I very much enjoyed reading Andy Pearson's article, Food for Thought, (BSJ, January 2006) about the innovative Tesco project at Tolworth.

However, it strikes me that - although it is fascinating to read about such high-profile, one-off schemes - to make a real impact, the industry needs to ensure that sustainability is an integral part of the design and the execution of every project, whatever its size or status.

At the moment, best practice often means doing things as they have always been done. Perhaps we need a redefinition. New Best Practice should ensure far less waste and error.

It should encourage better collaboration between architect and engineer, earlier on at the concept stage so that engineers can better influence the design. Earlier exchange of information means more accurate data, which in turn leads to improved decision making.

These days, technology offers the holistic solution needed for a totally sustainable approach. Sitting at the heart of a project, it can make users aware of the environmental impact of their decisions while change is still viable.

Once you realise the impact a change of working practice could bring, it becomes just as exciting and radical as futuristic energy regeneration projects such as the Tolworth initiative

Pete Baxter, Autodesk

Source

Building Sustainable Design