For a successful refurbishment, repairs and maintenance programme, careful consideration of procurement practices is important.  This is even more important when trying to deliver improved environmental performance through the proposed work. 

It may seem like there is a lack of information on ?green? products, suppliers and manufacturers, but have a look at our products and links sections for more information.  In addition, the use of new materials, products and technology may require different skills that many contractors lack.  This is why you should consider even more carefully than usual your purchasing strategies for energy and water efficiency, materials and product specification, procurement and waste management strategies.
 
You should give greater emphasis to understanding residents? needs, as well as including residents in the planning and design process.  This is significant, as usually refurbishment, planned maintenance and repair work is carried out with residents living in situ.  Equally, residents are the ultimate users of the measures proposed to improve environmental performance, so their support and understanding will be invaluable in achieving targets and goals.  Better communication and clear, simple information for residents will greatly assist their understanding of innovative ideas and how they could contribute to making the measures more workable.  This has been clearly shown through the findings of the Sustainable Homes Tenants? Green Survey 2003.

Click here to see Rethinking Construction: 20 Good Ideas for Rethinking Refurbishment, Repairs and Maintenance. The Housing Forum 2000.

Green Voices and Choices- Sustainable Homes/BRE 2004 (coming soon): views of residents who live in innovative and environmentally friendly housing, collected in the Summer of 2003 (this will be available shortly)

Costs are provided for issues and features where available.