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Robertson and SEPA launch free environmental training to improve compliance and sustainability in Scotland’s construction sector

Aimed at upskilling suppliers, sub-contractors and individuals across the construction industry, the resources are the culmination of a joint agreement between Robertson and SEPA, which was the first in Scotland to focus on environmental performance across an entire supply chain.

Developed alongside NetRegs, the toolkit is made up of a series of environmental guidance notes and supporting videos, reflecting different learning styles. They provide practical guidance on various environmental compliance issues, as well as how to reduce waste and sustainable building practices.

The toolkit is hosted online at NetRegs and the Supply Chain Sustainability School and is available as a free resource for everyone working within the built environment.

Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said:

“It is essential that we all play our part in delivering an inclusive net zero society, and through the toolkit we can share our learnings to upskill our supply chain partners and other suppliers nationally.

“It was incredibly important to all involved that these resources are free to access and widely available across the built environment sector. While we work closely with our supply chain, and the completion of this training will be mandatory, there are many operators that don’t have that level of support or gateway to resources.

“Increasing awareness around environmental responsibilities and impact can only lead to improvements which deliver benefits for everyone involved in construction projects, but more importantly for the protection of our planet.”

Shona McConnell, SEPA Senior Manager Environmental Performance, said:

“SEPA’s expectation is that Scotland’s construction sector takes their environmental responsibilities seriously, taking all steps to remain compliant and achieve good environmental performance.

“By working in partnership to focus on common compliance issues we see across the sector, and taking the unique industry perspective Robertson has, we have created a toolkit which will help deliver both higher levels of compliance and support attainment of net zero objectives. The new resources reflect our shared commitment to supporting the industry in meeting its environmental responsibilities while driving innovation.”

Available now on NetRegs the guidance notes and training materials cover:

• Air quality and nuisances
• Cement, concrete and grout
• Decarbonisation on site
• Ecology and biodiversity
• Fuels and oils
• Materials sourcing and management
• Silt management
• Surface water management
• Waste duty of care

Notes to editors

About Robertson Group

Robertson is one of the largest family-owned construction, infrastructure, property and support services businesses in the UK. For almost 60 years our sustainable growth has enabled us to invest in our business, the future of people and communities, and to deliver on major projects, housing developments and facilities management for customers nationally. Our scale gives us the ability to accept big challenges and build mutually-beneficial partner relationships, but we think locally too. Ultimately, our approach is about making progress safely towards a sustainable future. It’s the Robertson Way.

Robertson has offices in Stirling, Dundee, Elgin, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Haydock, Gateshead and Sheffield.

About SEPA

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s role is to make sure that the environment and human health are protected, to ensure that Scotland’s natural resources and services are used as sustainably as possible and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

We help Scotland adapt to a changing climate by ensuring that our regulation helps operators to realise the opportunities of a net zero, circular economy and be resilient to changes in our climate. We help to improve the quality of our environment for people and for nature by encouraging nature-based solutions and valuing multiple benefits.

As Scotland’s strategic flood risk management authority, we help partners, places and people avoid, adapt and take action against flooding. We’re influential, monitoring, researching, reporting and speaking out on the state of Scotland’s environment and our data is at the heart of progressive policy.

About NetRegs

NetRegs is a partnership between the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) in Northern Ireland and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in Scotland.