Balfour Beatty has been awarded contracts valued at £43 million to construct two new primary schools in East Lothian, Scotland. The company will be responsible for the design and construction of the schools, which will accommodate over 840 students and feature modern teaching facilities and learning spaces. The primary schools are aimed at meeting the demand from ongoing and planned house building in the local area and will support East Lothian Council's vision for a sustainable learning estate.
The construction of the primary schools will adhere to Passivhaus principles, focusing on low energy building design and construction. Balfour Beatty will also prioritize reducing carbon emissions, improving indoor air quality, and lowering energy demand and heating bills through the use of high-performance windows and doors, as well as mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.
In addition to its construction commitments, Balfour Beatty has pledged to provide at least 20 employment opportunities for local people and deliver employability workshops, including drone and virtual reality sessions, at nearby schools and colleges. Hector MacAulay MBE, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty's regional construction business in Scotland, expressed the company's excitement to deliver these new schools, emphasizing their commitment to sustainable educational facilities and giving back to local communities.
Construction is set to commence next month, with completion expected in 2025. Balfour Beatty plans to employ 200 people at the peak of construction, with 5% of its workforce consisting of apprentices, graduates, and trainees to support its commitment to The 5% Club. This initiative aims to provide opportunities for young talent in the construction industry.
Balfour Beatty is a leading international infrastructure group with a focus on delivering powerful new solutions and critical infrastructure projects. The company's commitment to sustainable projects and inclusive economic growth for local communities is evident in its award-winning initiatives, supporting Scotland's transition towards net zero in the built environment.
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