We are proud to announce that our Longcross Park data centre site has successfully achieved full marks in back-to-back inspections by the Considerate Constructor Scheme (CCS).
Following on from last November’s perfect audit and report, the Longcross team has now achieved a perfect score two years running. The full 15 marks available in each of the three categories of ‘Respect the Community’, ‘Care for the Environment’ and ‘Value their Workforce’, secured an impressive combined full marks score of 45/45 for the second inspection in a row.
During an in-depth visit in May, a CSS monitor joined Project Director Andrew Moss, Project Manager Tom Beardmore, Sustainability and Net Zero Lead Tezeta Shimelis and Office Manager Claire Lambeth to audit the site, with the CSS inspector commenting:
“Another impressive and fully conformant visit aided by a comprehensive presentation promoting the further initiatives introduced since the previous two visits. Company’s and Client’s high expectations continue to be promoted through the Minimum Standards document and display of core values.”
“Environmental best practice initiatives to be submitted by the team following the visit and H&S audits and inspections fully supported through all management levels and wellbeing activities ongoing and fully promoted. My thanks again to all of the site team for their time and I will look forward to a further visit later in the year.”
The Longcross data centre project was also given top marks by the CCS inspector for its “fully conformant commitment to the community” and “robust environmental practices”.
“This is absolutely fantastic news, and we’re delighted with the positive comments, especially around our sustainability and community initiatives,” said Scott Poulter, MD of Sweet Projects.
“To get a perfect score once is an achievement, but to maintain that level of quality and focus to a second subsequent visit is outstanding, showing that we’re operating at the highest level achievable. Full credit goes to the impressive, sustained work and collaboration between multiple teams on site at Longcross.”
Additional highlights from the report included:
- Good engagement with neighbours, including a resident’s WhatsApp group, and a very positive response to the alternative car parking arrangements put in place;
- Ongoing engagement with local education establishments, with Surrey Careers Hub and Career Days held;
- Excellent support for local businesses and community, and apprentices employed directly and via trade contractors;
- ISO 14001 certification and robust environmental practices and procedures continuing and subject to regular audits. Emergency procedures in place and comprehensive specialist input on this highly specialised project;
- Carbon reduction strategies and extensive off-site manufacturing; and
- Smart Waste system and measures to reduce plastics and packaging, a temporary rainwater harvesting scheme, and regular ecological reports.
“We do our best to exceed expectations and go beyond in everything we do, so this double perfect CSS score is an inspiration for our whole business,” added Scott.
“Congratulations to the entire site team and our supply chain partners for achieving top marks once again; it is a truly collaborative team effort.”
The CCS is an independent organisation founded to raise standards in the construction industry to ensure all construction sites present an image of competent management, efficiency, awareness of environmental issues and above all neighbourliness. Monitors from the scheme regularly audit all our sites to ensure we are adhering to the scheme’s Code of Considerate Practice which is designed to encourage best practice beyond statutory requirement.
To find out more about our Longcross site, visit the case study page here, and for the CSS, see www.ccscheme.org.uk.
