Green book
'The Green Book: Appraisal and Evaluation in Central Government' is produced by HM Treasury. It provides a structure for the appraisal of proposed central government projects, policies and programmes, and for the evaluation of existing projects, policies and programmes. The Green Book is supported by a range of supplementary guidance.
The Green book is intended to cover the following activities:
- Policy and programme development.
- Capital projects.
- Use or disposal of existing assets.
- Specification of regulations.
- Major procurement decisions.
The Green Book sets out transparent and consistent procedures for assessment and evaluation to ensure that public funds are spent efficiently and are spent on proposals that will be of the greatest benefit to society.
Broadly, the stages of development of a project, programme or policy are described as:
- Justify action.
- Set objectives.
- Appraise options.
- Develop and implement the solution.
- Evaluate.
Assessment is the process of deciding whether the proposal should go ahead or not, and which option to pursue. Assessment should includes economic, financial, social and environmental impacts and includes the following overall processes:
- Identify alternative approaches.
- Attach monetary values to impacts.
- Carry out cost/benefit analysis of options.
The Green Book suggests that the issues that should be considered as part of an assessment might include:
- Strategic impact.
- Economic rationale.
- Financial arrangements and affordability.
- Achievability.
- Commercial and partnering arrangements.
- Regulatory impact.
- Legislation.
- Information management and control.
- Environmental impacts.
- Rural issues.
- Equality.
- Health
- Health and safety.
- Consumer focus.
- Regional perspectives.
- European Union.
- Design quality.
The 2020 Budget included an announcement that the Green Book would be reviewed. The Green Book was subsequently updated to end the dominance of benefit cost ratio in appraisals.
The Green Book 2020 replaces the 2018 edition and is available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/938046/The_Green_Book_2020.pdf
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Additionality.
- Blue book.
- Business plan.
- Common Minimum Standards.
- Common standards.
- Development appraisal.
- Ensuring a green recovery beyond the pandemic.
- Government Construction Strategy.
- Government publishes UK infrastructure strategy.
- Investing in infrastructure for London.
- Major Projects Authority.
- OGC.
- Preliminary business case.
- Procurement route.
- Public procurement.
- Red book.
- Why we should be more positive about our ability to deliver major projects.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.