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Sustainability Standard for Contractors: Sustainability Management on Construction Sites

Berkeley Group requirements v2 October 2015

THE BERKELEY GROUP HOLDINGS PLC Sustainability Standard for Contractors:

Sustainability Management on Construction Sites v2 October 2015

Contents

1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1

2. Background ...................................................................................................................... 1

3. Requirements ................................................................................................................... 2

3.1 Legal Compliance ................................................................................................ 2

3.2 Management of Sustainability ............................................................................. 2

3.3 Training and Awareness...................................................................................... 3

3.4 Local Labour ........................................................................................................ 3

3.5 Energy ................................................................................................................. 3

3.6 Waste .................................................................................................................. 4

3.7 Water ................................................................................................................... 5

3.8 Material Sourcing ................................................................................................ 6

3.9 Ecology ................................................................................................................ 7

3.10 Pollution ............................................................................................................... 8

3.11 Environmental Incident and Inspection Reporting .............................................. 8

3.12 Housekeeping ..................................................................................................... 9

3.13 Being a Good Neighbour ..................................................................................... 9

4. Revision Register ........................................................................................................... 10

Appendix A – Checklist for Sustainability Management on Construction Sites .......................... 11



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1. Introduction

The Berkeley Group’s vision is to be a world-class business generating long-term value by creating successful places where people aspire to live. We expect all contractors that work with us to play an appropriate role in helping us to achieve this.

The management of sustainability on construction sites is important to ensure legal compliance, minimise impact on the environment and minimise disturbance to the local community. Construction sites that manage sustainability well can generate environmental, social and economic benefits for the local area. This is what the Berkeley Group strives to achieve.

This Standard for Sustainability Management on Construction Sites establishes the minimum requirements that must be met by all contractors that work with us. It is designed to bring together all of the requirements of the Berkeley Group’s sustainability policies and management systems in one central point of reference, thereby ensuring that clear and consistent principles and practices are implemented across all of the Berkeley Group’s construction sites.

This Standard will be reviewed on at least an annual basis, or more frequently as required, to take account of changes to legislation, regulation, the Berkeley Group’s policies and industry best practice.

Appendix A provides a checklist of key actions relating to the topic areas set out within Section 3 of this document.

Note that this Standard replaces the former document entitled ‘Code of Practice: Sustainability Management on Construction Sites’.

2. Background

The Berkeley Group sets stretching commitments every two years in order to achieve its vision. Standard requirements – or the Berkeley Group’s business-as-usual case – are also in place and apply to all parts of the business.

The commitments and standards fall under Our Vision and are structured around the five focus areas of:

Customers

Homes

Places

Operations

Our People

The Berkeley Group has the following policies in place which describe the key principles that form cornerstones of our approach to sustainability (copies are available on our website and upon request):

Sustainability Policy

Climate Change Policy

Sustainable Procurement Policy

Apprentices and Skills Development Policy



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Through its policies and Our Vision, the Berkeley Group is committed to the following on its construction sites:

Complying with all relevant legislation as a minimum standard and working towards best practice

in sustainability

Preventing pollution

Driving sustainability through our supply chain and procuring sustainable materials

Running our sites with consideration of the local community

Improving operational environmental efficiency, including energy and water use reduction

Minimising the amount of waste we produce through effective on-site management and reducing

the amount of waste we send to landfill through the promotion of re-use and recycling

Protecting and enhancing biodiversity

Measuring performance across our key aspects of work to achieve sector leadership, including

registration and collaboration with external bodies such as the Considerate Constructors Scheme

(CCS)

Working with charities and local communities

Providing jobs and supporting those provided throughout the construction process and supply

chain

Promoting and supporting apprenticeships and formal training.

3. Requirements

3.1 Legal Compliance

As a minimum, the Berkeley Group expects all contractors to have appraised the environmental risks associated with their scope of works on site and to undertake their works in compliance with all applicable legislation and regulation.

Contractors shall ensure that any relevant environmental permits, licences, authorisations and exemptions are in place prior to the works commencing. These may include, but are not limited to, authorisations to discharge, abstraction licences, waste carrier licences and exemptions for waste storage, use of crush etc.

The Berkeley Group’s aim is to not only comply with all relevant legislation, but to work towards best practice and continuous improvement in sustainability and we ask that our contractors do the same.

3.2 Management of Sustainability

The Berkeley Group gives a preference to procuring environmentally sustainable materials and services and we encourage our contractors to have their own systems in place to manage sustainability risks and impacts such as an environmental / sustainability policy and an environmental management system (ideally certified to ISO14001 or EMAS).

Contractors shall comply with any reasonable requests made by the Berkeley Group to improve the management of their sustainability risks and impacts.



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The Berkeley Group will undertake regular sustainability assessments on each construction site. During the assessment, checks may be made on contractors’ compliance with relevant environmental legislation, regulation and with this Standard. Contractors shall give full cooperation during a sustainability assessment and provide the Berkeley Group with information as required. Any corrective actions identified and communicated to the contractor shall be carried out in a timely manner.

