Introduction

It is with great pleasure that I give my endorsement to this guide on behalf of SUSTAINE. I believe that the clear advice it contains and the many interesting and often inspiring case studies will greatly influence the Region's future buildings and developments.

In January 2002, Sustainability North East published it's document 'Towards a Regional Framework' which set out the vision for a sustainable future for the North East and more detailed objectives for progressing towards that vision. The Framework goes on to set targets and indicators to show it the Region is moving in the right direction. Many of those targets and indicators are addressed in this guide by considering the whole impact of construction and development as a potentially sustainable process.

I would like to congratulate the Partnership and in particular Durham County Council for this initiative. It is to be hoped that widespread dissemination of the work will produce excellence in building and development design and construction for many years to come.

Councillor Phil Hughes - Chairman of SUSTAINE (Sustainability North East)

Aims of the Guide The Guide aims to: Advance the understanding of sustainable development among the many organisations and individuals involved in the development process in the North East. Encourage developments which safeguard the environment, whilst protecting and enriching it for future generations. Provide practical advice, presented in a usable and stimulating way, to encourage, educate and inspire the reader to apply Sustainable Development thinking to each situation and locality.

• Illustrate how the principles of Sustainable Development can be applied at each stage, from site identification, through construction to re-use and regeneration.

• Give examples of best practice and issues from the North East.