The adverse impact human activity has on the planet is now widely accepted. Barely a day goes past without some reference to the issue in the media. These impacts are complex and interrelated. Commonly known issues include, but not limited to, deforestation, habitat and wildlife loss, pollution and arguably the biggest threat global warming (or catastrophic global climate change).
 
The Government has recognised that construction must become more sustainable and has amended numerous pieces of legislation. Various new Planning Policy Statements (PPS) have been issued, in September 2004 the Sustainable and Secure Building Act 2004 was enacted and allows Building Regulations to be written to deal with wider issues of sustainable development. Part L (conservation of fuel and power) is on a continuous cycle of amendment – the next amendment expected April 2006 and then further amendment in 2010. The commentary in the draft amendments stresses that designers and builders should strive to achieve standards above those laid down by legislation and draft legislation.
Sustainability is about controlling the resources we use to protect the environment for its own sake and for current and future generations. It is incumbent on us all to do what we can to lessen our impact on the planet. A lot of what it comes down to is efficiency and there are business benefits in increasing efficiency. Research has shown that businesses that stay ahead of regulation have stronger positions in the market place.
 
jhai ltd embrace the need to move towards sustainable construction by taking an innovative and pragmatic approach to ensuring compliance to the Building Regulations and have been engaged as the Approved Inspector on "Green" building projects across the UK.

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