Construction Project Overview
This project involved the erection of a new, Passivhaus-accredited Secondary School in Perth, Scotland, replacing the existing High School. The first phase focuses on constructing a new 2-storey building, associated landscaping, and access roads. Phase two will involve demolishing the existing school and creating new playing fields, a multi-use games area, and a cycle pump track. Robertson Construction Tayside Ltd has been awarded a Considerate Constructors Scheme Gold National Site Award for the incredible standards upheld during the project in 2023. The project team has been committed to minimising negative impacts and maximising positive contributions for the environment, workforce, and community throughout 2023.
Project Highlights
The project team excelled in adhering to the Code of Considerate Practice, demonstrating strong management systems, planning, and team spirit supported by a positive client-contractor relationship. They maintained open communication with the local community and were on track to meet sustainability and social value targets. The site actively reduced carbon emissions, promoted Passivhaus standards, and tracked embodied carbon to establish a benchmark for future projects. Workers benefited from excellent facilities and an extensive mental health support programme. Management effectively incorporated important topics like combating modern slavery and promoting equality, diversity, inclusion, and fairness (EDI/FIR) into their workforce support strategies.
Innovations & Best Practices
The team embraced proactive initiatives on-site, by implementing good and best practices. Notably, they partnered with local stakeholders to create a Construction Academy within Perth Prison. This sustainable regional programme supported hard-to-reach groups and reduced the skills gap in construction. Additionally, the team installed a Site Vape Bin for safe vape disposal, preventing fire hazards and ensuring responsible recycling.
Respecting the Community
The project team strove to positively impact the surrounding community. Their social value plan included various construction-related activities and support initiatives. A particularly noteworthy endeavour was the transformative construction skills academy within the local prison, aiming to equip residents with valuable skills and help prevent future re-offending.
Caring for the Environment
The project team has prioritised environmental concerns, as evidenced by Robertson’s environmental management accreditation. They implemented excellent environmental protection procedures and set ambitious carbon reduction targets, actively monitoring performance against those. Openly sharing these results with key stakeholders would have further demonstrated their commitment.
Valuing the Workforce
Worker wellbeing and safety have also been taken seriously by the project team. Robertson’s robust health and safety certifications were reflected in the site’s provisions, which included changing rooms, a contemplation room, cycle storage, and separate male and female facilities with free sanitary products. The team promoted positive behaviour with procedures, contracts, and training for both staff and the supply chain. A comprehensive health and wellbeing support programme, including regular mental health campaigns, benefited all workers.
Congratulations to the team for these outstanding performance levels.