3.3 Training and Awareness

Apprenticeships and other types of formal training are promoted by the Berkeley Group. Group-wide targets are set and on a site-specific basis there may also be local requirements for the provision of formal training or the number of apprentices. Contractors are expected to aid the Berkeley Group in meeting any requirements. Further information on site apprenticeships can be found in ‘Apprenticeships: An Employer’s Guide’ on the Supply Chain Portal.

The number of operatives on a site that are in apprenticeship or formal training roles will be monitored by the Berkeley Group on a regular (at least monthly) basis. All contractors will be required to provide information as part of the monitoring process.

Contractors shall also ensure that all of their operatives or operatives of their sub-contractors working on site are given regular training to:

Understand and manage the environmental risks, nuisance impacts, legislative and regulatory

requirements associated with their work

Reduce the potential environmental and nuisance impacts associated with their work

Respond appropriately in the event of an environmental incident or community complaint.

As a minimum, training should be provided through toolbox talks covering subjects relevant to achieving the aims above, for example waste segregation, noise reduction, preventing water pollution, spill response and fuel handling procedures. The Berkeley Group project team can provide toolbox talk sheets for use if required. The Berkeley Group project team should be notified when these have been undertaken. All operatives will also be required to attend the site induction which will include key information on sustainability management on site.

3.4 Local Labour

On a site-specific basis, there may be local requirements for the use of local labour (typically from within the borough or 15 miles). Where applicable, contractors are expected to provide employment opportunities to local people to aid the Berkeley Group in meeting these requirements.

3.5 Energy

Contractors shall take reasonable measures to reduce the climate change impacts of their site activities, including their construction works, welfare and office activities. Where the contractor is supplying welfare units, ‘eco’ ranges should be selected.

Energy use from electricity, gas oil (red diesel), petrol, LPG and other fuels used should be minimised. This could be achieved by raising awareness to staff, use of efficient plant and equipment or use of more energy efficient construction techniques and practices to fulfil their scope of works. Any specific measures implemented should be communicated to the project team.

http://www.berkeleygroup.co.uk/supply-chain-portal



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Contractors shall record their consumption of the following energy sources (where used) at least monthly from the commencement of their time on site, including demolition and groundworks. The information shall be provided upon request to the Berkeley Group in an agreed format:

Electricity usage in kWh (where not already metered by the Berkeley Group). Note that this should include any electricity generated on-site from a renewable source (e.g. solar photovoltaic (PV) panels)

Natural gas usage in kWh (where not already metered by the Berkeley Group)

Heat / steam usage in kWh (where not already metered by the Berkeley Group)

Gas oil (red diesel) usage in litres

Petrol usage in litres

LPG (also called propane or butane) usage in kg or litres.

Contractors shall encourage their operatives to travel to work in a sustainable manner, such as by public transport, bicycle or car / van sharing. This could be achieved by providing incentives to staff, awareness raising or providing staff with information on local public transport routes.

3.6 Waste

The Berkeley Group requires its contractors to play an appropriate role in helping to be more efficient in the use of materials and minimising the environmental impacts of waste associated with construction activity.

All contractors shall apply the waste management hierarchy to reduce the waste arising from their scope of works.

In particular, all contractors shall comply with the following, where applicable:

Take measures to minimise the use of material resources and the production of waste. This can

be achieved through, for example, efficient design, logistics, stock control, the use of

prefabricated / pre-sized materials, minimised packaging, correct storage and protection of

materials on site, and efficient construction techniques

Maximise the on-site re-use and recycling of site construction, demolition and excavation waste,

where feasible

Provide input into and support the implementation of the site’s Project Waste Management Plan

(PWMP)

Comply with site rules set by the Principal Contractor and / or the waste contractor relating to

resource efficiency and waste management, including, for example, the segregation and

monitoring of waste, and use of specific bins and waste management areas

Assist in the collection of relevant data to monitor the progress towards, and achievement of,

applicable targets for resource efficiency and waste management, if these are set by the Berkeley

Group.

Contractors (and their sub-contractors, where relevant) responsible for storing and / or removing

waste from site shall:



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Maximise the off-site re-use, recycling or recovery of construction, demolition and excavation

waste. Waste should only be sent to landfill as a last resort if there is no reasonable alternative

disposal route. If landfill is selected, this should be notified to the project team in advance of any

collections.

Comply with the Waste Regulations and legal Duty of Care obligations including:

o Storing waste appropriately and securely

o Checking that waste is transported and handled by authorised people / businesses

o Ensuring that legally compliant written information is completed in full for each collection of waste.

Make available to the Berkeley Group all Duty of Care paperwork associated with all waste

streams removed, including hazardous items and metals. The paperwork should include:

o Copies of legally compliant written information completed for waste transfers. For example, waste transfer notes, invoices or receipts for non-hazardous waste and consignment notes for hazardous waste

o Copies of corresponding paperwork confirming that the waste carriers and waste destinations used are appropriately licensed / exempted by the Environment Agency.

Monitor and report at least monthly the quantities and types of waste managed, and the split of

each different type of waste according to waste management method – re-use, recycling,

recovery, landfill or other - and, in the case of re-use, recycling and recovery, whether this has

taken place on- or off-site. This must be submitted to the Berkeley Group in the format requested.

