The Joint Contracts Tribunal will publish eco-guidance terms to help construction firms improve their sustainability.
Nearly 75% of all contracts used on construction schemes will be affected by the JCT's new advice on reducing waste and conserving energy.

The JCT, established 75 years ago, drafts standard contracts for the construction industry to remove the delay and cost of drafting new bespoke contracts for every project. The decision by the Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) Council to extend the green provisions within its contracts followed an industry-wide consultation.

A JCT working group is currently preparing the sustainability provisions and detailed guidance notes, with publication by the end of the year, and incorporation expected in the spring of 2009.

The JCT said the new contract provisions will help encourage green practices but would not set specific limits on energy consumption.

JCT secretary-general, Peter Hibberd, said: 'JCT has a huge significance in the construction industry. Almost three-quarters of all projects being built are under a JCT contract form. We have a huge opportunity to improve the sustainability performance of the construction industry.'