Through our business operations we strive to maximise the social impact we can deliver. Our aim is to improve the environment, boost the economy and enhance social wellbeing for communities across the UK.
The Usher Building – which we constructed on behalf of the University of Edinburgh – is a prime example of how we put our responsible business strategy into action.
While the building is providing opportunities for academics and partners to collaborate and help transform the delivery of health and social care, we saw boundless potential to add value for communities across Edinburgh and beyond.
The talent of tomorrow
During the building’s construction, and working within the local community, we collaborated with a range of education and training providers.
This meant we could deliver meaningful work experience placements, traineeships and employment opportunities to inspire and educate the talent of tomorrow.
In the process we helped to tackle local poverty and inequality, as well as increasing young people’s skills and employability.
On top of this, site tours, curriculum support sessions and a career guidance programme gave students from the local area a unique insight into the world of construction.
Shared prosperity
Through every project we undertake, we support the local economy by buying goods and services locally and ethically. This helps to build the capacity of small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and foster supply chain resilience.
As part of the Usher Building’s creation, 90% of our spend was with SMEs and our social enterprise spend topped £127,000.
This included partnering with a manufacturer of bespoke fixed furniture and external planters which provides employment and training opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged members of society, and utilising a cleaning company which supports individuals who face barriers to employment.
Our Sustainable Procurement Strategy, which is supported by initiatives such as Meet the Buyer events and the Social Partnership Portal, enables us to connect directly with the local supply chain. This project was a perfect example of this process in action.
The social impact of sustainability
Adding value to communities and society isn’t just about training, economic benefit and employment creation. Significant social impact can also be delivered through sustainability initiatives.
Designed to an EPC ‘A’ rating and to be as energy efficient as possible, the Usher Building limits greenhouse gas and carbon emissions through building performance. People using the building also benefit from enhanced air quality, connectivity to nature through lightwells, and access to a unique work and social space known as the winter gardens. These bespoke indoor spaces provide a link to nature without exposure to the elements.
Elsewhere, sustainable transport has been prioritised throughout the development. There are 117 cycle parking spaces, 45 internal cycle spaces, and EV charging bays, while there are also excellent public transport links to the site. This promotion of active travel not only limits vehicle emissions but encourages activities which boost physical and mental wellbeing.
These green design features were complemented by biodiversity initiatives, environmental education sessions and carbon literacy training.
Communities matter
We’ve seen firsthand how construction projects can contribute to the creation of healthy and resilient communities.
On this scheme we supported a range of charities and third-sector organisations through grants, donations and volunteering to support those in society in need of a little extra help.
This included food and toiletry donations to a local food bank, 15 volunteering hours spent assisting a local charity which addresses parenting inequalities, and over £9,000 of micro grants to 33 local organisations.
By delivering activities such as these, we ensured people right across Edinburgh benefited from our work with the university.