Responsible Sourcing of Materials
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A phrase which strikes terror into the heart of any BREEAM assessor. Since the 2006 update, the responsible sourcing of timber credit got a makeover and included just about anything in the project. The credit guidance is the longest in the manual – from memory I think it is 12 pages but this may be my overactive imagination exaggerating the pain.
Turns out it was all a predecessor to the BRE’s new standard BS6001. Martin has a good summary here. I welcome the standard (pdf, 32pp.), but I would be interested to see if it becomes mandatory in the forthcoming revisions. Currently the cost-benefit of the credit (i.e. the effort it takes to undertake all the paperwork vs. how many credits you ‘win’) means few clients are willing to pursue this one.
Mel, I would agree on the effort v credits if you see it as a support to BREEAM. I understand as a framework standard though it applies to all sectors, not just construction. It would take off if clients – intelligent clients (I love that one) – demand it though procurement. One example is the Royal Mail using the UN Global Compact as a procurement tool . Rgds
Lots of effort for little reward it would seem. We’ve taken the approach on many projects that if we get it, then it is a bonus.
It does seem to be interpreted differently by various BREEAM assessors working on different projects.
Actually, I think the wording in the guidance is *!?*!rubbish (rude words deleted). What we really need are independently certified globally recognised standards for all these other materials. Maybe this standard is it, but maybe not….