints, use of transport, use of manpower resources, storage of materials and waste management, disposal of construction arisings, etc.

Some examples of these techniques may include: -

	Use of local labour and subcontractors
	Re-useable formwork for pile caps and ground beams
	Sourcing materials from local suppliers to reduce excessive transportation
	Segregated skips for recyclable waste and general waste
	Use of ready mixed mortars to reduce waste and water consumption
	Investigate sourcing of recycled products
	Selection of products with returnable packaging (e.g. pallets)
	Materials layout planning, scheduling of deliveries for minimum on site storage (just-in-time management) to reduce, damage, theft and waste.
	Prefabrication off site components and plant/equipment leading to better quality control and reduced waste and losses from theft.
	Use of chipped or damaged blocks in plastered or rendered areas.
	Collection of waste plasterboard for recycling and re-use of longer off cuts
	Materials handling and protection planning
	Minimise the storage of fuel oil on site
	Management of the works to reduce the impact of nuisance caused by noise, vibration and dust from our operations and the avoidance of unsocial hours working

All information and prices shown in this web site are correct as at
the date last modified and subject to confirmation from the office.

Copyright © 2007 BUXTON HOMES The Buxton Group of Companies © 2006 Registered in England No 1767715 Web Last modified: 19/07/2010

Copyright © 2007 BUXTON HOMES
The Buxton Group of Companies © 2006
Registered in England No 1767715

Web Last modified: 19/07/2010