The European Commission should ensure any renewed policies on sustainable construction take into account the full ‘socio-economic dimensions’ of buildings.

That’s according to Glass for Europe, Europe’s trade association for flat glass manufacturers, which made the argument in response to the Commission’s decision to review sustainable building policies.

‘Full life-cycle’ approach

The body also believes that the Commission should adopt a ‘full life-cycle’ approach when creating policies, introduce end-of-life recycling metrics and show commitment to the ‘harmonisation’ of all sustainability assessment tools. According to glassonweb.com, Glass for Europe says:

‘The design of buildings and in particular daylight provision does not only influence the health of occupants, but also affect their comfort, well-being, productivity and learning abilities.

‘Buildings are complex systems that have an impact on the environment. Nevertheless, they are primarily conceived for the people that use them… For these reasons, an integrated approach to building design is needed,’ it added, also cited by glassforeurope.com.

These comments support Glass for Europe’s belief that sustainable construction must be built on three main factors – social, economic and environmental.

Driving change forward in the European construction industry

Spurred on by a fear that the Commission would miss a trick in terms of driving change forward in the European construction industry, Glass for Europe made the comments in its new report entitled ‘The Distinctive Benefits of Glazing, the Social and Economic Contributions of Glazing to Sustainability in the Built Environment’.

Author: Deborah Bates   Date Written: 21 November 2013