You may be asked to record this directly in a Waste Data Tool.

Ensure that no roadsweeping waste is tipped on site. Full Duty of Care paperwork must be

provided for all collections.

In addition to the above, contractors who are responsible for significant waste streams during the

course of the project may also be required to:

Submit with their tender a strategy for minimising and managing non-hazardous and hazardous

wastes (including collection, storage, segregation and treatment / disposal). It should be noted

that all packaging for hazardous substances, in addition to the substance itself, is deemed to be

hazardous and must be disposed of as such.

Submit details of how they intend to monitor the different types of waste they produce in the

context of the PWMP; the split of each different type of waste according to waste management

method (on- or off- site re-use, recycling, recovery or landfill) and the value (where requested) of

waste materials sent to landfill. They will be required to provide this information to the Principal

Contractor on at least a monthly basis, in the format required by the Berkeley Group

Allocate responsibility for the efficient use of materials and waste management to a specific

individual on site.

3.7 Water

Contractors shall take reasonable measures to reduce the volume of water used in their site activities, including their construction works, welfare and office activities. This could be achieved by raising staff awareness, use of efficient plant and equipment or use of more water efficient construction



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techniques and practices to fulfil their scope of works. Where the contractor is supplying welfare units, ‘eco’ ranges should be selected.

Contractors shall record their consumption of water on site from the following sources (where applicable) at least monthly from the commencement of their time on site, including demolition and groundworks. The information shall be provided upon request to the Berkeley Group in an agreed format:

Mains water usage in m3 (where not already metered by the Berkeley Group)

Abstracted water usage in m3 (including appropriate licence details)

Estimated or metered water usage from hydrants in m3 (including appropriate licence details.

Where hydrants are used to provide water to a site for a period of over three months, every effort should be made to fit a check meter to the hydrant. For periods shorter than three months, usage can be estimated unless otherwise stipulated in the licence agreement).

Should any water discharge take place (e.g. from dewatering activities), appropriate authorisation should be in place, such as a trade effluent consent from the sewerage provider. The contractor must ensure that all associated conditions of any consents held are met.

3.8 Material Sourcing

The Berkeley Group expects contractors to give a preference to procuring environmentally sustainable materials and services where proven to be of equal quality and value for money as traditional alternatives. Environmentally sustainable materials and services include those which:

Minimise climate change impacts

Minimise ecological damage, such as loss of habitats and biodiversity

Minimise the depletion of non-renewable resources

Can be re-used, recycled, refilled, recharged or reconditioned

Are reclaimed or recycled materials, or have a percentage of recycled content

Have a low embodied energy / high Green Guide to Specification rating

Reduce water use

Are accredited to a recognised environmental standard (e.g. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), BES 6001 and ISO 14001).

Preference should also be given to materials and services which are ethically sourced where these are proven to be of equal quality and value for money as traditional alternatives. This shall include checks that the following minimum supply chain labour standards have been met:

Employment is freely chosen with the ability to leave as desired

Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected

Working conditions are safe and healthy

Child labour is eliminated

Fair wages are paid



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Working hours are not excessive

No discrimination is allowed

Regular employment is provided

No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed

The Berkeley Group is committed to paying the Living Wage Foundation’s Living Wage to all its employees. Contractors are also encouraged to pay the Living Wage to their employees.

Contractors shall give a preference to the use of local suppliers and sub-contractors in order to minimise the environmental impact associated with transportation and to support the local economy.

In addition to the above there are specific requirements for the procurement of timber and wood-based products on behalf of the Berkeley Group:

Ensure all timber is sustainably sourced in addition to procuring all timber and wood-based products from known and legal sources:

o Never knowingly become involved in, collude with or procure timber from illegal operations

o Do not procure any species listed on The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora (Appendices I, II and III)

o Ensure all timber has been independently certified to either the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) schemes

o Express a strong preference for all wood-based products to be either FSC or PEFC certified. Where these are not available, source the products in partnership with organisations which have chain of custody procedures in place and that can demonstrate that the forests from which the timber originates are legally managed and are committed to improving forest management practices.

Contractors shall provide information to the Berkeley Group upon request demonstrating that all timber used is from a legal and sustainable source. This may include, but is not limited to, Chain of Custody certificates, invoices and / or delivery notes.

Contractors shall provide the Berkeley Group with information upon request which demonstrates how any materials procured as part of the contractor’s package perform against the Berkeley Group’s Sustainable Procurement Policy, the key requirements of which have been set out above.

3.9 Ecology

Contractors shall comply with all protected species legislation and Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) on site. Ecology issues specific to the site and relevant to the works occurring should be discussed during the tender process and periodically once on site.

Adequate protection must also be given to watercourses and other ecological features on or near site, where these are at risk from the contractor’s works. Any landscaping works should be timed to occur outside of bird nesting season, or be signed off in advance by an ecologist.

