The event was attended by over 90 industry leaders representing both customer organisations and the supply chain.
The School is a virtual learning environment that aims to help construction suppliers and subcontractors develop their sustainability knowledge and competence. It has been designed to further address the challenges faced by the industry and help the supply chain benefit from the many opportunities that are emerging through sustainable business. The School, which provides suppliers with practical and free support and a self-help assessment, will allow organisations to assess their current sustainability strengths, as well as identify any areas in need of development. It will also provide a prioritised action plan as well as a range of free tools, e-learning and sustainability training. Access to the School is free and participation is voluntary and not linked to pre-qualification.
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A number of supplier days are also being run across the length and breadth of the country throughout the remainder of 2012. These will enable suppliers and subcontractors to learn about the School and how it can increase the sustainability skills and competence of the construction industry. Morgan Sindall will be hosting supplier days in October and November.
The idea for the school was generated by Graham Edgell, Group Procurement Director at Morgan Sindall, together with Shaun McCarthy of sustainability consultants Action Sustainability, and was set up by Skanska with support from Kier, Lend Lease, Sir Robert McAlpine, Willmott Dixon, Aggregate Industries and Morgan Sindall. The project has been backed by funding from the CITB-ConstructionSkills Growth Fund and is being delivered by an independent third party, Action Sustainability.
In time, the founding members of the School hope it will become the industry standard learning environment for suppliers who want to develop their sustainability competence.
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