Derby’s flagship flood defence scheme, Our City, Our River (OCOR), has been recognised for its strong environmental performance, after contractor John Sisk & Son achieved a perfect score in its latest Considerate Constructors Scheme (CSS) assessment.
OCOR is designed to protect Derby from more frequent and severe river flooding as our climate changes, and the environment is at the heart of how the scheme is being delivered. This commitment is reflected in Sisk’s perfect CSS score, which highlighted the near-universal use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel, robust pollution controls, and Zero Plastic to Landfill accreditation.
Wildlife along the River Derwent is also being protected and supported. Carefully planned fish rescues have safeguarded species during in-channel works around spawning seasons and new nesting boxes, otter boxes and other habitat features have been installed to help local birds and mammals thrive along the river corridor.
Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability said:
OCOR is a major engineering scheme, but environmental responsibility runs through everything we do. These new defences will help protect Derby from the impacts of climate change, and we are equally focused on reducing our footprint and enhancing the riverside environment as we build them. It’s great to see that our delivery partners share our commitment to creating a greener Derby.
Lee Long, Project Director for Sisk, said:
The OCOR team puts ‘being a good neighbour’ front and centre of all our works planning, whether we’re considering the needs of local business, residents or wildlife, so it’s great to be recognised as such. This really is a team effort with Derby CC, Sisk, Tetratech and our supply chain all contributing best practice in customer experience and environmental controls and betterment.
These green credentials are just one aspect of the success in the CCS assessment. Sisk were also praised for their work with the community. This has included building strong relationships with residents, schools, and businesses, and providing training and employment opportunities in the city, taking the legacy for OCOR beyond just the built environment.
Work continues on the scheme, which is a joint effort between Derby City Council and the Environment Agency. When complete, it will provide enhanced flood protection to more than 2000 existing properties, while also unlocking the potential for regeneration on 80 hectares of existing city centre brownfield land.