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This report proposes high-level options for accelerating the development of best practices, codes, and standards in the construction industry. It suggests improving forecasting, managing information, promoting inter-organizational cooperation, and developing new funding arrangements. Additionally, it explores the need for a common agenda for research requirements and the establishment of a Green Development Bank for funding sustainability-related projects.
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Accelerating the Development of Best Practice Eric Arnold, Consultant 16 September 2010
IGT Report (Mar 2010): Proposition 11 “That the professional bodies should propose the necessary regimes and funding that would enable a much more rapid cycle time for best practice, codes and standards. A target of 48 months for the introduction of new standards would have major long term benefits, increasing flexibility and adaptability in the industry and stimulating innovation.” • On 26 May, CIC was asked to take this forward, working with its Member Organisations.
Accelerating the Development of Best Practice – Some High-Level Options • Improve the Forecasting of Demand for New Knowledge. • Manage the Information Base Better. • Promote Inter-Organisational Cooperation. • Improve the Best Practice Development Process. • Develop New and Improved Funding Arrangements.
Improve the Forecasting of Demand for New Knowledge • Proposition: Industry should develop a common agenda for research requirements and identify gaps (CIRIA, BSRIA).
Manage the Information Base Better The Information Base is large & fragmented. • Proposition (a): develop a communications protocol to facilitate searching the information base across a range of organisations (I Struct E). • Proposition (b): develop a standard approach to describing and categorising Best Practice etc (CIRIA).
Improve the Best Practice Development Process • Many organisations have found that a hybrid approach to preparation (paid author, volunteer review panel) works well. • One reason is that, to prepare the contract (between sponsoring organisation and author), you need greater up-front clarity about the nature of the deliverable. • Proposition: Other ways to improve the development process need to be explored.
Develop New and Improved Funding Arrangements There is particular interest in the concept of a ‘Green Development Bank’, a source of funds (either loans or grants) which professional bodies (or others) could access in order to fund work on Best Practice, Codes and Standards relating to low carbon construction/sustainability. • Proposition: that industry should explore with Government the feasibility of establishing new sources of funding for Best Practice etc, such as a Green Development Bank (I Struct E, others).