All too often in life, work and leisure we are too close to an issue, a problem or project to see it in true perspective. We need to take a step back, maybe two or three paces back to gain a better view of the whole project. That is what the argument is behind whole life costing being promoted by CLAW and central to our recent Public Sector Forum. Fundamentally it is about looking at a scheme, design or building and taking a broader as well as long term view and asking: what will this road, facility or estate add to the community in ten, twenty or fifty years’ time? Will it remain fit for purpose? Will it still meet targets on waste? Will it be sustainable? 

If we fail to focus on the longer term outcomes of what our industry is commissioned to deliver then we fail our clients and the people of Wales. We cannot be fixated on short term savings. We need the vision and the confidence to design, plan, build and engineer in such a way that we will deliver great landmark projects that hit Government targets on social, environmental and economic sustainability. 

What’s more such an approach now will ensure that everything we do is linked – waste must be linked to energy; energy must be linked to better design; design must be linked to environmental issues; and everything is tied to the community. To achieve all of that needs vision – and that vision has to be holistic and taken after a few steps back. 

Have a great summer of reflection!