2015 Sustainability Report published by Crossrail

Apprenticeship target surpassed in one of many successes.

Crossrail has today published its 2015 Sustainability Report which showcases the economic, social and environmental successes achieved in the six years since work commenced.

In its fourth year, the Sustainability Report reviews the performance in achieving sustainability on Crossrail during the 2014-15 financial year.

Details cover the surface works that are being developed by Network Rail along with the Central London works that are being delivered by Crossrail Ltd.

The report suggests that the development is hitting its sustainability targets in this “incredibly busy year”.

Currently, the Crossrail project is 60% complete, and over the six years, has benefited from innovative work.

The report is comparable with those from previous years, and data on Crossrail’s performance is presented and supported by additional information to provide greater context.

All points are illustrated with case studies which identify best practice and highlight the innovations that have benefited the project or wider industry.

It has been no different in the performance levels from April 2014 to March 2015, which is covered in the latest Sustainability Report.

Of the various economic benefits highlighted in the report, 95% of contracts awarded by Crossrail went to UK-based organisations, with 61% of suppliers based outside London.

Crossrail has also been useful to SMEs, with 44% of them saying new contacts were made because of their work on the project.

In terms of the environment, seven million tonnes of material have been excavated during construction and most of this hasn’t been wasted given that 98% of it has been reused beneficially.

There has been a 13% rise in the amount of construction equipment in the central section of the route that is fitted with emissions controls. Last year, that figure was 73%, and now it is 86%. Elsewhere, LED lighting is going to be used in Crossrail tunnels and stations, which will save up to 38% of energy compared to fluorescent lighting.

The Sustainability Report also highlights the social benefits brought about by Crossrail. Local and unemployed people have benefited greatly, with 4,115 people from these two demographics having secured employment.

Lorry users have been educated about sharing the road with vulnerable road users. There are currently 8,039 lorry drivers who have attended 561 courses, and more than 10,000 workers have been trained at TUCA.

Real progress has been made on apprentices throughout Crossrail. In 2009, a target of employing 400 apprentices through the lifetime of the project was set out.

Even though the project has only just passed halfway, this target has already been surpassed, with 426 learning on the project and add to that the 957 young people who have had work experience on Crossrail and it is obvious just how wide ranging the social benefits have been.

Crossrail’s Chief Executive, Andrew Wolstenholme, hailed the “significant progress” that has been made.

He said: “In the past year, we have made significant progress on our construction programme. We have surpassed a number of key targets, with 96.5% of construction and demolition waste reused, over three million tonnes of excavated material used to create a new RSPB wetland habitat, and over 400 apprentices recruited.”

The report also looks ahead to the 2015-16 financial year, which will see Crossrail work with its partners to deliver 30 station improvements, 12 above station developments and urban realm improvements across the entire route.

Crossrail has seen many milestones hit this year, with the completion of the 26 miles of tunnelling. The machine that carried this out has since been dismantled but the next year promises to provide many more landmarks.

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