Output details

PFI Sustainability Evaluation Tool

The product of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with North Tyneside council (REF: 6997; 2008-2011), the Sustainability Evaluation Tool was created to assess the sustainability of building designs procured through the Private Finance Initiative, and other procurement routes which utilise a ‘dialogue-style’ procurement process. This version of the Tool has been designed specifically for use on the procurement of sheltered accommodation and extra-care schemes, however, many of the issues examined cut across all building types. The Sustainability Evaluation Tool aims to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of new build or refurbishment schemes and is directed towards helping to achieve high quality, sustainable designs, to ensure compliance with legislation and best-practice guidance, and to educate developers and procurement teams on issues relating to sustainability in the built environment. Through its metrics, the Sustainability Evaluation Tool rewards efforts to reduce fuel poverty and limit the carbon dioxide emissions associated with the construction and operation of buildings. The significance of the tool is demonstrated by its use in evaluating and, through dialogue, enhancing submissions to a £300 Million social housing project in the North East of England for construction and refurbishment of approximately 1000 homes by North Tyneside Council in partnership with a private sector consortium. Additionally, the tool is currently being assessed for inclusion on the Government's Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) list of approved design and sustainability tools. The tool was presented to industry practitioners by partners, North Tyneside Council at the 2010 Public Finance Initiative (PFI) conference in London.