SUSTAINABLE REFURBISHMENT

Sustainable Refurbishment In The UK

Abstract

Purpose: This paper has three principal aims - to examine the development of international policy direction for sustainability in the built environment; to highlight the contribution that the legacy stock could make to the various sustainability targets through sustainable refurbishment; and to review the UK government's direct and indirect support of sustainable refurbishment.

Design/methodology/approach: The paper critically reviews international and national policy documents and associated professional commentary.

Findings: The general conclusions are that the international targets for energy efficiency and carbon dioxide reduction within the built environment are focused on new-build schemes. Sustainable refurbishment could provide significant financial benefits to investors and occupiers in addition to positively contributing to various sustainability targets. The UK government could do more to actively support sustainable refurbishment activity through direct and indirect initiatives.

Originality/value:The paper offers an applied examination of the level of support offered by the UK government to the commercial sector that has the potential to make a significant contribution to the broader targets.

Table of contents

Abstract2

Purpose4

Design/methodology/approach7

Benefits and advantages of refurbishment8

Disadvantages Of Refurbishment8

Findings11

Originality/value17

Annotated Bibliography20

Sustainable Refurbishment In The UK

Purpose

Developers often face the dilemma of whether to refurbish or redevelop. Refurbishment is currently perceived to be the more sustainable option, but the Sustainable Refurbishment project has shown that this is not always the case. The project, run by BRE and funded by the DTI under its Framework Programme, has investigated for the first time, the long term environmental sustainability of redevelopment and refurbishment using life cycle assessment. In a comparatively short period of time, sustainability became established at the core of UK urban policy. There is a need for all development programmes, whether new-build, conversion or refurbishment, across all sectors to deliver to the various targets set. The government acts in a number of capacities within the built environment including legislator, regulator and client and seeks the integration of sustainable development at all levels of policy and administration. Government departments, regional development agencies, local authorities and the many executive agencies are expected to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development in the UK within the national strategy. Furthermore, government could also play an important role in establishing a market where environmentally friendly products are economically viable and to encourage the development of relevant environmental technologies. To emphasise the importance of sustainable development, Planning Policy Statement 1: Delivering Sustainable Development states that sustainable development is the core principle underpinning planning, further commenting that planning policies should promote high-quality inclusive design in terms of function and impact. Furthermore s.39 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 gives the first formal statutory recognition to the concept of sustainable development.

The majority of the recent empirical research and design guidance on sustainable real estate is concentrated in new-build projects in all-commercial sectors. Yet the net annual addition of stock is minimal. The low turnover rate suggests that the environmental impact of new-build is comparatively limited (Pearce, 2004) whereas the existing stock has the potential to make a larger and more significant ...