Contractors should also look for opportunities to enhance biodiversity on site during the construction stage.

http://www.livingwage.org.uk/what-living-wage



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3.10 Pollution

Contractors shall actively manage and minimise the pollution risks to air, land and water associated with their works. This includes the risk from the use of chemical substances (e.g. fuels) and risk from noise, heat or light. All works should be undertaken in compliance with the Environment Agency’s Pollution Prevention Guidelines as a minimum.

Facilities for fuel and hazardous substances should be appropriate and include secondary containment. The minimum requirements are as follows:

All bulk storage tanks must be integrally bunded and in good condition. All ancillary equipment

must be stored within the bunded area.

Secondary containment measures should be provided (e.g. through the construction of a block

bund) in sensitive locations or where the bulk storage facility does not provide adequate

secondary containment for the fuel and any ancillary equipment.

Containment should be available for use during refuelling activities, for mobile generators,

stationary plant and for the storage of any hazardous liquids when in use on site outside of the

dedicated Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) area. ‘Plant nappies’ should be

used. Where spill pallets or drip trays are in place the contractor must ensure that these are

frequently checked for the accumulation of rainwater and that an adequate disposal route for the

potentially contaminated water has been identified.

Spill kits shall be provided at all bulk storage locations and frequent checks undertaken to ensure

they are in a usable condition. The contractor is to ensure that spill kits are of sufficient quantity

and the correct type (e.g. fuel and / or chemical spill kits) for the substances stored. The preferred

approach is for spill kits to be contained in solid, plastic containers as these are more durable and

weather proof.

Fuel storage containers / areas (including gas cages and hand pumps) must be vandal proof and

locked. The spill kits should not be placed in the locked area.

Efforts should be made to reduce noise and dust as a result of activities on site. This could be achieved by raising the awareness of staff, selection of appropriate equipment and plant with noise / dust suppression, or use of quieter / less dusty construction techniques and practices to fulfil the scope of works.

On a site-specific basis there may be local requirements for the management of nuisance issues, such as dust, noise and vibration and these may have been stipulated as planning conditions. The contractor will be expected to aid the Berkeley Group project team in complying with any such requirements.

On Berkeley Group construction sites standards for reducing emissions for vehicles and machinery must be adhered to including any local planning requirements. Contractors will be expected to provide details on their vehicles and plant as necessary.

No burning of any material is permitted on any Berkeley Group sites.

3.11 Environmental Incident and Inspection Reporting

Contractors shall inform the Berkeley Group project team of any sustainability-related incidents that occur on site. An incident would include any cases of non-compliance with environmental legislation or authorisation, such as contravention of protected species legislation, contravention of a discharge



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licence, contravention of a Section 61 agreement etc. Furthermore, it could include, but is not limited to:

Fuel spills during refuelling

Leaking plant or equipment

Leaks from fuel or chemical containers

Contaminated water entering watercourses or drains

Wind blown dust or waste

Damage to ecological areas

Complaints received from neighbours

Contractors shall immediately report to the Berkeley Group any visit to the site, or verbal or written communication from a regulator such as the Environment Agency, local authority or sewerage provider. Full cooperation must be given to any inspector visiting a site and to the carrying out of any corrective action.

3.12 Housekeeping

Contractors shall assist the Berkeley Group in ensuring that the site is tidy and well presented. Good housekeeping shall be maintained on site at all times. Where applicable, the following should be implemented:

Road sweepers on surrounding roads

Wheel washing systems for vehicles leaving the site

Dust prevention measures

3.13 Being a Good Neighbour

Contractors shall assist the Berkeley Group in ensuring that we remain a good neighbour throughout the course of each project.

The Berkeley Group expects all contractors to subscribe to the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) Code of Practice. The objectives of the CCS are supported by the Berkeley Group and the Group is committed to registering all sites with the CCS. The Berkeley Group has set a minimum score of 38/50 to be achieved in all site audits, with an aspiration to achieve above this level.

Contractors shall adhere to the site’s consented hours, unless prior consent to carry out work outside of these hours has been granted by the relevant authority. Contractors shall aim to reduce nuisance caused by deliveries, traffic and parking. Any arrangements put in place on site by the Berkeley Group project team to do the same should be adhered to.

Contractors should comply with any reasonable requests made by the Berkeley Group to respond to any comments or complaints from the local community relating to their work.

Contractors may be required to assist in making and maintaining appropriate contact with the local community. This could include contact with local schools / colleges / universities to arrange activities, visits or events, provision of work experience or placements.



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4. Revision Register

Date Section Description Version

Oct 15 All Reviewed and updated v2

May 14 All First version issued v1



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Appendix A – Checklist for Sustainability Management on Construction Sites

The checklist below outlines the minimum actions to be taken on a Berkeley Group construction site, and the applicability to different trades. It is not an exhaustive list. The reference relates to the section number within the main body of this Standard for Sustainability Management on Construction Sites.

Ref Contractor Action Applicability

3.1 Legal Compliance

a. Be aware of the environmental risks associated with the works and any site-specific requirements (as obtained from the Berkeley Group project team) and act in compliance with all applicable legislation. Key risks are likely to relate to storage and handling of hazardous substances and waste management, but may also include points such as generation of dust and noise and the discharge of liquids.

