A decision has been made by the Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) to extend the green provisions within its contracts following an industry-wide consultation.

JCT Secretary-General, Peter Hibberd, said: "JCT has a huge significance in the construction industry. Almost three-quarters of all projects being built are under a JCT contract form. We have a huge opportunity to improve the sustainability performance of the construction industry."

The construction industry helping itself is not unprecedented. The JCT is itself a result of the industry deciding to resolve an issue some 77 years ago. It was established to draft standard contracts that could be used by everyone, removing the delay, unnecessary effort and cost of drafting new bespoke contracts for every new project.

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Mr Hibberd added: "Once again, the JCT is giving a lead to the construction industry, which is in a unique position as the largest sector in the economy to make a real difference to Britain's landscape. Almost half of all CO2 emissions come from buildings.

"We owe it to future generations to ensure that the buildings we put up today protect the environment as far as possible - and at the same time are great places in which to live, work and have fun."

A JCT working group is now preparing the sustainability provisions, and detailed guidance notes, with publication towards the end of the year, and incorporation expected in the spring of 2009.

(CD/JM)