The Issues

The built environment is the most significant capital asset for the UK economy, covering a whole range of facilities, from homes, health and education buildings through to parks, roads and open spaces. The performance of these facilities, and the way that they are brought together, is critical to us attaining sustainable communities.

The built environment also has huge sustainability impacts in its own right, including:

  • Almost 50% of UK CO2 emissions
  • Effects on social inclusion, health and wellbeing of users, and sense of community
  • Waste generation - construction in the UK creates around 90 million tonnes of inert waste each year.

In recent years, the need to reduce our CO2 emissions and to adapt to forthcoming climate change impacts are becoming increasingly important. Other factors such as resource availability, flexibility and adaptability, and long-term value to communities, are also increasingly being recognised. Given the significant impact of the built environment in these areas, it is essential that we take the opportunity to influence its sustainability performance. The SD Foundation was created in 2005 in order to support and encourage this change.

Latest news

  1. SDF Latest

    The latest News from SDF

    Call for Information on Retrofitting Traditional Buildings on behalf of DECC
    Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:15:19 +0000

  2. Good Homes Alliance Latest

    The latest news and events from the Good Homes Alliance

    Overheating: Call for evidence
    Fri, 04 May 2012 10:52:35 +0000

  3. SHINE Healthcare Network Latest

    The latest news and events from SHINE Healthcare Network

    SHINE'S EVENT ON 'INNOVATIVE FINANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE HEALTH ESTATES' NOW POSTPONED
    Mon, 24 Jan 2011 13:45:43 +0000