Morris & Spottiswood said its goal takes into account the commercial needs of its clients and incorporates objectives that are achievable, affordable and practical. The business is implementing training and developing new processes to ensure it is agile and adaptable in the evolving landscape. The housing team has recently completed training in Passivhaus certification and air source heat pump installation, and is currently developing partnerships and projects with modular build specialist, Corehaus.

Key to Morris & Spottiswood’s net zero goals is supporting its clients through a sustainable offering that makes their projects as environmentally friendly as possible, throughout a building’s lifecycle. The housing team has recently been involved in two projects with Midlothian Council that support these aims.

The Buccleuch Street development in Dalkeith is the council’s first Passivhaus housing project, which is expected to lead to energy savings of up to 90% compared to typical building stock, and of 75% compared to average new builds. And the affordable housing development in Bonnyrigg is aligned with the council’s net zero carbon agenda due to the specification of solar panels, triple glazing, air source heat pumps, and a communal EV charge point. As the primary contractor on both developments, Morris & Spottiswood is responsible for delivering all sustainable requirements while ensuring good environmental practices are maintained onsite.

Brian Pettigrew, housing director at Morris & Spottiswood, said: “As a group, we are at the beginning of the next phase of our net zero journey, which is a core strategic and operational priority. It is vital that in order to meet national and global climate targets, the UK construction industry must take steps to implement more environmentally conscious practices. We cannot meet both new building targets and environmental targets without change.

“Sustainability is a huge arena, touching on just about everything we do. We already offer our clients sustainable options and solutions; we’re already exploring and embracing innovative energy efficiency solutions; and we use low carbon technology whenever we can. But to achieve our targets, we need to go further and our strategy focuses on new technology and upskilling of our teams. By making meaningful, impactful, gradual change at every layer of our business, we know we can make a huge difference.”