GLASGOW—May 10, 2010

One of Scotland’s largest construction companies has been shortlisted for a major UK-wide government award after demonstrating a clear programme for delivering sustainability initiatives that have produced solid and significant results.

Glasgow-based City Building, which employs over 2,000 staff, has secured a place in the final at the MJ Local Government Achievement Awards 2010 in the category of Sustainable Infrastructure Achievement of the Year.

The entry, submitted in partnership with Glasgow City Council, highlighted City Building’s achievements in delivering a range of green solutions that has seen their carbon footprint reduced by over 25 per cent since 2007. This has been achieved through a range of measures, including the introduction of a wood-fired boiler system which heats a workshop using offcuts from the manufacturing process, the recycling of all metal and timber furniture bases and mattress springs and the construction of a dedicated micro renwables centre, showcasing sustainable technology solutions for heating and hot water.

Whilst the construction industry is often viewed as slow to react to the green agenda, City Building has proactively embraced innovative and effective solutions to environmental issues and is taking a lead role in encouraging others to follow.

With the full commitment of the company’s board of directors, City Building’s sustainable initiatives go further than just the implementation of physical resources. A “sustainability apprenticeship” training programme has been developed and implemented to ensure tradespeople have the skills to manage green technologies, which supports and enhances their lifelong skills and employment opportunities.

In addition, an Environmental Management System has been introduced to review processes, with regular external audits and a dedicated Environmental and Sustainability Committee overseeing quarterly reporting on energy consumption to assess the effectiveness of the processes in place.

The results of City Building’s commitment speak for themselves. At the end of the year to 31 March 2009, the company had salvaged or recycled: -

• 69 tonnes of cardboard
• 263 tones of wood
• 258 tonnes of metal
• 274 tonnes of inert materials

In addition, 2,000 pallets were collected for re-use, together with 2,200 metal furniture bases and 900 timber furniture frames. Since the introduction of a biomass skip in March 2009, 120 tonnes of additional waste per month are now being diverted from landfill.

Willie Docherty, managing director of City Building said: “We are delighted by the results our efforts into sustainability are producing and even more so in being recognised for this award.

“It is crucial for everyone to be involved in protecting the environment and by the very nature of the business, the construction sector has a major role to play. City Building is looking to lead the way for sustainability, by demonstrating that significant results can be achieved with the introduction of simple, cost-effective measures that will go a long way in generating major benefits for the future, for local communities and beyond.

Sustainability initiatives delivered by City Building include;

• The COSLA award-winning Female Lone Parents into Construction scheme.
• Craft Apprenticships - providing training and qualifications in a range of skills through the SQA approved Queenslie Training Centre.
• Work Experience for school pupils, further education colleges and local economic development companies.
• Overseas Tradesperson Assessment and Re-Skilling - an initiative which offers asylum seekers and residents from other countries who do not hold a recognised Scottish qualification, the chance to gain certification in their area of expertise.
• Construction for All - a unique initiative developed to break down real or perceived social barriers. Aimed at minority ethnic communities and other under represented groups in Scotland to encourage interest in careers in construction.
• Construction Skills Academy - opened in Autumn 2008, the Academy provides training for up to 400 individuals per year with employer-led training and qualifications in construction disciplines.
• RSBi - one of the largest supported employment facilities in Europe, employing around 250 staff, over half of who have a disability. RSBi provides real job opportunities for people with disabilities and helps towards the economic regeneration of the local community and beyond.

The awards ceremony will be held at the Hilton Hotel in London on the 24th June and will be hosted by broadcaster and political commentator, Michael Portillo.

Media Enquiries
Please contact Mel Brookes, City Building’s Marketing Manager in the first instance on +44 (0)141 287 1956, +44 (0)7734 597296 or e-mail melanie.brookes@citybuildingglasgow.co.uk

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