The company, a 50/50 joint venture between Glasgow City Council and Wheatley Group, has been supported by the “Zero-Energy” teaching block at South Lanarkshire College to upskill its Mechanical and Electronics team on emerging sustainable construction technologies. Within the course, tradespeople have been trained on innovative Air Source Heat Pump technology which will be used to heat the firm’s new, custom-built construction training college in Springburn.

Air Source Heat Pumps turn outside air into a heat source, utilising technology that is also used to cool down a refrigerator. By reusing air to provide a heating system, Air Source Heat Pumps can cut down on carbon dioxide emissions by up to 20%, saving more than two tonnes of carbon per year, per pump.

Following the upskilling course, tradespeople will become registered installers of NIBE systems, allowing them to implement sustainable technologies in future City Building sites.

Derek Watret, of City Building’s Mechanical and Electrical team, said: “City Building is always invested in ensuring their workforce is at the forefront of emerging techniques within the construction industry. With sustainability set to be construction’s main focus over the coming years, it is amazing to be part of the team who are pioneering these practices.

“Being able to learn about these new emerging technologies is really important because more sites are requiring a bigger focus on sustainable practices and future-proofing its ability to transition to net zero.

“It is quite incredible to be at the forefront of this development and I am really thankful that City Building is leading the way in this type of training.”

Worldwide, the building and construction industry contributes to 40% of carbon dioxide emissions. With construction firms making up 10% of all Scottish businesses, it is imperative that the industry strives to adapt to new innovations in sustainability and renewable practices for Scotland to meet its ambitious climate change target of becoming net-zero by 2045.

As Scotland’s largest construction company City Building is leading the industry in developing the next generation of new tradespeople who will deliver the renewable technology to make our nation net zero by 2045.

Alan Burns, executive director, City Building said: “Leading the movement towards sustainability within construction practices is one of City Building’s top priorities. We are proud to set the example by implementing and developing practices within our own training college site, upskilling our tradespeople on emerging techniques and creating awareness of green construction methods.

“There is not yet a standard renewables qualification for tradespeople in Scotland so we have decided to create our own so that our workforce is futureproofed for the next wave of construction development.

“Just like how we pioneered health and safety practices within our working before they became standard practice, we believe investing in our staff and building a workforce ready for the future will ensure we continue on our path as one of the country’s most sustainable construction firms.”

City Building hopes to further develop its position as a pioneer of green construction by incorporating sustainability into all incoming apprentice’s curricula. The construction firm is currently preparing for the opening of its brand new, custom build training college that it will utilise to upskill and educate the next generation of construction tradesmen and women.