| 24 APRIL 2008 SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTATION FINISHES The industry consultation undertaken by the Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) - asking for comments on the suggestion that building contracts should include stronger sustainability performance provisions - has finished. The level of response was excellent, with comments lodged by individuals, companies, trade associations, professional bodies and other organisations. There were also several 'collective' responses, representing a large number of views. Architects and lawyers featured highly. Peter Hibberd, JCT secretary-general, summarised: On simple analysis, it is clear that sustainability is a matter of importance, and a substantial majority of respondents thought that performance could be improved through industry specific documentation. "Many thought that contract conditions should be specific about sustainability performance, but not too detailed, relying upon other supporting documentation for implementation. The general view was that these contract clauses must be legally enforceable, and 80 per cent thought that guidance was required for dealing with sustainability in contract documents." To determine the next steps, JCT has established a working group. Various representatives from its council, which includes the British Property Federation, Construction Confederation, Local Government Association, National Specialist Contractors Council, Royal Institute of British Architects, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Scottish Building Contract Committee, will decide how JCT is going to take this forward. Peter Hibberd continued: "With over 70 per cent of all building contracts being under a JCT form, what we decide will have a major impact upon the industry. The working group will decide whether we address sustainability in standard contracts, and if we do, what terms to include, and what guidance we provide." The working group will make its recommendations in the summer, and JCT will announce its intentions in the autumn. ----- Ends ----- Note to editors: Various spokespersons at JCT are prepared to comment upon general news and issues relating to contracts and contractual relationships. However, it may not be possible to comment upon specific disputes and contracts. Please contact Michael Hardware below. For further information, please contact: Michael Hardware, Chelgate PR
The Joint Contracts Tribunal was established in 1931 and has for 75 years produced standard forms of contracts, guidance notes and other standard documentation for use in the construction industry. The Joint Contracts Tribunal is an independent organisation representing all parts of the construction industry and is the leading provider of standard forms of building contract. The following are Members of JCT: British Property Federation Limited and JCT Council is comprised of five Colleges representing: employers/clients (including local authorities) |
 |
|
  | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
©JCT 2007
The Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) is the industry’s foremost contracts producing organisation. It produces standard forms e.g. standard construction contracts, standard building contracts and subcontracts for the construction industry. JCT 2005 suite of contracts includes JCT - Constructing Excellence Contract : Partnering Contract, Framework Agreement, Major Project Construction Contract, Standard Building Contract, Design and Build Contract, Intermediate Building Contract, Minor Works Building Contract, Repair and Maintenance Contract, Collateral Warranties and Partnering Charter. It also produces consumer contracts such as the homeowner building contract.