All trades

b. Liaise with the Berkeley Group project team to ensure that environmental permits, licences, authorisations and exemptions (as necessary) are obtained prior to works commencing. If the named party on the environmental permit, licence, authorisation or exemption, the contractor should provide a copy to the Berkeley Group project team.

All trades

3.2 Management of Sustainability

a. Provide details to the Berkeley Group project team of any specific measures in place within the company in relation to sustainability and environmental management. This could include company procedures, Codes of Practice or case study information on good practices.

All trades

b. Co-operate during regular sustainability assessments on site and carry out any corrective actions in a timely manner.

All trades

c. Provide the Berkeley Group project team with a named contact who will be responsible for the contractor’s sustainability management on site and / or across the wider business.

All trades

3.3 Training and Awareness

a. Promote apprenticeships and other forms of formal training. Further information on site apprenticeships can be found in ‘Apprenticeships: An Employer’s Guide’ on the Supply Chain Portal.

All trades

b. Co-operate during regular monthly site workforce assessments to identify levels of youth employment, apprenticeships and formal training.

All trades

c. Where specific environmental risks have been identified in point 3.1a, staff should be given training to understand and manage the risks / requirements prior to starting work on site.

All trades

d. Complete regular toolbox talks on relevant sustainability topics focussing on items identified in point 3.1a. For example, trades storing and handling fuel should undertake toolbox talks on these subject areas and on spill response measures. Topics and templates can be requested from the Berkeley Group project team if required.

All trades



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3.4 Local Labour

a. Provide employment opportunities to local people (typically within the borough or 15 miles) where possible. Confirm with the Berkeley Group project team if there are site-specific local labour targets which must be met.

All trades

3.5 Energy

a. Raise awareness amongst staff of energy efficiency measures to encourage individuals to take action, for example turning off lights and plant when not in use. This could be via training, informal discussion, use of posters, toolbox talks etc.

All trades

b. Take any appropriate measures to modify construction techniques / practices to reduce energy use.

All trades

c. Selecting ‘eco’ ranges for any office and welfare facilities or ensure that energy saving features are incorporated. The following should be incorporated as a minimum:

PIR sensors on internal lighting

Controls (e.g. PIR, dawn to dusk, timers) on external lighting

Double glazed windows

Insulated cabins

Wiring electrics to enable the inclusion of a ‘dead switch’. Consideration should be given to more sustainable sources of energy such as renewables (e.g. solar photovoltaic (PV) panels) or green energy tariffs (if procuring electricity).

Trades supplying welfare / office facilities

d. Preferentially select more efficient plant and equipment and ensure they are serviced regularly. The right equipment should be selected for the task to avoid inefficiencies and any idling time should be minimised.

Trades supplying plant and equipment

e. Where relevant, record and provide monthly consumption of:

Electricity and natural gas usage in kWh (where not already monitored by the Berkeley Group)

Heat / steam usage in kWh (where not already metered by the Berkeley Group)

Gas oil (red diesel) in litres

Petrol usage in litres

LPG (also called propane or butane) usage in kg or litres.

Principal Contractors / trades procuring fuel

f. If required for the project, monitor delivery mileage and operative distances. Please confirm with the Berkeley Group project team whether these requirements are applicable to the site.

All trades

3.6 Waste

a. Complete the Berkeley Group Project Waste Management Plan (PWMP) template with input from the Berkeley Group project team as necessary. Ensure a copy is held on site at all times and updated regularly.

If a company prefers to use its own site waste management plan template, this must be reviewed by the Divisional Sustainability Manager / Advisor. The preferred approach is for the Berkeley Group template to be used.

Principal Contractor

b. Provide waste predictions broken down by waste stream and detail management actions and end site information to be fed into the PWMP.

Main trades only



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c. Work in accordance with the PWMP, noting the key aims of the plan and waste management choices.

All trades

d. Assist with the collation of waste data for the site by providing information in an agreed format to the Berkeley Group project team. Details of each waste collection made from the site will be required unless an alternative approach is agreed in advance.

Principal Contractor / trades arranging waste collection

e. Target zero waste to be sent to landfill. Investigate alternatives to disposal to landfill in all cases and only send waste to landfill where there is no reasonable alternative. Report any exceptions in advance to the Berkeley Group project team.

Principal Contractor / Trades arranging waste collections

f. Provide the following information (electronically unless otherwise agreed):

Copy of the waste carrier licence for each company used to transport waste from the site

Copy of the end site authorisation (e.g. a permit or exemption) for each site that waste is taken to. This should be the direct destination from the site and the authorisation should confirm that the waste type is accepted

Legally compliant written information (e.g. waste transfer notes, invoices or receipts for non-hazardous waste and consignment notes for hazardous waste) for each collection (on at least a monthly basis).

Note that this should be provided for all relevant waste types, including metal and hazardous waste.

Principal Contractor / Trades arranging waste collections

g. Provide details of the types and quantities of hazardous waste to be produced. Confirm who will be responsible for managing the waste whilst on site and who will arrange collections. Ask the Berkeley Commercial Manager if there are any local strategies for hazardous waste, for example if the Berkeley Group is to manage and arrange all collections.

