Pevensey Coastal Defence Ltd, the company responsible for the extensive and ongoing sea defence scheme along nine kilometers of coastline, has won a prestigious Gold Award at the Considerate Constructors Scheme’s 2015 National Site Awards
The annual awards, run by the Scheme, recognise the highest levels of consideration and care shown by construction sites throughout the UK towards their local neighbourhood, the general public, their workforce and the environment. Only 98 UK sites achieved the gold standard this year from over 9000, making this site’s achievement particularly significant.
The Scheme is concerned about any area of construction activity that may have a direct or indirect impact on the image of the industry as a whole. The main areas of concern fall into three categories: the general public, the workforce and the environment.
Judges for the Scheme Awards particularly noted that despite being in the thirteenth year of works, the site continues to improve its considerate performance still further while maintaining the standards set at the outset. Much of the work involves specialist plant employed on beaches and sea walls, demanding exceptional local communication and public safety observation. Both these elements were managed to a highly professional level, with ever more local interests receiving regular updates and advisories.
Despite seasonal working, the site continues extensive support the local communities including the donation of all salvaged or unused materials to local fishermen. Prepared surveys and other information are also shared with other organisations engaged in sea defence research to enlarge the knowledge pool for the future.
The legacy of the project itself will clearly be of major significance, but the legacy of this site’s considerate achievements will be of equally high value.
The award was presented at a glittering ceremony held at The Plaisterers Hall, London, by Peter Hansford, the Government Chief Construction Advisor, to Ian Thomas of Pevensey Coastal Defence Ltd.
Commenting on the win, Chairman of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, Mike Petter, said: “It is our privilege to reward the efforts of all those involved in projects which set the bar in terms of considerate construction. We never fail to be impressed each year by the high levels of innovation and excellence evidenced throughout the industry.
“Each award-winning project serves as a shining example to the industry as to what can be achieved across a range of different sized projects and in all sectors of the industry. My congratulations to all sites that have received an award in 2015”.
The Considerate Constructors Scheme is a non-profit-making, independent organisation founded in 1997 by the construction industry to improve its image.
Construction sites and companies voluntarily register with the Scheme and agree to abide by the Code of Considerate Practice. The Code commits those sites and companies registered with the Scheme to care about appearance, respect the community, protect the environment, secure everyone’s safety and value their workforce.
Photocaption: Ian Thomas (right) of Pevensey Coastal Defence Ltd site team accepts the award from Peter Hansford, the Government Chief Construction Advisor.
