Delivering sustainability

The news that a major organisation representing building-services contractors is to debate at a high level the issue of sustainability is a crucial step in its delivery (page 5). Recent discussions with the president of the Heating & Ventilating Contractors’ Association, its vice-president and director clearly show that they all understand the need for sustainability — both from the environmental viewpoint and as a business opportunity. However, environmental concern is the driver on this occasion. Knowing what to do is not an issue. There is plenty of knowledge versed in architects and designers. Knowing how to deliver sustainability is what HVCA is concerned with. President Mike Taylor observes that the need is for contractors to have the skills, imagination and dedication to make things happen in new and innovative ways. The importance of a workforce that is fully and appropriately qualified at every level is equally acknowledged. Given the reputation of contractors for ‘spec busting’, thereby jeopardising the intentions of the designer, the beginning of an HVCA initiative to develop a joined-up policy on sustainability and define the role of its members in its delivery is to be welcomed.