Biodiversity, flooding, water and waste resources were key themes of environment secretary Caroline Spelman’s speech to the annual Environment Agency Conference.

In terms of buildings, she stressed that the review of Building Regulations launched by CLG will lead to better design and ventilation standards for offices and homes.

And in terms of construction waste, she said that the Government will also work with business – expanding the scope of voluntary responsibility deals, building on the achievements delivered so far by agreements such as the Courtauld Commitment and the construction commitment. And she referred specifically to "the construction company which has developed synthetic wood which can be re-used again and again, creating an almost infinite lifecycle."

She said that DEFRA’s Departmental plan puts sustainability right at the centre but "we must also mainstream sustainable development across everything we do in government. So I am working with my cabinet colleagues to ensure we drive this approach forward through every single Department."

She said that the Government wants to improve the sustainability of our supply chain – so that Government builds stronger relationships with its suppliers and manages risk and cost effectively. She wants to develop new tools and solutions to deliver greater efficiency and leading across the public sector, and be honest and open about environmental performance by publishing departmental and supplier information.

On climate change, adaptation figured large and she said that providers of public infrastructure projects must provide a climate risk assessment under the Climate Change Act – the first reports will be published next year. She said the new Planning Policy Statements will ensure that adaptation is built in from the start for key types of major infrastructure.

On flooding Ms Spelman announced the launch of a consultation on a new flood and coastal erosion risk management strategy (FCERM) for England. A consultation on reforms to the current funding system in association with the Association of British Insurers was also launched this week

The Water White Paper to be published next year will respond to the Cave and Walker reviews, and the conclusion to our review of Ofwat’s remit. It will link up with the Natural Environment White Paper. She said "it would provide an integrated vision of the value of our natural environment, capital and the services it provides with a programme of activity to put the natural environment at the heart of Government."