All trades

h. Register the site as a hazardous waste producer with the Environment Agency if hazardous wastes will be produced. Ensure the registration number is distributed to all trades removing hazardous waste from site.


i. Ensure all hazardous wastes are dealt with appropriately. Note that the containers as well as the substance itself will be deemed hazardous. This will include items such as cement bags, certain mastic tubes, spray cans etc.

All trades

j. Ensure wastes are segregated according to facilities in place on site, including the segregation of plasterboard, liquids and hazardous items as a minimum.

All trades

k. Maintain good waste housekeeping around the site. Ensure all waste is stored in appropriate containers (with the exception of soil / crush which may be stockpiled).

All trades

l. Take reasonable measures to minimise the use of material resources and production of waste, e.g. efficient design, use of prefabricated / pre-sized materials, use of off-cuts, efficient construction techniques and exploration of take-back schemes with suppliers.

All trades

m. Store materials appropriately and in designated areas (as set out by the Site Manager) to reduce wastage of materials.

All trades



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n. Plan the logistics of material deliveries and stock control to limit materials stored on site. Liaise with suppliers to reduce waste associated with packaging. Discuss management and disposal of pallets and packaging with the Berkeley Group project team if significant volumes are anticipated.

Trades ordering materials

o. Highlight to site management where off-cuts of materials could be re-used or recycled on site. Where appropriate, set a minimum size for waste; all off-cuts above a certain size should be saved for re-use.

All trades

p. Adhere to the ICE’s Demolition Protocol for materials resource efficiency. Demolition

q. Ensure no tipping of road sweeper waste is undertaken on site; a licensed facility must be used and Duty of Care paperwork provided. If this is not feasible, an approach must have been agreed with the Environment Agency in advance. Road sweepers should not be used to deal with any fuel spills or other incidents.

All procuring road sweeper services

r. Only export crushed material to another site for use if it has been processed to a recognised specification as a ‘material’ (e.g. by following the CL:AIRE Code of Practice or Aggregates Quality Protocol) or the end site holds an exemption (e.g. U1) or relevant permit.

Demolition / Frame

s. Only import crushed material of a recognised engineering specification (e.g. 6F2) unless the site holds a waste exemption (e.g. U1) or relevant permit. All relevant paperwork must be provided.

Groundworker

t. Only import tested, clean soils on to site and ensure these are accompanied by the relevant validation / testing paperwork.

Groundworker / Landscaper

u. Ensure a materials management plan in compliance with the CL:AIRE Code of Practice is compiled if significant quantities of soil are to be moved around the site, to be imported from another site and / or exported to other sites.

Principal Contractor / Groundworker

v. Liaise with the Berkeley Group project team for the application of any required waste licences, for example if stockpiled soils are to be stored for more than 12 months or any processing of waste is to occur.

Principal Contractor / Groundworker

w. Paint tins containing liquid waste must not be placed in skips. Oil-based paints, including their containers, are likely to require specialist disposal as hazardous waste. Waste water-based paint and containers can be disposed of as general waste if the paint has been left to harden. Waste paint or solvent-based cleaning products must not be poured down drains.

Painters and decorators

3.7 Water

a. Record and provide to the Berkeley Group project team on at least a monthly basis consumption of:

Mains water usage in m3 (where not already monitored by the Berkeley

Group)

Abstracted water usage in m3 (including appropriate licence details)

Estimated or metered water usage from hydrants in m3

(including appropriate licence details). The preferred approach is for all hydrants to be fitted with a meter. As a minimum standard, a meter must be fitted if a hydrant will be used for more than three months.

Principal Contractor / Demolition / Groundworker / Landscaper

b. Select the ‘eco’ cabin ranges or ensure that key features such as dual flush toilets, low flow / push taps and water efficient urinals and showers are selected.

Trades supplying



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welfare / office facilities

c. Select efficient equipment (particularly for damping down) and ensure any leaks on equipment are fixed promptly. Any external pipework should be insulated to reduce leaks occurring in winter.

Trades supplying plant and equipment

d. Raise awareness amongst staff of water efficiency and encourage operatives to take action to reduce usage, e.g. turning off hoses when not in use and repairing or reporting water leaks immediately. This could be via training, informal discussion, use of posters, toolbox talks, appointing a water champion etc.

All trades

e. Take any appropriate measures to modify construction techniques and practices to reduce water use. Reuse rainwater or other water on site for processes such as equipment washing, mixing etc where possible.

All trades

f. If dewatering will occur, an appropriate strategy must be in place to confirm how the process will be managed. For discharge to sewer a trade effluent discharge consent must be obtained from the local sewerage provider. To discharge to the environment the Environment Agency’s position statement (Temporary water discharges from excavations) should be followed. In all cases appropriate settlement systems / testing regimes must be in place and records maintained.

Groundworker

g. If wheel washing will occur, no waters should be discharged to open ground or to the stormwater system. For discharge to sewer a trade effluent discharge consent must be obtained. The use of a contained system with water recycling is the preferred approach (e.g. Rhino Multi or Compact). Any site-specific constructed systems, e.g. gulleys linked to settlement tanks must be signed off in advance by the Berkeley Group project team.

