Sustainable strategy scoops award

Combined efforts by UK trade associations and companies working in the concrete sector to become seen as a leader in 1037 Sustainable Construction by 2012 have been recognised with a national award. The Sustainable Concrete Strategy was singled out as the winner of the 2010 1828 Trade Association Forum (TAF) Best Practice Awards for Environmental Initiative.

“The Sustainable Concrete Strategy demonstrates the industry’s commitment to transparency and continual improvement,” said Concrete Sustainable Forum chairman Andrew Spencer. “These are not vague promises but commitments to real action. The success of the strategy at the awards is welcomed recognition of the achievement of all those involved who have helped to not only forward the vision but to ensure that the vision becomes a reality.”

The strategy’s first report, published in 2009, provided industry data across 14 performance indicators against which the concrete industry has committed to be benchmarked against and to improve upon. The latest performance report, published in March 2010, provides 2008 performance data and outlines 12 targets, plus those in development, to be achieved by 2012.

The submission to the TAF Awards was made jointly by the 2897 Mineral Products Association and 1829 British Precast on behalf of the 4674 Sustainable Concrete Forum. “It is thanks to the commitment and collaboration of the sector trade associations and their members that has enabled this momentous strategy to be possible,” said Spencer.