Biodiversity and water
We are increasingly aware of the impact that our operations can have on local ecology and biodiversity. Maintaining a rich diversity of species and habitats is increasingly important to local communities and to our customers. This is illustrated by a number of initiatives that our operating companies have been involved in and the increase of project plans that take account of local habitats and surveys of existing flora and fauna.
Goals
Our overall goals for biodiversity are:
- To support our clients in developing Biodiversity Action Plans
- To measure incidents of unauthorised damage to species and habitats.
Performance
Biodiversity cannot be measured by a single KPI. While to date we have monitored the number of environmentally sensitive (eg SSSI) sites in proximity to our work sites, this does not capture the essence of biodiversity. As ecological issues vary from project to project, we have found that each project must plan its own relevant measures for biodiversity. Additionally, we have extended our range of indicators to include positive and negative effects on protected sites or protected species. Some examples of biodiversity actions are below.
In Scotland, bird boxes were erected in and around the North Lanarkshire Schools construction area.
At East Kilbride South 275 kV Substation, part of the Whitelee Windfarm, the site team identified and relocated an area of grassland within the site that was a moth habitat.
The site team at King's Cross agreed to donate scrap plywood to the nearby Camley Street Nature Park to be converted into nesting boxes. At Shaken Bridge, Yorkshire, the site team pointed the central joint of the bridge to provide a nesting site for bats.
At Birmingham New Hospitals joint venture, Ecological Safeguard Zones were set up to maintain access for badgers and other native animals.
At Bassetlaw Schools joint venture and Springwell School in the Midlands, 21 bat boxes and various bird boxes were installed as part of construction works.
Four otter lodges were installed along corridors of the M5, M4 and A303 with another six planned in early 2007.
Archaeology
We ensure that items of archaeological interest are thoroughly explored before we develop sites.
Contaminated Land
All of our operating companies have reviewed their responsibilities for contaminated land and plans are developed and executed where necessary to manage the issue. We have not included in this report details of contaminated land remediated on behalf of customers.
Hazardous Substance Use
In previous years herbicides that could have had a harmful affect on the local environment were used during road maintenance operations. This year our road maintenance division have successfully reduced the amount of persistent herbicides considerably by using a non-residual weed killer.
Use of Persistent Herbicides |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
|
292 |
6,102 |
1,495 |
200 |
0 |
Water
Goals
Our overall goals for water are:
- To improve progressively the efficiency of water consumption
- To prevent pollution of water as a result of our activities.
We measure and monitor our water consumption, to confirm whether patterns of usage are changing.
Measuring Water Usage
Water consumption is split into office usage, industrial usage, site usage and non-potable water used on sites (eg for dust suppression). For the first time we report European and other non-UK data.
Performance
Our total consumption of water in the UK was:
- 741,001m3, 8% less water consumed than in 2005.
- 545 m3 water from licensed abstraction points.
The principal consumption areas again were industrial activities, highway maintenance and testing and commissioning of water infrastructure.
More accurate reporting in 2005 gave us a clearer picture of our water consumption. A number of initiatives in 2006 have helped to stabilise our consumption levels.
In our Rail Plant division, waterless urinals have been installed and are saving an estimated 100m3 of water per month.
The increase in potable water in 2006 in some cases is due to more accurate reporting from meter readings. Additionally our UK rail plant division has taken over a number of Mansell plant depots which use water to wash powered plant. Our roads maintenance operation was successfully awarded three new contracts which involve extensive water use.
2006 water consumption patterns have reduced slightly. Our site use of mains water has decreased and industrial applications and general water use in buildings remains our principal usage. We will continue to monitor our water usage to be aware of any significant changes to our consumption patterns.
Workshops in Mansell Construction's Aberdeen depot have changed their spraying technology and as a result the water consumption has reduced considerably. Additionally, their Nottingham offices have now fitted water meters to 80% of their projects in order to monitor and improve their water data.
Summary
In 2006 our water data indicates the following:
- 78% less water consumed on UK sites compared to 2005
- 12% less water per £m NSV consumed in the UK than in 2005