Mace’s commitment to high standards on it’s Greenwich Square Project
“By being involved in the Scheme it makes us in the industry think outside the box, continuously improve our working environment and be considerate to those we effect on a day-to-day basis in our communities” – Michelle Baker, Senior Community Engagement Manager.
International consultancy and construction company Mace has praised the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) for improving the image of the building industry.
Its award-winning Greenwich Square Project involves the construction of 645 residential units, community facilities and a new energy centre on the site of the former Greenwich Hospital.
Comprising of a series of blocks, each of varying scale and architectural expression, the Greenwich Square Project is unique and offers people different sensory experiences as they walk around the site.
Outlining the potential hurdles the team faced during the project, Michelle Baker explained that being overlooked and surrounded by neighbours on all four sides of the development was a challenge, but the Scheme’s community guidance helped out.
To encompass all of the elements of the Scheme into their working practices, the Mace team at Greenwich Square was divided into five teams, each dedicated to one of the five sections of the Scheme’s Code. Explaining the system, Michelle Baker said:
“They meet monthly to come up with new initiatives, implement new ideas and involve site operatives in the activities so that learning the Code is not just the responsibility of the management team. By doing this the Code becomes second nature to the individuals that work at Greenwich Square. Our senior management within our business sector, are very supportive of the Scheme and are proud that our sector has sat on the top of our internal league table for over a year now.”
Here are some examples of best practice initiatives carried out by Mace:
- Community communication and events were extensive, along with contributions to local community causes and charity fundraising.
- Neighbours were kept informed and updated about site activities, through a Construction newsletter and regular meetings and events. This led to an open and honest dialogue between all parties, with one point of contact to respond to any community concerns or queries.
- Neighbours were considered by the team, who created a timeline board, revealing the history of the field the development was being built on.
- A historic talk and tour was staged for residents, with a recording of the talk uploaded onto the client website.
- Good news stories were included in its construction newsletter, to share key messages with the community and keep the workforce engaged.
- Environmental issues were well promoted to the workforce and public with both sustainability training and by displaying positive information on noticeboards.
- Caring for the environment was a team priority, with a recycling and green day held with apprentices on site, who created a bug hotel and hanging garden, from used materials.
- Continuous student engagement and apprenticeship opportunities were made available, to encourage the younger generation to consider a career in construction.
- Care for the workforce was provided in a number of ways, including first class facilities and on-site training on various topics, along with regular healthy lifestyle advice.
- The workforce was kept informed of progress through an operatives’ newsletter, which featured advertisements from local businesses and a unique ‘Aunty Agnes’ section, allowing workers to air any issues of concern.
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