You may already be aware that this year SPRA has formed a group focused on all issues concerning sustainability. At a recent meeting of this group it was agreed that the output generated by the members of the group, who represent all SPRA categories of manufacturers and contractors, should be readily available to all membership. With this in mind the SPRA ‘Weekly Newsletter’, a great source of current important and topical information, will increasingly provide updates on sustainability and how this affects our members. Hopefully this will become a rich source of relevant, important information on the subject.
There are many pressures on manufacturers and contractors concerning sustainability and in an environmental context these relate to laws and standards that must be observed and adhered to. Global rules are becoming more stringent on issues of disposal and recycling and pushing for development of a circular economy approach to waste. How we deal with these issues as an individual, company or industry are being increasingly regulated. In order to develop sustainable principals however, the best approach perhaps is to change our mindset and strive to embed these principals throughout our daily business. The issue of waste disposal is a challenging one for our industry and we must engage with the latest current thinking and global development to address responsibly. The SPRA sustainability group hopes to do that and be able to advise members accordingly on matters that they are confronted with in the factory, or on site, on a regular basis. The product side of the sustainability debate and its effect on the environment (planet) is therefore of extreme importance to SPRA members and how we continually act to improve our profile in this regard is relevant.
Of equal importance, however, is the people aspect of the sustainability debate, sometimes not given equal measure. It is crucial that a well-balanced approach to sustainability includes a very significant part of the agenda related to people within our industry and beyond. Unfortunately, our industry, construction in general, roofing in particular, suffers more than most with issues that relate to health and safety, as well as poor mental health and even modern slavery. It should be noted that there is also some fantastic work being done by individuals and companies to address these issues and improve the situation. On the plus side, the people side of the debate also has many very positive aspects to it. These include the range of quality training available to new industry entrants and upskilling of existing workforce. Also in the positive approach to people domain is the extensive charitable work often carried out by manufacturers and contractors in their local communities. The SPRA sustainability group attempts to be able to provide information to benefit members in these areas and highlight both the positive industry work being done and how to access support as well as develop policy to guide members in matters towards a sustainable approach.
The SPRA sustainability group has a focus to assist in making all our members competent in their approach to sustainability within their organisations. The competence theme is beginning to gain traction throughout the construction industry to ensure that the correct approach to situations is taken and verified as being correct.
So in conclusion the work of the new SPRA sustainability group will hopefully be a welcome asset to members and help to raise awareness and highlight important relevant issues.
As always pleased to receive any comments that members have on sustainability for consideration by this newly formed group.