Demolition / Piling / Groundworker

3.8 Material Sourcing

a. Where sourcing any materials which originate from developing countries, conduct checks on supply chain labour. These should confirm that all statutory legislation is met, in addition to assessing other issues such as working conditions, child labour, enforced working etc.

Trades procuring materials

b. Give preference to more sustainable materials, e.g. lower carbon footprint, higher recycled content, certification to an environmental scheme (e.g. BES6001:2008). Provide details to the Berkeley Group project team of any specific environmental credentials of materials where required.


c. Where practical use non-hazardous alternatives (e.g. non-hazardous mastic tubes, vegetable based oils etc.).


d. Vegetable-based mould oil must be used when the site is within 10m of a watercourse. It is the preferred approach in all locations.

Frame contractor

e. Give preference to materials which have been manufactured by a company which has an environmental management system (ideally certified to ISO14001). Provide details to the Berkeley Group project team of any specific environmental credentials of materials where required.


f. Never knowingly become involved in, collude with or procure timber from illegal operations.

Do not procure any species present on The Convention on International Trade in

Trades procuring timber



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Endangered Species (CITES) list of wild fauna and flora (Appendices I, II and II).

Ensure all timber has been independently certified to either the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) schemes.

Express a strong preference for all wood-based products to be either FSC or PEFC certified. Where these are not available, source the products in partnership with organisations which have chain of custody procedures in place and that can demonstrate that the forests from which the timber originates are legally managed and are committed to improving forest management practices.

Provide information to the Berkeley Group project team upon request demonstrating that all timber used is from a legal and sustainable source. This may include, but is not limited to, chain of custody certificates, invoices and / or delivery notes.

To ensure compliance with the EU Timber Regulations:

o Records (e.g. delivery notes) should be kept by the contractor of the source of any timber purchased from suppliers based in the EU and made available upon request.

o The Berkeley Group project team should be notified if any timber will be sourced directly from outside the EU and records may have to be provided of the due diligence checks undertaken.

Records (e.g. chain of custody, invoices and / or delivery notes) will have to be provided to the Berkeley Group project team on request.

g. Give a preference to local suppliers of materials. Delivery distances may have to be provided to the Berkeley Group.


h. Confirm with the Berkeley Group any other site-specific requirements for materials and items.


3.9 Ecology

a. Do not enter any protected areas. Report any damage to fencing or signage to the Site Manager.

Where work must be conducted within or close to protected areas further detail should be obtained from the Berkeley Group project team to include specialist ecology reports. Method statements must include specific reference to the protection of the relevant features or species and be signed off by the Berkeley Group operational company in advance of the works.

Sites with TPOs / protected species / protected ecological areas

b. Provide adequate protection where the works may impact on watercourses. Method statements must include specific reference to the protection of the watercourse and be signed off by the Berkeley Group project team in advance of the works. Regular monitoring of the watercourse should be undertaken during the works.

Sites with watercourses

c. Do not undertake any work on vegetation during the bird nesting season (March to August) without formal sign off by a specialist ecologist and agreement from the Berkeley Group project team.

Demolition / Groundworker / Landscaper

https://www.cites.org/eng

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eutr2013/index_en.htm



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3.10 Pollution

a. Work in accordance with the Environment Agency’s Pollution Prevention Guidelines as a minimum.

All trades

b. Ensure all fuel storage facilities meet the Oil Storage Regulations with 110% bunding (integral to the tank). Further secondary containment measures should be implemented in particularly sensitive environmental settings.

Do not store fuel within 10m of a watercourse or close to surface water drains. Facilities must be kept locked when not in use and appropriate spill kits provided.

A plant nappy should be placed in front of the tank and drip tray(s) used for refuelling. If a spill pallet is used as an alternative, there must be a strategy in place to deal with oily water and this should be agreed in advance with the Berkeley Group project team. In this instance an on-site oil filter is the preferred approach, or full Duty of Care paperwork must be provided.

Spill kit(s) should be provided. Wheelie bin / bucket kits are the preferred approach as they are more weatherproof and durable.

Trades with fuel storage >200l

c. Provide all containers with secondary containment of at least 25% capacity if stored on site. Any hand pumps should be locked or locked away when not in use.

When in use around the site, containers should be stored on drip trays / spill nappies / spill pallets or returned to the COSHH area / vehicle.

The use of spill nappies rather than traditional drip trays is the preferred approach. If it is not feasible to supply these, this must be discussed in advance with the Berkeley team. There must also be a strategy in place to deal with oily water within non permeable types of secondary containment.

Spill kit(s) should be provided. If a smaller spill kit is deemed suitable, weatherproof holdall kits are the preferred approach rather than clip fastened bags.

Trades with fuel storage 1-200l

d. Locate fuelled mobile plant (e.g. mini generators) on a spill nappy during use and storage. The use of spill nappies rather than traditional drip trays is the preferred approach. If traditional drip trays will be used, this must be discussed with the Berkeley team and an appropriate route for the disposal of oily water identified.

