Government departments and agencies spend around £3bn each year on construction and refurbishment, with construction accounting for 40% of the total spend, and refurbishment taking the lion’s share with 60%. In accordance with Government targets, all of these projects should be undertaken sustainably, with several Government bodies sharing responsibility for both the sustainable construction and refurbishment of the Government Estate and the environmental performance of buildings within it.

Yet this fragmented leadership framework has had a massively detrimental impact on standards, and the National Audit Office has recently claimed that just 9% of Government building projects met the required standards for environmental sustainability in 2005/2006, the majority not even conducting an impact assessment.

Their report 'Building for the future' found that 80% of new or refurbished buildings would not meet Government’s own sustainability targets. These include maximising the use of sustainable materials and reducing energy consumption. The study also argues that perceived conflict between value for money and sustainability means that value is being lost from the £3bn investment in sustainable buildings.

How can the principles of sustainability be embedded in construction and refurbishment projects across the Government Estate? Who will take the lead on delivering this step-change? Who will be accountable for any failure to hit crucial sustainability targets? To provide clarity and facilitate debate around this vital and often controversial issue, Public Service Events is pleased to present Construction and Refurbishment 07 – Sustainability in the Government Estate, to take place at the Barbican, London, on 22nd November 2007. With a host of expert speakers and exclusive masterclass sessions, the day will be an invaluable aid to all those with a role in the construction and maintenance of the Government Estate.

Improving sustainable construction is a cross-Government responsibility and far more needs to be done to address the serious and widespread failure to achieve the targets set. If you would like to connect with the current debate on this topic, then this event is for you – book today to secure your place at this key conference in the construction year!