Get Sust! Issue 30

Is everybody doing it?

Back in October 2003, when the first tentative issue of Get Sust was released to a select few, sustainable construction was emerging from the fuzzy green fringes, and shaking off its sack-cloth-and-ashes image.

Fast forward to 2007 and you could be forgiven for thinking that “everybody’s doing it”. When Ikea launches a new “housing range” and claims it “will achieve EcoHomes excellent” you know you’ve hit mainstream.

So does that mean Get Sust has served its purpose and we can all pack up and sit back while the nation’s construction industry sets to work on our clean green future? Far from it, I’m afraid.

For there is a great deal of ‘greenwash’ out there. Only last week the Advertising Standards Authority hauled household names over the coals for misleading claims in adverts for their ‘green’ produces; and notice that strategically placed ‘will’ in Ikea’s promotional material - they haven’t achieved anything yet! Add to this a plethora of new products, research findings and the ever-increasing urgency to stop talking and start doing - and I think it’s fair to say that Get Sust is needed now more than ever.

Our aims are to help the research community to disseminate its results, to help manufacturers to share news of proven techniques and technologies, and to raise awareness of the myriad career opportunities that sustainable construction has to offer.

That’s why we’re launching an autumn readership drive, to spread the Get Sust messages wider among students, lectures and practitioners. And there are prizes too - trips to BRE’s innovation park for Get Sust Champions - our top recruiters - and T-shirts bearing our new corporate identity for lucky new readers.

To join the campaign, click here to download the flyer.

We’re sprucing up the website too - with a fresh new look, and re-organised content to make it easier for you to research past articles.

As a low-tech, monthly email newsletter, we can’t hope to keep up with everything that’s going on in sustainable construction, but we try our best to bring you the edited highlights. Feedback, news ideas, volunteers to review books, and financial contributions (however small) always welcome. Contact the editor <editor@get-sust.com>.

Learn more:

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Ikea’s new homes scheme will be delivered in conjunction with Skanska and LiveSmart@Home (the commercial subsidiary of social housing provider, Home). Named BoKlok and pronounced Boo Clook (which translates as ‘smart living’), the scheme was launched in Gateshead last week (5 October). Don’t all rush at once though. The scheme started in Sweden, and runs in Finland, Norway and Denmark, but so far only 1000 homes per year have been delivered. Potential owners have to register an interest and are ‘pre-selected’ before entering a lottery-style draw. Full details at www.boklok.com.