Construction industry encouraged to build-in sustainability

At an industry symposium in Belfast today delegates were encouraged to adopt sustainable design as an integral part of all construction projects.

This was the recommendation of the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) for Architecture and the Built Environment in Northern Ireland which hosted the one-day event at Stranmillis University College in Belfast.

The keynote speaker was Dr Peter Bonfield of the Olympic Delivery Authority who spoke about the London 2012 Olympics sites as exemplars of good design. The event was attended by representatives of the built environment professions, policy makers and voluntary bodies.

The programme included a number of presentations by local and national speakers on a range of topics including the Carbon Trust’s report on the implications of carbon emission reductions on non-domestic buildings.

Delegates also visited the sustainability-award winning Orchard Building which is a teacher training facility on the Stranmillis campus. The award was given in 2008 by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) was set up in 2007 to champion design quality in all sectors of the built environment in Northern Ireland and to advise the Minister on the implementation of the Architecture and the Built Environment policy, which was published by DCAL in June 2006.

2. The group, which has eight members and is chaired by Barrie Todd MBE, brings a diverse range of experience in the mainstream design disciplines as well as specialist expertise in architectural conservation, environmental issues, procurement and sustainable development.

3. In January 2009 the Department recruited 14 expert advisors to assist MAG in the important role of design review. The expert advisors enhance the disciplines, knowledge and experience already provided by the MAG members in architecture including architectural conservation, civil engineering, environmental issues, landscape architecture, procurement, sustainable development, town planning and urban design.

4. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office. Tel (028) 90515047 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.