Zero Carbon House, Birmingham UK

The zero carbon house is being constructed under  the Considerate Contractors’ Scheme. This is the main text from the report of the inspector’s second visit on 24 March 2009

Observations /Score /Comments
1. Considerate 4.5
Regular newsletters have continued to be circulated to neighbours and personal visits made. The monthly newsletter
on the outside notice board is ‘up to date’. It is ensured that pedestrians have a safe passage past the Site and a
‘Banksman’ is always on duty for deliveries. The voluntary ‘one way’ traffic circulation in the narrow road works quite
successfully. Parking is designated further down the road. All vehicles are to display contact details. Van/car sharing
is encouraged as is use of public transport. Bus and train timetables are displayed in the canteen. Smoking is allowed
in a designated area outside the welfare facilities, away from the public. CSCS details of visitors are recorded when
‘signing in’. There is a car parking space allocated for the disabled. A Site safety warning notice is printed in Urdu.
2. Environment 4.5
The Environmental policy is updated as work progresses. Environmental issues form part of the induction programme
and ‘Toolbox’ talks. Vehicle mileages are recorded, heaters are on timers, lights are turned off at night, solar power
charges batteries. Currently 3.2 tons of CO2 has been produced. All details are displayed in the canteen. This will be
offset by planting tress (4No per ton of CO2), possibly locally. The Waste Management Plan keeps a very tight control
on supply and use of material. There is a positive cycle of recycling on Site and bringing in recycled material for re-use.
Currently only 1% of waste goes to landfill. Domestic waste is collected by the LA. Trees in the garden are protected.
Roof water ‘run off’ is collected for re-use on Site.
3. Cleanliness 4.0
The Site is kept clean. The offices and welfare facilities are in an industrial unit ‘next door plus one’. Using recycled
material the unit has been altered to provide suitable office welfare and storage facilities. All areas are regularly
checked and kept clean. A serviced female ‘portaloo is located in the industrial unit. A male toilet is shared with other
adjacent units. Local areas outside the Site are checked for litter and cleanliness and tidied where necessary and
‘signed off’. Cars have been cleaned when on one occasion dust was a concern. Company vehicles have to be kept
clean and tidy.
4. A Good Neighbour 4.5
Site hours are 7.30am to 5.00pm. There are no noisy operations. Though very congested, mainly because of the
necessary scaffolding, the Site is well presented. The Client/Architect, John Christopher, was very complimentary and
was delighted with the excellent service provided by the Contractor. There have still not been any complaints.
Updating newsletters, the outside notice board and personal contact keep neighbours informed and ‘up to date’.
Another ‘Open Day’ for the public is planned for Easter Monday. Articles on the Site also appear in local newspapers.
5. Respectful 4.5
High viz vests, safety helmets and boots are essential. All wear Speller Metcalfe high viz. Minimum standards of
‘dress’ are required. There is an enforced disciplinary system. Other PPE is provided as applicable. The induction
programme deals with operative’s behaviour on Site. Offensive material and radios are not allowed. A separate drying
room with key operated lockers is provided. All breaks must be taken in the canteen. PPE is available for visitors.
Toilet facilities for the disabled are provided.
6. Safe 4.5
The Site specific Safety Plan is a ‘live’ document and updated as work progresses. It is ensured that all pedestrians
have a safe passage past the Site. The Site entrance is kept closed when not in use. All accidents and ‘near misses’
are recorded and followed up. Safety information is updated on the notice board. A £50 voucher is offered quarterly to
the best suggestion on Site contributing to improvements in Site safety. There is a Site evacuation plan and drills
continue to be held.
7. Responsible 4.5
A map of and details of the route to the nearest A & E unit are posted on the notice board. 4 day trained first-aiders are
identified by ‘green stickers’ on their helmets. Details of Sub-contractor first-aiders are noted. Details of any medical
conditions that could affect an operative in the workplace are noted on a voluntary form at induction. Community
events are planned with Chase and Tindal Street Primary School. Also a student from Nottingham University visits. A
member of the Site team has been involved in evaluating an EcoHomes competition in Herefordshire. The Site is
visited by occupational health personnel to offer testing and advice.
8. Accountable 4.0
Head Office personnel ensure the site is kept up to date with CCS requirements. CCS details are discussed with
operatives at induction and operative’s handouts are distributed. All subcontractors are notified in writing of, and
required to comply with the CCS. CCS posters and information sheets are properly displayed. Neighbours are of the
reasons for CCS registration. A range of training programmes are available to personnel and apprenticeships and
work experience are offered. The Client offers positive support for meeting the needs of CCS.
Total: 35.0

Summary and conclusions
Once again the Site team were well prepared for my 2nd visit and had made positive steps to consider items we discussed at my first visit. It was very obvious that an excellent working relationship has been built up with the Client/Architect on what is a difficult project because of the unique nature of the work in trying to achieve a ‘zero carbon’ house. He was delighted with the efforts of the Site team. They are to be congratulated on achieving and maintaining such an excellent level within the CCS Code of Considerate Practice.

Date of visit 24/03/09
Monitor’s name Eur Ing Barry Brettell BSc CEng MICE

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