Leading green construction in Scotland
Lochlie Construction Group are a multi-trade construction company that deliver projects of all specs, covering refurbishments, domestic housebuilding, public and private sector construction and more recently, solar installations. In 2022, to accommodate for a growing business, the team at Lochlie combined its expertise to conduct a deep retrofit of the new headquarters.
CIRCULAR RESULTS
Rethink resources: A lot of the building’s original construction technology was retained to mitigate the embodied carbon within the project. Anything that was sourced underwent a strict vetting process to ensure it was of the highest quality, locally sourced and fully recyclable.
HOW THEY DID IT
With sustainability and collaboration high on the agenda, Lochlie has provided its team with a workspace like no other in the industry, demonstrating its commitment to both its people and the planet.
Lochlie had already made inroads on its net zero journey before applying to the Step Up to Net Zero programme. With battery energy storage systems, 100 solar panels, two air source heat pumps, two EV charging points, LEDs throughout the office, underfloor heating and destratification fans, the building now works at near zero carbon despite being the central node of countless active projects. Furthermore, with new energy efficiency initiatives and a renewable tariff, associated emissions may soon be net zero, as the company exports a significant percentage of our solar energy back to the grid.
After seeing the benefits that these sustainable initiatives provided, Lochlie was eager to continue striving towards net zero by bringing in a dedicated coordinator through the SUTNZ programme.
Jude was recruited, who in 5 months was able to attend to all short-, medium- and long-term targets – either completing them or ensuring that a clear roadmap was set up for when the team took the wheel. By prioritising a data-led approach, Jude was able to highlight actions of high impact but low cost. For example, by ensuring that 95% of waste was recycled or repurposed and uncovering how small revisions in procurement policy could lead to a 15% emission reduction in just a year.
Other key highlights include:
- A full carbon audit accompanied by a comprehensive decarbonisation report detailing actionable steps across the business – strategies are to be integrated into the existing EMS.
- External engagement – partnerships with non-profits, agreements with suppliers, and recognition of Lochlie’s first mover status through hosting and speaking at sustainability events.
- Internal engagement – establishing an eco-team allowed for a collaborative approach to strategy planning, with an emphasis on equipping members with the skills to continue the net zero journey autonomously.
Jude moved on after the programme ended, leaving Lochlie with a framework that will support their continued momentum towards reaching net zero.
LEARN MORE
Click here to learn more about Lochlie Construction.