SUSTAINABLE
Leading and supporting sustainable construction.
We take pride in shaping effective strategies for responding to the climate crisis, as well as safeguarding our communities as part of our corporate social responsibilities.
Environmental awareness actively shapes the way we build and is at the centre of our decision-making and project delivery processes. By working collaboratively with supply chains, clients and partners, we positively influence the sustainability of our projects- from passive design and innovative heating and cooling solutions through to sustainable materials selections and delivery options.
Environmental awareness actively shapes the way we build and is at the centre of our decision-making and project delivery processes. By working collaboratively with supply chains, clients and partners, we positively influence the sustainability of our projects- from passive design and innovative heating and cooling solutions through to sustainable materials selections and delivery options.
Sustainable Design
Positively influencing sustainable design through the training and development of our staff
Key members of our delivery teams have received training to deliver Passivhaus Standard projects, and we continue to invest in our people to ensure that they are able to positively influence sustainable project delivery. Passivhaus principles are at the forefront of the UK Government drive to improve the environmental credentials of new build and retrofit works.
At Barnes Construction, we will:
At Barnes Construction, we will:
- • Investigate ‘fabric-first’ options to improve the ‘passive’ performance of buildings.
- • Undertake buildability reviews to rationalise any inefficient thermal bridges (heat loss routes) and improve airtightness.
- • Investigate and promote innovative heat recovery systems as part of the services designs of our projects.
Deployed appropriately, the above approaches have been proven to reduce the energy consumption of buildings by up to 90%. They are a vital tool in the drive towards achieving net zero carbon by 2050.
Business Carbon Management Plan
Underpinning our commitment to delivering carbon neutrality within our industry
We are committed to reducing achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with the UK Government’s environmental targets.
To ensure that we meet this goal, we have implemented several strategies, including:
To ensure that we meet this goal, we have implemented several strategies, including:
- • Recent upgrading of our office facilities and properties including near self-sufficiency utilising renewable technologies.
- • Implementation of flexible working policies to reduce excessive travel.
- • Periodic reviews of plant and machinery owned and used by The Barnes Group to explore their environmental impact, and more sustainable alternatives.
We offer a range of services and expertise to help our clients deliver sustainable buildings, starting around the design table. Our Design and Build processes ensure that our clients are given the best information through early supply chain engagement to ensure that our solutions are sustainable with cost in life and energy saving at the heart of everything we offer.
You can read our Carbon Reduction Plan here.
ENVIRONMENT
& BIODIVERSITY
We are keenly aware of our responsibilities to the environment, especially regarding achieving net zero carbon by 2050. Taking a proactive role in reducing our impact on the environment, we benchmark our carbon footprint from head office to site level. Our teams are knowledgeable about low carbon solutions, and our ethical purchasing and waste management policies are fully aligned to protecting the wider environment.
Over many years we have invested in replanting initiatives as well as charitable support to environmental charities such as Suffolk Wildlife Trust and the World Land Trust.
Our donation to World Land Trust was part of their Carbon offsetting project in Guatemala. The project aims to protect approximately 316,000 acres of tropical rainforest and other habitats from being cleared to make way for cropland and pasture.
Our teams work hard to meet and exceed industry regulations with robust processes and procedures on site. These include:
Over many years we have invested in replanting initiatives as well as charitable support to environmental charities such as Suffolk Wildlife Trust and the World Land Trust.
Our donation to World Land Trust was part of their Carbon offsetting project in Guatemala. The project aims to protect approximately 316,000 acres of tropical rainforest and other habitats from being cleared to make way for cropland and pasture.
Our teams work hard to meet and exceed industry regulations with robust processes and procedures on site. These include:
- • Waste: Ensuring a minimum of 95% of waste is diverted from landfill and recycled- currently construction accounts for over a third of all waste sent to landfill in the UK.
- • Water: Installing push taps, water meters and cisternisers to ensure efficient and responsible use of water
- • Carbon: Through our published carbon management plan and robust approach to monitoring site impacts, our supply chains carbon performance and positive interventions during design and through innovative plant and construction methods
- • Biodiversity: Through understanding of each site, engaging with industry expertise to shape our approach and through off-setting programmes where appropriate.
“I have always experienced a friendly but professional environment created by Barnes Construction, whom continually strive to go the ‘extra mile’ to support the delivery of a project. I believe this is fundamental to a good working relationship and a successful project.”
“It is a real credit to all those involved and to the collaborative ‘will-do’ approach taken by the designers and contractors alike. The students at Sybil Andrews Academy are in awe of their surroundings which act as a real inspiration in and out of the classroom. Sybil Andrews Academy is an incredible achievement in designing and building a new 21st century educational and sports facility from a standing start – and all within two years.”
“We have always found Barnes Construction’s approach to working within the student environment (and sensitive residents) to be understanding and compliant with College needs. This is the third major project that Barnes have worked on since 2016 – two of them won through competitive tender.”
“Barnes’ team took on our project and engaged in our charity work right from the beginning, willing to work with everyone in our team and share their enthusiasm for our new building. Communication was excellent, and we felt confident that they would deliver right from the beginning. A pleasure to work with.”
“In our 15+ years of dealing with Barnes they have delivered every project to an extremely high standard, within budget and on programme. The repeat business gained form this performance is a testament of their ability and attitude. Barnes are a forward-thinking contractor with traditional values.”
“Throughout the works, Barnes Construction performed extremely well. From programme planning through day-to-day liaison and dealing with unforeseen issues to ensure the works went smoothly. They helped resolve issues and ensure that where possible, the disruption to services were kept to a minimum.”
“Barnes has performed with strong communication and efficiency. With this we have a library and auditorium, which has a high quality finish. Barnes approached this project with a pragmatic ‘can do’ attitude and found ways to smooth over nearly all issues, often before the College needed to be involved.”
“Barnes have once again excelled in delivering, on time, a top quality refurbishment of a student hostel. The project was not without its complications, being a mix of eclectic buildings ranging from Edwardian to Tudor and Graded. The quality was excellent, with the project team and Barnes aiming high with respect to sustainability and thermal improvements to the old buildings, with the addition of alternatives to fossil fuels being installed. I have again been most impressed with the can do attitude and approach, and look forward to working with Barnes in the future.”
“What made this project different from most construction projects, and really proved the quality of the individuals concerned, was the extent to which they not only tolerated, but actively helped us to involve the local community in the project. The Barnes team handled this graciously and patiently. I did say at the hand-over ceremony that I was very impressed by the Barnes team, and this view has only been strengthened since, as the after-construction care is as commendable as the service received during construction.”
“Barnes have been highly collaborative and flexible including integrating shift work to accelerate the works at stages resulting from business continuity pressures. The onsite presence in terms of engagement has been professional and responsive and H & S and project management have also been excellent.”
