Mark Dickson

BLOG: Building Knowledge and Taking Action – Mark Dickson

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SCOTTISH WATER

Mark Dickson talks about our progress with net zero in our Capital Programme
Mark Dickson

In the slightly altered words of Elvis, our mantra in the world of Capital Investment has been: “a little less conversation, a little more climate action.”

Our routemap to net zero marks its first anniversary and it has been a good time to reflect on not just how much we have learned in Scottish Water and our supply chain partners, but what is being delivered on the ground.

Our business knowledge has increased. On the capital programme we have learned that on average there are around 200-300 tonnes of embedded carbon for each £1m invested.

We have signed up to reducing this by 75% by 2032. We know that we need to think differently and go after the lowest whole life carbon solutions. We need to change how we design projects, procure materials, and carry out construction.

We established an ‘expert panel’ for reduction in carbon in construction and it has explored many issues to grow knowledge and drive action. It is attended by senior reps from all of our supply chain, CECA (the Cilvil Engineering Contractors Association) and Scotland’s construction innovation centre. So, all the right people are there to help shift the dial.

One fantastic output is the ‘Carbon Academy’ – our digital learning hub. It’s available across our supply chain as well as to employees and will help us reach net zero but importantly go beyond thereafter.

Our Alliance partners have mapped their top 10 materials which drive emissions: at the top end of the list are concrete and steelwork; so to materials which help from our pipelines – so important to our day-to-day service for customers.

Here are some examples which are making a small but important dent in carbon emissions:

Procurement: All our suppliers have committed to create carbon plans by 2023.

Pilot Projects: 16 projects are identified in Managed Delivery to pilot low emission materials/techniques. CWA and ESD have published case studies of the use of golden rules.

Concrete: Two trials of low carbon concrete are underway, the first in Scotland.

Diesel: Hydrated vegetable oil (HVO) offering 90% reduction in emissions is being piloted by one of our delivery partners. Another has trialled innovative new software monitoring plant and material movements in real time to reduce movement and emissions.

Pipe Materials: Modified approach to selection – brought to life by new materials avoiding the need for concrete thrust blocks on our largest pipeline project.

Net zero site establishment: CWA’s site at Ibrox has been set up using net zero cabins involving solar panels and rainwater collection, wider deployment is being explored.

Net zero plant and equipment: We have successfully trialled electric mini diggers

Many construction sites use diesel generators for all their power. We are working with the supply chain to trial alternative approaches and fuels for generation to reduce emissions.

CASE STUDY

Douglas Park Community Consultation in Dundee

Scottish Water has been a partner in a project, led by the local community and supported by the National Lottery’s Community Fund, to regenerate the site once occupied by Douglas Primary School as a multi-functional greenspace.

Our team worked with the community to incorporate sustainable drainage features in the new park, which store and slowly release the rainwater that falls on surrounding roads and rooftops during storms. This eases pressure on the combined sewer network in the local area, as well as helping to protect the local environment and reduce flood risk from the Dighty Burn. Importantly, the community has been able to realise its wider aims by creating an attractive outdoor space that also provides a home for wildlife; and can be enjoyed for play, relaxation, exercise, events and the growing of food.

Planning is now underway to introduce more sustainable water management measures in the area surrounding the park, with the aim of disconnecting over 40,000m2 of land area from the combined sewer network; and helping to enable the development of more social housing in Douglas. Engagement with the community, including schools and other key stakeholders, is being carried out to help shape the proposals.

Work with the community and Dundee City Council on sustainable drainage for Douglas has helped to inspire the Water Resilient Dundee partnership. This initiative is now pursuing opportunities for more sustainable management of stormwater across the city, reducing flood risk in communities, creating capacity for development and enhancing amenity.