Considerate construction

Considerate construction

Facts and figures

  • This project received a Silver Considerate Constructors Award, where interface with the general public was critical.
  • The client said: "The potential for significant conflict with the public existed but the contractor's entire approach to the works ensured that this conflict was removed and there were a number of letters complimenting the contractor. Despite the restrictions and complexity of the project, the site agent tackled the various issues with patience, good humour and a high degree of consideration of the potential impact on members of the public, neighbours and visitors."

Why did we do this?

Major repair of the public Victoria Footbridge over the River Wye in Hereford, linking the city park to the city centre, was required. 

The area was a Site of Special Scientific Interest status, therefore robust management was critical and the opportunity to excel as a contractor was seized. Interserve’s policy is that all construction sites should be registered under the Considerate Constructors Scheme.

The Considerate Constructors Scheme is a voluntary national initiative designed to improve the image of construction through better management and presentation of its sites. To date we have received 42 awards in addition to being Highly Commended Most Considerate New Commercial Contractor in the 10-year award 1997-2007.

How did we do this?

We invoked a project management regime that helped ensure that the extensive environmental restrictions were respected as well as Health and Safety standards. Communication and engagement with key stakeholders was critical and exceeding expectations in this area realised additional benefits.

Benefits

  • Positive stakeholder engagement
  • Enhanced reputation
  • Access to city enhanced
  • Environmental challenges met
  • Health and Safety of operatives and stakeholders respected
  • Efficient completion of project
  • Recognition of success

Considerate Constructors Scheme

The Considerate Constructors Scheme is a voluntary national initiative designed to improve the image of construction through better management and presentation of its sites. Construction sites can have a reputation as being poor neighbours, be it from the noise of construction activities at unsocial hours, or nuisance caused by workers parking in residential areas to wind borne dust from plant movements in dry summer months.

All sites registered with the Scheme are monitored by an industry professional assessing their performance against the eight-point Code of Considerate Practice, which includes the categories Considerate, Environment, Cleanliness, Good Neighbour, Respectful, Safe, Responsible and Accountable.

The three main areas that the Scheme’s Code covers are:

  • The environment - Registered sites should do all they can to reduce any negative effect they have on the environment. They should work in an environmentally conscious, sustainable manner.
  • The workforce - Registered sites should provide clean, appropriate facilities for those who work on them. Facilities should be comparable to any other working environment.
  • The general public - Registered sites should do all they can to reduce any negative impact they may have on the area in which they are working. Sites should aim to leave a positive impression on those they affect.

You can find out more on the Considerate Constructors Scheme website.

For more information email us quoting reference (sdcs 4609): sustainable.development@interserve.com