Delivering Our Commitment to Environmental Sustainability in Highways Projects

Meaningful commitments are measurable. Any organisation can say it is committed to environmental sustainability but, without evidence, what does that mean?

That’s why Osborne is pleased to be working collaboratively with Highways England to implement measurable Key Performance Indicator’s (KPIs) for our environmental impact. We have a long-standing commitment to sustainability and have always believed that measurement and transparency are the keys to making a real difference.

Construction and civil engineering projects always bring the potential to harm the environment, both through the materials we use and the locations in which we work. There is a clear need to measure and manage this impact and to look for opportunities to make a positive difference through measures such as improving biodiversity and water management.

Our KPIs

We have agreed strict targets with Highways England for CO₂ emissions per million pounds of spend. We also have a minimum requirement to ensure no net loss of biodiversity and a target to ensure there is a net gain. Schemes are also assessed for potential impacts on surface and groundwater. We are aiming for sustainable drainage schemes that enhance the natural water environment.

Effective waste management is essential. We prioritise waste segregation and are piloting programmes to reuse waste or reclaimed materials using the BRE SmartWaste portal. 97% of waste from our sites is now recycled or diverted from landfill.

Our recent A500 widening project shows how this approach comes together to generate positive outcomes. Through careful planning we achieved the following:

• 600 lorry movements prevented from increasing local congestion.
• 330T of CO₂ saved from less transport of material, plant operation and 23 week programme reduction.
• Dust and noise at key receptors stayed within agreed levels for the project.
• 29,636 tonnes of material waste were reused or recycled.

Could You Help Us Improve Our Sustainability Performance?

To reinforce our commitment to sustainability we are recruiting a Sustainability Advisor to work alongside our teams and supply chain on high profile highways projects.

The overall purpose of the role will be to support the Osborne Infrastructure Ltd Environment & Sustainability Manager, ensuring that the company environmental procedures and processes are implemented. The successful candidate will also provide guidance and advice across different highway projects to ensure that environmental issues are managed appropriately on site.

If this is of interest to you and you would welcome the opportunity to work in an organisation with a genuine commitment to sustainability, please get in touch.

The Osborne Infrastructure business has a pipeline of secured frameworks and programmes worth over £1bn. We are on the lookout for talented people who share our values for a wide range of roles. Please take a look at our recruitment page.