Construction Project Overview
This project focuses on the construction of a new International Barley Hub and Advance Plant Growth Centre for The James Hutton Institute near Dundee. The project team has shown a clear commitment to excellence. McLaughlin & Harvey Construction has been awarded a Considerate Constructors Scheme Gold National Site Award for the incredible standards upheld during the project in 2023. They have actively engaged with the Considerate Constructors Scheme’s Code of Considerate Practice throughout this year, ensuring positive outcomes for the project and the surrounding community.
Project Highlights
The project team excelled in their adherence to the Considerate Constructors Scheme. They actively sought feedback and implemented systems that promoted a well-maintained, secure site, ensuring public safety through effective management of parking, access, and deliveries. The team also prioritised community outreach through charity initiatives and comprehensive communication plans designed to engage local residents. Environmental management was a key focus and reflected the company’s certifications. Sustainable suppliers were favoured, and there was a clear commitment to achieving Net Zero. Environmental controls and improvements were effectively communicated to the public. Workforce concerns were also central, with the site ensuring staff competency and creating a supportive environment that reflected the company’s dedication to fairness, equality, and diversity.
Innovations & Best Practices
The project team demonstrated exceptional commitment to best practices by implementing 4 CCS-approved strategies to take standards further. They used an innovative Lone Worker App for real-time protection of isolated workers. The team also prioritised environmental responsibility with a vape recycling initiative. Finally, in terms of innovation, their ‘Be Your Best’ employability programme supported female prisoners at Scotland’s first female-focused community custody unit. The team also introduced pre-insulated ducts on-site to reduce environmental impacts.
Respecting the Community
The team thoughtfully managed its construction impact, prioritising the positive experience of neighbours and public safety. A thorough Communications Plan kept the community informed, including a regularly updated newsletter, public-facing noticeboard, and QR code for feedback. The team’s dedication to social value was notable, with a dedicated Social Value Manager, a detailed plan, and impactful results. Community support included collaboration with foodbanks and charities and a commitment to engaging with schools and universities to promote careers in construction.
Caring for the Environment
The project team showed impressive dedication to strong environmental practices. They worked to minimise impact and enhance the environment through a NetZero strategy and Carbon Reduction Plan. They held ‘Responsible Plastic Management’ certification, and implemented strong environmental controls, as well as mitigation measures for dust, noise, and waste. To give back, the team participated in community tree-planting initiatives.
Valuing the Workforce
The team also prioritised workforce competency, safety, and well-being. The site operated under the company’s accredited safety management system and was Construction Industry Training Board “Be Fair” Bronze accredited. Worker health was actively promoted, as evidenced by multiple health bus visits, reflecting the company’s Healthy Working Lives Gold accreditation. Welfare facilities on-site were well-maintained and hygienic.
Congratulations to the team for these outstanding performance levels.