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EFT Consult and BSI to Develop a Certifiable Code of Practice for the Circular Economy

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EFT Consult, a Swansea-based company that specialises in cutting edge and innovative technologies in relation to the design and consultancy of the built environment, is playing a leading role in developing a PAS to support the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

EFT Consult has worked closely with BSI to develop a Publicly Available Specification standard (PAS), a fast-track standardisation document that defines good practice for a product, service or process. In this case, it will help companies meet the aims and objectives of the Act and building regulations and planning in line with the guiding framework principles of the circular economy standard BS8001.

The PAS will be developed by a steering group of key stakeholders nominated and led by BSI working in collaboration with EFT Consult. BSI will develop the PAS sponsored and supported by EFT. It will allow companies to be measured and assessed against to secure a certifiable code of practice. The PAS document will contain recommendations and requirements for building health, wellbeing and environmental principles all of which are associated with the circular economy.

The proposed standard will be officially unveiled at the BESA National Conference on November 21. The Conference, which takes place at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel, London, is taking as its overall theme: ‘Competence, compliance and climate change – turning theory into practice’.

The extensive seminar programme is designed to set out how the building engineering industry can address the wide range of technical challenges it faces. It will be followed up with regional sessions in cities across the UK designed to showcase and raise awareness around the PAS standard and the circular economy.

A number of leading industry training bodies, associations, consultancies such as EFT will be able to assess companies wishing to secure the standard. Public bodies including the University of Wales Trinity St David are also supporting the initiative, alongside global players in the built environment sector.

The standard will also tie in and meet many elements of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, which is a Welsh Government initiative focussed on improving the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales. The initiative is designed to encourage companies to create a better working environment, help to reduce waste and improve organisational well-being.

The circular economy is an alternative to the current linear model of take, make, waste. It is designed to help organisations be more prudent with their use of resources – to reuse, recycle, regenerate, and care for the well-being of people, resources and the planet.

Adrian Matthews, consultant at EFT Consult, said:

“We are delighted to be able to work with BSI on developing this standard that we believe will make a big difference to the way in which businesses operate in the future and the health of this planet for generations to come. This is about fighting climate change through the implementation of the circular economy while providing knowledgeable, insight and expertise in order to procure the aims and objectives of the Wellbeing Act.

“In that sense, this is a pivotal moment in terms of the evolution of the circular economy in the UK and companies’ understanding of what it means and what they can do to transition towards a healthier and more cost-effective place to live, work, socialise and mobilise. These initiatives set out to improve social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being, encouraging organisations to work better with people and communities and take a more joined-up systems-thinking approach.”

Ant Burd, Head of Built Environment at BSI said:

“With the ever-growing concern over the true cost of the UK’s health, coupled with the continuing economic pressures on public services, the building industry is now taking new steps to create healthier buildings that better meet the wellbeing needs of current and future generations.

“The new PAS that is being developed will clearly establish and set out those specific improvements that are needed to ensure healthier building services, more effective design, better building quality and what an appropriate ongoing long-term maintenance approach should cover. BSI is pleased to work with EFT and help support the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.”

Business News Wales