Kier North Tyneside operative goes above and beyond to have positive environmental impact
Operatives in North Tyneside have discovered the benefits making a few small changes can have on their carbon footprint thanks to newly introduced environmentally friendly processes implemented onto sites across the region. The scheme, set up by Kier North Tyneside temporary site supervisor Jimmy Scott, involves collecting rainwater and reusing it on site to mix mortar, service toilets and clean tools.
Originally set up on the Chirton and Balkwell kitchen and bathroom refurbishment contract, the scheme involves a drainpipe and water barrel set up on the largest cabin in the compound to collect the rainwater. In true environmental hero style, Jimmy sourced all materials including the drainpipe, water barrel and clips from equipment which would have otherwise gone to landfill, meaning the set up cost for the scheme was zero.
The reclaimed water proved to be of huge benefit during the prolonged cold weather at the start of the year as many of the water pipes feeding in to the on-site toilets and washing facilities were out of action for several days. Operatives were able to use rainwater to maintain usable toilet and basic washing facilities.
The water collection scheme has now been established on the Wallsend Central contract where Kier North Tyneside operatives are carrying out Decent Homes improvements, installing new kitchen and bathrooms to around 120 homes.
Operatives across both sites are being encouraged to use recycled rainwater to keep their vans clean, with vans being washed once a week. Previously this has been carried out at the depot or a washing facility, using jet washers or hosepipes which often used a large amount of water. Kier North Tyneside is also researching the use of eco friendly cleaning materials to further reduce the impact of its work on the environment.
Jimmy Scott said: “We use a lot of water on our sites and I was aware that a lot of it was going to waste. My supervisor is always telling us that if we have ideas to save time or money, to make our workplace safer or to help the environment then we should share them. Since we have introduced the new practices we have saved so much water and I’m really proud of what we have achieved.”
Kier North Tyneside regional director, Mike Furze, said: “We always encourage our employees to think outside the box when it comes to their work. If they have ideas and recommendations on ways to improve the way we operate we are always ready to listen and it is often the simplest ideas that are most effective! This project has been a great success with work being delivered on schedule while also bringing environmental benefits to the local area. We are proud of our team members who have gone above and beyond to do their bit for the environment.”
Over the coming months Kier North Tyneside will be investigating the possibility of feeding rainwater directly in to on-site toilet facilities, further increasing the positive environmental impact of the work.