A framework for the pre-construction evaluation of sustainable housing projects in the UK

Considering sustainability during the cost estimating process is vital for the successful integration of sustainable features within a construction project. The UK Government has adopted the principles of sustainable development, and social housing projects now have to achieve the EcoHomes 'very good' rating as a prerequisite to Government grants funding. A gap was identified in the literature reviewed between policy and practice in the delivery of sustainable social housing projects. This gap revealed differing ways in which sustainable factors are prioritised by practitioners at the early stage of the project price forecasting processes. As a result it was resolved to develop an aid for practitioners to use when involved m the early stage evaluation of sustainable social housing projects.