Steve Jackson was delighted to have been asked by Environment Analyst UK/Brownfield & Regeneration Network to write the introduction to last Monday’s community newsletter, updating the industry on current trends.
Did you read it?
The Brownfield Industry awaits further news on an updated version of DoWCoP (whether it be Version 2.2 or 3.0) following protracted discussions between CL:AIRE and the Environment Agency. Uncertainty on changes to the guidance has left Developers, Consultants and Contractors less confident on how to move projects forward in the medium to long term. However, several targets and commitments set out in DEFRA’s 2023 Environmental Improvement Plan give cause for optimism that sustainable regeneration of brownfield sites can still be achieved without significant barriers.
The DEFRA plan includes commitments for maximising resources / minimising waste and using our natural resources more sustainably (which aligns well with DoWCoP). The cross-channel ReconSoil project will improve our understanding of soil health and the carbon sequestration potential this resource provides to help fulfil these commitments.
Corporate environmental social governance (ESG) and circular economy requirements are now filtering through to tenders for site remediation & preparation projects. Contractors are increasingly expected to monitor and manage their greenhouse gas emissions – both operationally and on specific projects.
