02.10.09 Whelan boosts its eco credentials

Whelan has launched its own environmental department in a bid to bolster its offering to potential clients, as well as to address the environmental issues affecting all construction companies. The new department is headed up by Chris Carr and Niki Swan, who will run the department alongside their respective quantity surveying and estimating positions.

Whelan's environmental department will see the company take an active stance to adopt green initiatives and incentives in the construction industry.

Chris, who passed his degree with a dissertation on Building Research Establishments Environmental Assessment Methods (BREEAM), commented: "We're keen to change the way we work in terms of increasing our eco credentials. We know that we can't completely change overnight, but through the emergence of the new department we can start to implement gradual changes to our practices and further our environmental policies."

The new department will also be responsible for upholding a number of Whelan`s current ISO quality standards as well as setting targets to achieve new standards by the end of 2009.

Chris, aged 27, and 29-year-old Niki are attending seminars and courses, including the Green Leaders conference, to ensure that they are up to speed with the latest in environmental developments and practices. The two will then deliver their findings and implement training for the rest of the Whelan staff, as well as delivering the new options to clients.

They will also be responsible for planning and implementing the company`s green strategy and for ensuring that legal requirements for the business and employees are met, all of which will set the company in good stead to achieve the Government`s 2017 target for all new buildings to be Zero Carbon.

Tony Whelan, managing director of Whelan Construction, said; "The department has been borne out of an increasing need for construction companies to offer more and more green options on new projects. We`re keen to stay at the very forefront and feel that, through the launch of the new department, we will be able to stay on top pf responsible, green construction and offer the very best cost-effective eco options to our clients before they become a legal requirement".

Whelan already has the largest site in the region employing the use of an environmetally friendly Eco joist system at its Great Park development. There, it is using 60 per cent less timber than what would otherwise be used employing standard floor joists.

Whelan Construction is one of the longest established construction firms in the North East, having been set up in 1972. Whelan`s building experience spans across many sectors, including retail, leisure, housing, education, and industrial projects across the private and public sector.