SUSTAINABILITY

The bus now displays the artwork and
workers see the children’s perspective
on working safely and protecting the
environment, which inspires them.
Engineering and secondary school
students have enjoyed onsite work
experience placements too, adding
practical knowledge to theoretical
understanding. The team is also actively
engaged with the careers department
of the local sixth form college.
The new college building currently under construction © Skanska
Their new home offers a more diverse
aquatic habitat, with the relocation also
helping to educate employees who can
view the amphibians up close. A more
permanent pond will form part of the
landscaping scheme, once construction
has been completed.
The creative nesting habits of local
birds have required construction work
to occasionally accommodate nature
too. Inventive woodpigeons built their
nest in a wire cable tray, used to hold
electrical services, in the ceiling of the
college building so the area was sealed
off to avoid disturbance.
Tree removals were also delayed when
rooks began nesting early, while a
dumper truck was put out of action
when a blackbird nested inside it by the
engine – suggesting that birds may like
our construction project even more
than the beautiful countryside!
The protection also extends to the
erection of 30 bat boxes, 28 bird boxes,
two little owl boxes, 15 dormouse
boxes and several log piles, creating
bug hotels for invertebrates.
Local people benefit from the major
construction project being part of the
community too. From providing
employment for many, including
ex-services personnel and their families,
to educating the next generation, the
work can raise awareness and
enhance understanding.
Close relationships have been
developed with several local schools,
to inspire young people, with project
team members taking assemblies.
A competition for local children was
also held to design an environment and
health and safety poster for the site’s
bus, with the winning class enjoying a
site visit, plus a goody bag each.
Paul Weale, Project Director, Skanska,
said: “The project team has embraced the
opportunity to engage with schools and
the local community. It has been really
satisfying and refreshing to witness the
enthusiasm that children have shown in
learning about Skanska’s way of working
and our construction activities. The industry’s
future should be in good hands.”
Skanska considers its local community
role at every opportunity. This extends
to supporting the local Worthy’s festival,
where they shared project information
and engaged with old and young alike.
They take the safety, health and wellbeing
of employees, suppliers, customers,
community and the environment very
seriously. This was recognised at the
Considerate Constructors Scheme
National Site Awards – an industry
scheme where the project scooped
runner-up in the most considerate site
category, plus an overall gold.
Julia Lanchbery
Senior Environmental Advisor
Skanska
Installing a dormouse box © Skanska
Engaging with local schools to encourage understanding of the construction industry © Skanska
SANCTUARY 45 2016
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