Sustainability quantity surveyor
Sustainability has long been associated with additional cost. We would argue that the long term value offered by well-integrated sustainability does not have to cost the client in the short term.
Does it seem like something doesn't add up? Well, it's all down to who is doing your sums and what is included in their budget.
Quantity Surveyors (QS) are the guardians of the purse strings. As such, what and how QS value has a direct impact on whether sustainability opportunities get implemented or value engineered out. Embedding targets and aspirations in to a client brief is all well and good but unless they are built into the budget they may be offset against the future they were designed to improve.
This isn't a new challenge of course, the delicate balance between long term goals and short term spending timeframes is faced by all sustainability professionals. However, now there's a new option - a hybrid breed of Sustainability QS - that are able to offer solutions that don’t cost the earth or the client. Whether this is manifested through regular collaboration between a dedicated sustainability professional and a QS or a rare case of an eco-cost analyst, the value added goes far beyond the sums.
The opportunity is there for those who recognise that we are all on the same team. If you are fortunate to come across this new breed of QS, you will see why informed clients treasure their support. If not, work with the tools at hand - value your QS. Show that sustainability can be balanced with budgets by providing a spectrum of options, work together to align these with practical implementation and translate client aspirations into prioritised budget items. Sustainability QS is no longer an oxymoron, it is an essential tool that brings short term cost and long term value in alignment.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Conservation in the heritage cities of Venice and Liverpool.
Which room is the most fun to design? Find out the 'Grand Designs' presenter's unusual choice in our interview.
Full suite of speakers are announced for this year's BSRIA Briefing event.
Book your place for the Architectural Technology Awards 2018.
There are many ways of classifying types of building. Have a look at our range of building articles.
BSRIA have launched the 'major update' of the go-to design framework guide for building services.
How to get results with building life cycle assessment.
Government publishes a prospectus inviting proposals for new 'garden communities'.
The Morandi motorway bridge in Genoa collapses during rainstorm while undergoing maintenance works.
'Developed design' is a phrase coined by the RIBA for their 2013 Plan of Work. But what does it actually mean?
New green paper published aiming to rebalance the relationship between landlords and residents and tackle stigma.