Built Environment Project update: Q3 2022
In January 2022 we launched our Built Environment project with the support of Laudes Foundation. The project supports decarbonisation of the sector by working with leading real estate and construction organisations across Europe to help them use TCLP clauses at scale.
In quarter three we have:
1. Been referenced in UK Government guidance
TCLP is recommended as a resource for Contracting Authorities to procure sustainable construction projects in the UK Government’s updated Construction Playbook and accompanying Net Zero Carbon and Sustainability Guidance Note.
2. Published our dedicated Built Environment resource hub
This is a ‘one stop shop’ designed to be easily shared across the sector. The page:
- speeds up access to relevant TCLP resources for the various professions working in the Built Environment;
- sets out all our existing Built Environment content (clauses, podcasts, press coverage, external resources and our transpositions project) in one convenient location; and
- will host future tools and resources we develop in response to stakeholder feedback.
If you have any suggestions for how the page could be improved please email Josh van den Dries.
3. Expanded our influence in Europe
We showcased the project to European Built Environment stakeholders at our 20 September event The Power of Climate Clauses: Open-source Tools for Built Environment Contracts. Guest speakers from JLL and the Irish Property Working Group shared their insights from the European property market and advice for implementing TCLP clauses in new jurisdictions.
4. Bolstered our UK Built Environment network
Separately, we have informed key sector stakeholders in the UK about climate contracting opportunities. Notably, TCLP was highlighted in Stephen Tromans KC’s influential legal opinion (and speech) on conveyancers’ duty of care to advise clients about climate risk.
5. Onboarded two secondees to enhance the project
TLT: Led by Alexandra Holsgrove Jones, a multi-disciplinary team of lawyers from TLT is analysing the Built Environment contract ecosystem to develop an interactive ‘contract map’ for TCLP. The map will help sector practitioners – from in-house lawyers to surveyors – to quickly and easily see where the biggest opportunities are and how the law can be leveraged to achieve their sustainability goals. Further details can be found in this TLT press release.
Foot Anstey: James Collard – a trainee solicitor in Foot Anstey’s projects, infrastructure and construction team – is supporting delivery of our priority project outputs for Q4 2022. James’ contributions add to Foot Anstey’s longstanding support for the project.
Opportunities to get involved
In the next quarter we will:
1. Publish priority tools to help the broadest range of stakeholders use our clauses
- Our interactive ‘contract map’, in collaboration with TLT.
- ‘Business case’ guidance for using climate clauses in the Built Environment.
- Develop ‘Heads of terms’ content for the Built Environment, building on Hanley’s Clause.
2. Develop further case studies
If you are using TCLP’s Built Environment clauses to innovate for climate in your contracts, the Built Environment project team wants to hear from you. Please email Josh van den Dries with your case study proposal.