Trades with fuelled mobile plant

e. Do not clean equipment into gullies or on to open ground. All trades

f. Do not pour paints, solvents, cleaning fluids etc. down drains. A dedicated paint washout facility is the preferred approach; options should be discussed with the Berkeley Group project team prior to use.

Painter

g. Any hazardous materials (e.g. roofers’ acetone, plumbers’ flushing chemicals) to be stored carefully within a designated COSHH area.

Trades with COSHH items

h. Keep the silo area tidy and ideally bunded on three sides. Bricklayer

i. Do not burn anything on site. All trades

j. Comply with any site-specific management and monitoring requirements for dust, noise and vibration, as set out in planning conditions and associated documentation (e.g. construction management plan). Discuss with the Berkeley Group project team any specific actions required.

Sites with nuisance-related planning conditions / Section 61



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k. Make reasonable efforts to reduce noise, e.g. raising awareness to staff, selection of appropriate equipment and plant with noise suppression, or use of quieter construction techniques and practices. Refer to British Standard 5228-1 2:2009: ‘Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites’.

All trades

l. Make reasonable efforts to reduce dust e.g. raising awareness to staff, selection of appropriate equipment and plant with dust suppression, or use of less dusty construction techniques and practices.

All trades

m. Adhere to ‘The Control of Dust and Emissions during Construction and Demolition Supplementary Planning Guide (SPG)’ on sites within Greater London, including the emission standards set for non-road mobile machinery (NRMM). When requested, contractors will be required to provide information on the NRMM in use on site.

The SPG should be referenced as best practice for sites outside Greater London.

All trades

n. Protect stormwater gullies with terram or similar material. Locate stockpiles, storage and mixing areas away from gullies.

Groundworker

o. Do not pour any buckets or wash waters into open ground or into drains and gullies. Confirm the correct disposal for liquid waste with the Berkeley Group project team.

Painter / external trades

p. Ensure any crushers have a local authority permit, that activities on site have been notified to the local council and activities are compliant with all planning conditions (i.e. for dust management).

Demolition / Groundworker

q. Dampen down in an efficient manner as required. Demolition / Groundworker

r. Speak to the Berkeley project team about setting up a Section 61 agreement with the local authority. This is particularly recommended in central London locations or where the site has nearby residents.

Demolition / Principal Contractor

s. Manage concrete wash waters in accordance with ‘PPG6 Construction and demolition sites: prevent pollution’.

The preferred approach is for wagons not to washout on site; instead they should return to the batching plant, using ‘socks’ to cover the chute during transportation.

If washout of wagons, hoppers, mixers or concrete pumps on site must occur on site, it should occur in a dedicated and contained area (e.g. a lined skip, lined pit or dedicated system with settlements tanks and pH neutralization). Waters should not be discharged to the ground, watercourses or the drainage system.

Provide bunding / screening to concrete delivery and pumping areas (e.g. around agitators).

Frame / Piling / Groundworker

3.11 Environmental Incident and Inspection Reporting

a. Inform the Berkeley Group project team of any sustainability-related incidents that occur on site in a timely manner. This could include fuel spills or leaks, contaminated water entering a watercourse or drain, or wind blown dust and waste.

All trades

b. Report any unexpected findings to the Berkeley Group project team, e.g. contaminated land.

Groundworker / Demolition / Piling



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c. Report any visit, or verbal or written communication from a regulator such as the Environment Agency, local authority or sewerage provider to the Berkeley Group project team in a timely manner. Full co-operation must be given to any inspector visiting the site and to the carrying out of any corrective action.

All trades

3.12 Housekeeping

a. Assist in ensuring that the site is tidy and well presented. Good housekeeping shall be maintained at all times.

All trades

b. Prevent mud from impacting the public highway by ensuring that an appropriate regime for road sweeping and / or wheel washing is in place.

Demolition / Piling / Groundworker

3.13 Being a Good Neighbour

a. Assist in ensuring we remain a good neighbour, e.g. all operatives to be courteous to members of the public, no swearing to be heard from the boundary, park considerately and plan deliveries to avoid congestion and impact on nearby roads.

All trades

b. Sign up to the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) and aim for scores of at least 38/50 in line with the current aims of the Berkeley Group.


c. Work in accordance with the CCS Code of Practice. Signing up to the Company Registration Scheme is recommended.

All trades

d. Work only within the site’s consented hours, unless prior consent to carry out work outside of these hours has been agreed by the Berkeley Group project team and granted by the local authority.

All trades

e. Plan concrete pours and related works (e.g. power floating) carefully to avoid any over-running. Notify site management in advance if any are likely to over-run.

Frame / Groundworker

f. Report any complaints or communication from nearby residents or other stakeholders to the Berkeley Group project team in a timely manner. Comply with any reasonable requests to respond to comments or complaints relating to the work.

All trades

g. Where discussed with the Berkeley Group project team, assist in making and maintaining contact with the local community, e.g. school visits, provision of work experience etc.

All trades

Sustainability Standard for Contractors: Sustainability ... · PDF fileTHE BERKELEY GROUP...

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