22 September 2021 | AmcoGiffen
AmcoGiffen is demonstrating its drive to deliver CEEQUAL certified, sustainable construction with a range of environmental initiatives being used on a project for Merseyrail.
The project at Birkenhead Park station is part of a wider Access for All programme being undertaken across the Merseyrail network which is funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority "Transforming Cities Fund" and the Department for Transport "Access for All" programme.
This work supports the wider aspiration to make all stations across the Liverpool City Region and the Merseyrail network accessible to all.
At Birkenhead Park a passenger lift is being installed to provide customer access from the booking hall to island platform level, altering the layout of the booking office and upgrading the link span structure.
Work started mid-July and has already received commendation from site visitors for the exemplary environmental documentation and planning.
Working with supply partners; ThinkHire and Speedy, the site has a Solartainer that uses Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel instead of gas oil. The solar panels generate electricity to power the batteries with the aid of the HVO-fuelled generator. The generator turns off when there is sufficient power to run the site. Early signs show approximately 97% reduction in overall fuel consumption by running 44% of the time from solar, and 56% of the time from batteries charged by solar and only 4% of generator burning HVO fuel.
Not only does the use of solar power and battery technology reduce our carbon emissions; it reduces air emissions, improves air quality and reduces noise pollution. This is especially beneficial to line side neighbours who can be affected by site noise in rural areas as well as built-up urban areas.
Jane English, Deputy Managing Director at Merseyrail, said: “As part of our commitment to providing a cleaner, greener Merseyrail we are pleased that our contractors AmcoGiffen have been reducing their construction site carbon emissions while carrying out vital work at Birkenhead Park station to improve accessibility.
“It’s important to us that we provide an affordable, greener and well connected transport system that values the communities and environment it operates in and I’m pleased that AmcoGiffen are supporting us in achieving this goal.”
The AmcoGiffen site team, led by Jason Harte, has put every effort into minimising the impact on the environment as a result of the project construction: as well as working with Merseyrail to engage effectively with the community around the station. Developing plans to work with local schools to promote STEM and collaborating to keep residents and passengers informed during the work.
The scheme is due to end in spring 2022 and will include; earthworks, piling with cranes, lift shaft installation, scaffolding, building works, link span structure, fencing, gates and steps.
As the company trials new environmental initiatives that deliver better value and reduce cost, they’re mandating the use of some systems where practical to become the norm. All part of the journey to become carbon neutral.