10 ways to go green

1. Pay more attention to construction materials. In order of priority, this means: retain and adapt existing buildings for new uses; ensure all demolition waste is reused; ensure all new construction includes at least 30% recycled content (by value).

Andrew Comer, director, infrastructure and environment groups, Buro Happold

2. Take a futuristic approach. What exactly will your development need to be like to meet future demands. Ensure that costs are fully integrated into this detailed vision to prevent dilution of the concept through cost cutting. Set measurable and mandatory targets for the development against the three pillars of sustainable development: protection of the earth, social development and economic prosperity.

Clare Shuttleworth, head of the sustainability bureau, White Young Green

3. Apart from not listening to the many “snake oil salesmen” determined to make a quick buck, developers can use their undoubted influence to drive change throughout the supply chain. Through integrating strict sustainability criteria into their consultant, contractor and supplier selection processes developers can have an immediate impact on the sustainable performance of their developments.

Jerry Percy, head of sustainability, Gleeds

4. Providing micro-biomass heating solutions or district heating schemes, together with a sustainable locally sourced wood fuel network, would make a critical difference to the sustainability of future housing projects and local economies. The by-products from the bio fuels could then be used to fuel local public and commercial transport.

Tony Peck, low carbon consultant and carbon management group leader, Mouchel Parkman

5. Make sure that no important aspects of regeneration are left out by using a holistic framework for the project.

Sue Riddlestone, director, BioRegional

6. Achieve a Code for Sustainable Homes Level 6 rating. Developers should respond to the zeitgeist, and with a combination of grants, zero stamp duty and mortgages linked to savings in running costs affordability doesn’t have to be an issue.

Paul Appleby, associate director building sustainability, URS

7. Develop a strategy and approach right from day one. Include environmental, social and economic aspects and integrate them. Set clear targets and drive them through procurement initially. Measure and monitor performance against targets during the project and use them in anger to improve delivery during the project and to inform future projects.

Peter Bonfield, chief executive, BRE

8. Regeneration offers unique opportunities for new environmentally-friendly infrastructure including vacuum collection of waste, and both district heating and local power from combined heat and power plant, fuelled via the thermal treatment of waste. This not only reduces waste to landfill, it also counts as renewable energy.

Andrew Comer, director, infrastructure and environment groups, Buro Happold

9. Think about tomorrow, not just today. Meeting minimum standards today will be below standard in 10 years’ time and not fit for purpose in 20. Think ahead and be creative when planning new investment instead of following the herd.

Stephanie Al-Wahid, director of Dearle & Henderson, part of Erinaceous Group

10. Raise your game plan beyond the lowest economic common denominator in sustainability and recognise that high levels of energy efficiency must be the primary goal.

Steve Piltz, principal consultant environment and sustainability, Turner & Townsend