Welcome, Introduction & Progress Report
Peter Rebbeck, Chairman of Construct IT
Prof. Farzad Khosrowshahi, Director of Construct IT
Dr. Jason Underwood, Manager of Construct IT
Facilitated Workshop: Construction ICT Revolution!
This facilitated workshop explored and debated the UK construction industry's complacency with regard to the significant strategic importance of ICT and the associated approach to investment and R&D. Nigel began setting the scene by discussing the frustrations and challenges of the industry's nature towards ICT investment in delivering business benefit in contrast to other sectors. Industry best practice along with the vision for the future was then discussed by Steve and Elvin in continuing to create the platform for discussion.
Close
Thursday 22nd May 2008
'Green' technologies are at the forefront of the Government's drive to make all new homes in Britain zero carbon by 2016. In relation to the Code for Sustainable Homes, Tony used the experience gained from the Barratt's EcoSmart Show Village to identify and address key issues in utilising renewables in dwellings, together with lessons learnt to date.
Corporate buildings contribute significantly to climate change through their carbon footprint, and have further major impacts through the huge volumes of waste generation and water consumption. However, it can be extremely difficult to get good data on these inputs. With the increasing pressure from government regulation and stakeholder concerns, doing nothing is not an option. Mike discussed the recently launched IPD Environment Code towards addressing this issue along with ICT to facilitate its implementation.
As legislation becomes tougher and the price of energy rises, the business case for tackling carbon emissions at an organisational level strengthens. Gary outlined the benefits of taking a systematic and strategic approach to minimising the corporate footprint of operations, products and services. As an international consultancy, he covered the lessons learnt from Scott Wilson Plc's own internal carbon management programme, as well as from work delivered to their clients. Where relevant, he suggested how increased technology could make this process quicker, cheaper and increasingly more accurate.
Arlo focused on the economics of sustainability with discussions relating to Data Centres and improving technology efficiencies, costs and benefits of efficient and emerging technologies, and the social side of sustainability. A case study on using the LEED system to evaluate a Data Centre will be provided.