Property Done Properly: The Decline in use of Government Soft Landings in Construction Projects

Property Done Properly:

The Decline in use of Government Soft Landings in Construction Projects

Introduction: In the dynamic world of construction and property development, the pursuit of excellence is a never-ending journey. The government's involvement in ensuring successful project delivery has been a topic of interest for decades. One such approach that once garnered significant attention was the "Government Soft Landings" (GSL) strategy. This article delves into the reasons why this approach has fallen out of favor and the potential implications for the construction industry.

What is Government Soft Landings?

Government Soft Landings is a strategy that emphasizes the need for a smooth transition from construction to operation for new facilities. Initially introduced in the UK back in 2012 as part of the Building Information Modelling (BIM) initiative, the GSL approach aimed to bridge the gap between construction and post-occupancy phases. The primary goal was to ensure that buildings would perform as intended and meet their users' requirements effectively.

The Four Key GSL Principles:

1. Early Engagement: Encouraging early collaboration between all stakeholders, including end-users, designers, contractors, and facilities managers, to create a clear vision of the project's objectives and end-user needs.
2. Inclusive Design: Ensuring that the design process considers the perspectives of all stakeholders, including those with diverse abilities, to create an inclusive and accessible environment.
3. Extended Aftercare: Providing ongoing support to the end-users and facilities management teams during the initial stages of building operation, addressing any teething issues, and optimizing performance.
4. Post-Occupancy Evaluation: Conducting thorough assessments of the building's performance and user satisfaction after occupancy, enabling lessons learned to be applied to future projects.

The Decline of Government Soft Landings:

1. Budgetary Constraints: One of the primary reasons for the decline of GSL is the pressure to reduce public expenditure. In an effort to cut costs, some government agencies may have opted for a more traditional, hands-off approach to construction projects.
2. Lack of Awareness: Despite its promising principles, GSL has not gained enough traction in the construction industry. Many stakeholders, including developers, contractors, and even some government officials, may not fully understand the potential benefits of adopting this approach.
3. Time Constraints: GSL requires extended involvement and engagement of all stakeholders from the outset, which can be time-consuming. In today's fast-paced construction environment, time constraints can lead to a preference for conventional project delivery methods.
4. Limited Implementation Guidance: The successful execution of GSL demands a deep understanding of the principles and a strategic approach to implementation. The lack of comprehensive guidance and standardized protocols might have hindered its widespread adoption.
5. Shifting Priorities: Over time, the priorities of government agencies and construction industry stakeholders may have shifted. Focus areas like sustainability, energy efficiency, and technology integration might have taken precedence over the GSL approach.

Implications for the Construction Industry: The declining popularity of Government Soft Landings may have implications for the construction industry and the built environment:

1. Missed Opportunities: Without the early engagement and thorough evaluation offered by GSL, construction projects might miss valuable opportunities for optimizing performance and user satisfaction.
2. Performance Gap: Buildings that have not undergone proper soft landings may experience a performance gap, leading to higher operating costs, reduced energy efficiency, and potential user dissatisfaction.
3. Sustainable Development: Emphasizing soft landings can contribute to more sustainable development by ensuring that buildings align with their intended environmental performance and minimize waste.

Conclusion: While Government Soft Landings was once heralded as a promising approach to ensuring successful construction projects, its popularity has waned over time. However, the construction industry should not discount its value entirely. With careful consideration, proper guidance, and a commitment to collaborative engagement, the principles of GSL can be revitalized to enhance the performance, sustainability, and overall success of construction projects. By bridging the gap between construction and operation, we can build a more efficient, user-centric, and sustainable built environment for the future.

Call to Action

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Author

Ian J. Rogers

With a track record of delivering successful projects, I offer consultancy services that drive a project’s success. I also can provide training, coaching and mentoring.

I am your experienced guide (sherpa) helping you navigate the complex world of information management and project processes and I will provide solutions that improve your project, increase profitability, and minimize risk.

I have worked with or on medium to large projects as a Quantity Surveyor, Project Manager and Facilities Manager.?I also have experience of structured finance. So I can truly look at the whole life cycle of a project.

My consultancy services, offered in-person, remotely, and in a hybrid format, are founded on aligning projects for success.

Don't just take my word for it - my clients speak to my expertise and approach.

Accreditations

BSc Quantity Surveying

Member of the Royal institution of Chartered Surveyors

Member of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management

Member of the International Facility Management Association