Nov 2 2008
BRE Global has launched a new framework standard for the responsible sourcing of construction products - BRE Environmental and Sustainablility Standard (BES) 6001:2008.
Increasingly specifiers are want to stipulate the use of responsibly sourced materials, most notably for companies undertaking work for the 2012 Olympic Games. This standard focuses on the social, economic and environmental aspects of sustainability. It deals with issues such as where a material comes from, how the workers producing it are treated and what is its overall impact on the environment.
Responsible sourcing promotes and supports the adoption of good practices throughout the supply chain and the Standard sets out requirements under 3 main headings:
- Organisational management
- Supply chain management
- Environmental and social issues
David Gall, Scheme Director at BRE Global says "The Standard has been compiled through extensive consultation with Industry and BRE Global has been working consistently to ensure that it provides a common framework, is fair and balanced and enables comparison across sectors. The requirements of the Standard reflect what is currently considered good practice and we expect that this will evolve as other issues are seen to be important in the future."
To meet the Standard, organisations must satisfy all compulsory elements. In addition, there are higher levels of compliance that can result in a higher performance rating being awarded. This Standard will also provide a route to obtaining credits under the BREEAM family of certification schemes.