Sustainability Award 2023

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Neath Port Talbot Council (NPTC) awarded the Harbourside Strategic Employment Site (SES) project to Andrew Scott Ltd (ASL) via the South West Wales Civils Framework. The improvement scheme secured £2.7m worth of funding from the European Regional Development Fund via the Welsh Government. The scheme involved the remediation and improvement of the former Port Talbot Steel and Chemical works site, works included:

• Remediation of contaminated land
• Removal of voids, basements and foundations
• Construction of a new 240m highway
• Upgrading works to existing highway
• Flood mitigation works including the installation of additional drainage
• Associated external works including additional car parking
• Ecological improvement works

The purpose of the project was to enable future development and make the land viable for future employment and business opportunities. Regeneration of this site will be the catalyst for the redevelopment of the town’s former docks quarter improving the attractiveness of the area and creating a new business hub. The development will attract further private investment to help drive employment growth and increase availability and accessibility of sustainable employment opportunities. As a local contractor based in Neath Port Talbot, ASL are invested in the redevelopment of the area and aligned to NPTC’s regeneration plans.

ASL understands the importance of being accountable for how their business impacts their planet and the people around them, therefore they were fully committed to delivering economic, social, environmental and cultural benefits on the Harbourside project. They implemented their ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, ensuring all aspects of their operations had a minimal impact on local environment, reduced carbon emissions and increased biodiversity. In line with their commitment to reduce carbon emissions they trialled the Gaia AutoMate system which uses innovative software to identify, monitor and reduce the power consumption of construction sites; this resulted in 56% fuel reduction and 46% £net saving.

They appointed lead consultant WSP, who were invaluable in assisting them with the management of all environmental issues. In line with their Materials Management Plan, which was prepared by WSP in accordance with CL:AIRE, 91.7% of site won material was reused on site, with only 8.3% of unsuitable material taken off site for recycling at a licenced facility. 100% of waste was diverted from landfill.

They also implemented their Social Value procedures and delivered an extensive programme of employment, training, supply chain, community and education initiatives that made a positive impact on Port Talbot and the wider South West Wales region. Based on the WG Community Benefits Toolkit, for every £1 spent on the project, £1.91 was re-invested in the Welsh economy.

The Harbourside SES project is a worthy winner of the CEW Sustainability Award, having delivered social, economic and environmental benefits to meet short term and long term needs of the local area, stakeholders and local community. ASL provided NPTC with a clean and accessible area of land for future development, delivering the project on time, within budget and in line with all client and stakeholder requirements.

This project can be shared across the industry to showcase;

• Material Management Best Practice
• Biodiversity Gains
• Exceeding Community Benefits in line with the Well-being of Future Generations Act
• Decarbonisation
• Tackling challenges through collaboration and integration