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The Environment Agency has commissioned CIRIA to complete a study examining the delivery of sustainably constructed assets within flood and coastal erosion management.
CIRIA are currently seeking industry feedback.
Sustainable asset management describes the systematic and structured management of our physical assets throughout their life cycle. It covers their selection, maintenance, inspection, renewal and disposal. The process enables us to find the most effective balance between risk and costs (Environment Agency: Strategy for Sustainable Asset Management, Summer 2006).
In the context of the whole life of an asset, the planning and construction phases are quite short and yet decisions and actions in those phases can have a significant effect on the physical interventions that are needed to maintain the performance of the asset through its remaining life.
There is considerable research and guidance supporting the processes that many construction clients, consultants and contractors use in the planning, design and construction phases to deliver sustainably constructed assets. However, research and guidance on the post construction and maintenance phases of assets, and on the feedback of lessons learned, is relatively sparse. ‘Delivering the sustainably constructed asset’ will therefore look into research opportunities which can promote an efficient, effective and responsible approach to physical interventions across the whole asset life.
For the purpose of this study, the term "asset" is used to mean "the output from construction activities that result in permanent flood risk management, land drainage or coast protection infrastructure. This covers all new and existing assets in any system in England and Wales".
The asset is "constructed" by the physical process of putting together component materials and parts. "Delivering" takes place through a range of actions over the life of the asset and encompasses the supply chain. These actions are therefore not restricted to project or scheme activity when the bulk of the construction of the asset takes place, nor to activities at the location of the asset.
The construction activities cover delivering new works, and extensions, modifications, refurbishment, maintenance and removal of existing assets.
The aim of this study is to identify opportunities for new Defra/Environment Agency science projects to improve the quality of assets in FCERM.
The following objectives are set to achieve this aim:
If you feel that you can add feedback on this subject or would like
to have further information about this work then please contact Nick Bean.
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