Meadows team score 44 out of 45 on their CCS assessment
Our team at Meadows Business Park has scored an astounding 44 out of 45 on their Considerate Constructors Scheme assessment! The team, led by Mark Overall, has gone above and beyond in each category scored under CCS – Respect the Community, Care for the Environment and Value their Workforce. From an on-site library to the rehoming of plants to a 1,000-mile cycle for a local charity, the team has come up with creative ways to bring energy and impact positively on day-to-day site life.
“The Considerate Constructors Scheme is a not-for-profit, independent organisation founded to raise standards in the construction industry. Construction sites, companies and suppliers voluntarily register with the Scheme and agree to abide by the Code of Considerate Practice, designed to encourage best practice beyond statutory requirements.”
From the outset of the project at Meadows Business Park in June 2022, the delivery team has found opportunities to make a difference adding value to life on site and the local community.
Respect for the community
Regular newsletters were posted to neighbouring residents, displayed in local supermarkets and other key areas in the community to communicate the nature and extent of our works on site.mTo represent the excellent opportunities in construction to the next generation, the delivery team attended a careers event at Edgbarrow High School. They engaged with students who were keen on finding out about the different career paths in the industry and the day-to-day responsibilities involved in life on a construction site. The hope was to have attracted great new young minds and talent into this ever-evolving industry.
Having been inspired after a visit to a local charity shop to purchase second-hand plates and mugs for site setup, the team had the chance to chat with the volunteers working in the Thames Hospice shop which had a massive impact on them. Inspired by the volunteers’ dedication to the many families they support the team set up an on-site charity cycle. The site team collectively road 1,000 miles in 6 days and raised £1,750 for their cause.
The project has prioritised the local economy by employing a local workforce with 45% of our team living within 5 miles of site. Car shares, cycling and train travel are promoted on-site to for wellbeing and sustainability.
Care for the Environment
Before works began on site, the delivery team toured the surrounding area to become acquainted with the nearby environment and the rich wildlife population that exists in and around the Blackwater River. A daily site litter pickup around the full perimeter of site and along the river was implemented to maintain a clear, safe site and protect the river and wildlife. The site runs parallel to a recognised Site of Special Scientific Interest, which serves as a biodiverse habitat for many species of flora and fauna. The team held a raffle to raise money for Surrey Wild Life Charity who work to conserve the Blackwater River and the surrounding area. The top prize was a donated, original, signed image of Ukrainian boxer, Oleksandr Usyk. The money raised will go towards protecting the wonderful British wildlife that live along the riverbank, including a local mink family who have been occasionally spotted by the team on site.
Another initiative our team undertook was to re-home plants that would have otherwise been discarded during demolition works. 90% of the plants that were growing on the site were given to tenants of the other buildings in the business park, benefitting both the environment and the community.
To further enhance the area’s biodiversity, Senior Project Manager, Mark Overall, spent a weekend building bug hotels with his children which were taken to site to support the local ecosystems. The team have embraced the principals of circular economy, taking measures to reduce waste by donating used paving slabs, reusing the raised access floor tiles and maintaining a 97% recycling rate.
Value their Workforce
Going above and beyond the standard requirements for a happy workplace, the delivery team worked to enrich day-to-day life on-site for everyone. Part of this was setting up an on-site library which has been enjoyed by the team and visitors alike!
During the hot summer months, another trip to a local charity shop resulted in the upcycling of an ice cream freezer. Allowing the team a much-needed refreshment on hot days. Project milestones have been celebrated with pizza days where the team can come together to enjoy a slice.
As a certified Mental Health First Aider, Mark Overall promoted mental health on site. With an open door policy for all team members, a safe space has been provided to encourage all operatives to speak openly about their wellbeing, with additional resources available if required.
Over the past 20 years, the Considerate Contractors Scheme has improved the lives within and on the periphery of construction projects registered with the scheme. We’re incredibly proud to have achieved such a high score, reflecting the care and respect we promote on our projects. It’s comes as no surprise that the ‘Meadows’ team was awarded a certificate as ODGroup’s ‘site team of the quarter’ for going above and beyond in sustainability, community and wellbeing.
For more about the work we are doing at Meadows Business Park click here.
