White paper
Generally, a white paper is a policy document or authoritative report that is produced by the government. It aims to concisely set out and inform about proposals that may become future legislation.
Typically, complex issues and problems are presented and explained in a way that makes it clear what the government’s position is on the matter, and as such, may sometimes include a draft version of a Bill that is already being planned. That said, they are considered a ‘tool of participatory democracy’ rather than an ‘unalterable policy commitment’.
The publishing of white papers enables further consultation and discussion with interested and/or affected groups. Such discussions and feedback can then result in final changes being made before Parliament is formally presented with a Bill to debate and vote on. In this way, the government is able to gauge reaction to policy issues and make necessary alterations so as to give it the best chance of passing through into legislation.
Some examples of white papers affecting the construction industry include:
- Brexit white paper (2017).
- ‘Fixing our broken housing market’ (2017).
- ‘The Natural Choice: Securing the value of nature’ (2011).
White papers are different to green papers, which are published more frequently, and are referred to as consultation documents for being much more open-ended.
NB: The name 'white paper' is also sometimes given to research papers or policy commentaries produced by the private sector.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
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.