OUR FIRST 'ESG MATTERS' TALK FOR 2023 Each month at asset International Structures , we will be discussing a wide range of topics linked to ESG and wellbeing. Our first 'ESG Matters' topic for 2023 was 'Love Your Liver', and we have included a brief snapshot above. January's talk was brought to us by David Mason, our Product Sales Manager for Steel. Dave talked us through the importance of looking after ourselves, especially our liver. We were all surprised to learn just how vital the organ is for our health and wellbeing, as well as the amount of functions it carries out on a daily basis. Throughout 2023, we will be covering a wide range of matters which not only raise awareness, but also offer continued support.

AN ESG TALK DELIVERED BY JADE, RAISING AWARENESS FOR BINGE DRINKING Administration & Accounts Assistant Jade Wall recently delivered our first ESG Matters talk of the year, focussing on binge drinking. Jade unveiled some alarming statistics and encouraged a healthy discussion within the team.   Swipe through the carousel below to discover how binge drinking is defined, and actions you can take if you are affected.

COVENTRY BUILDING SOCIETY ARENA - WED 11TH MARCH Our first exhibition of the year will be taking place on 11 th  March, at the CBS Arena, Coventry.   Bridges Conference 2026 will explore how innovation, collaboration and adaptability are reshaping the way bridges are conceived, delivered, and maintained. You can find us at Stand C10, and ticket information can be found HERE .   Let us know in the chat below if you will be in attendance - we would love to meet up for an informal discussion!

TWEEDSMUIR, SCOTLAND PROJECT OVERVIEW This 7m span, 3.56m rise, 21.4m length asset MultiPlate MP200 single radius arch was constructed over a burn at Whitelaw Brae wind farm. Construction of Whitelaw Brae is currently in progress, and is anticipated to be fully commissioned and operational by the end of 2026. Once operational, it will be capable of generating up to 149,400MWh of clean electricity per year (powering around 45,000 average UK homes), and delivering 65,300 tonnes of emissions reductions. We were approached to design and supply a steel culvert over a watercourse, which would provide the main access track to enable turbine foundations as well as transportation of turbine masts, rotors and blades. The asset MultiPlate MP200 culvert is to be backfilled with a road running over the top, in order to facilitate transportation requirements. PROBLEM SOLVED Due to the need for efficient transportation, the burn running through the main access route was the main problem to be solved within this project. Our asset MultiPlate corrugated culvert provided the ideal lightweight solution; a perfect application in remote environments where heavy lifting equipment was not required. Using corrugated steel in culvert and bridge design also offers substantial savings in design cost and installation time. ESG During the planning and installation stages of this project, SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) were the main consideration due to the protection of the watercourse. SEPA protect, manage and improve Scotland's water environments, which are fundamental for safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring that Scotland’s unique aquatic wildlife is protected. In addition to the watercourse, due to the modular nature of asset MultiPlate, there was minimal disruption to site during installation. This had a positive impact to local wildlife within the area.

MIDLETON, IRELAND PROJECT OVERVIEW This impressive triple arch system comprises of 2x T17.5 arches, 1x T22.5 arch with bevel ends over a watercourse, plus an additional E24 square-ended asset BEBO concrete arch positioned over a separate watercourse running parallel to the first. This installation is situated at Midleton Distillery, County Cork, Ireland. Midleton Distillery is home to iconic whiskey brands Jameson, Redbreast, and Powers, combining historic buildings with modern distilling. The distillery was established in 1825 by the Murphy brothers, and has evolved over the years into a state-of-the-art facility and production hub. PROBLEM SOLVED A new site is currently being developed, with a need to transport whiskey from the existing distillery to the new site. The purpose of the asset BEBO concrete arches is to facilitate smooth transportation, as well as to create voids within the embankment to mitigate floods within the area. ESG Along with the many environmental benefits associated with asset BEBO green bridges, the main ESG driver for this project was flood mitigation. Two of the four concrete arches were constructed over watercourses, allowing water to flow through the embankment and provide (along with the two remaining arches) flood alleviation between the old and new sites.

WE COMBINED FESTIVE JUMPER DAY WITH OUR LAST ESG TALK OF THE YEAR We combined Festive Jumper Day with our last ESG Matters talk of the year -  Sparkle Appeal .   Our Management Accountant  Matthew Jones  talked us through the incredible work that Sparkle do in supporting children and young people with a disability or developmental difficulty living in Gwent, South Wales.   Sparkle provide facilities and activities for recreation, leisure, sport and family engagement, supporting hundreds of Gwent children and young people with complex needs, and their families. We are proud to be supporting Sparkle with an upcoming charity donation.   For more information, please visit HERE

AN ESG TALK BY KOH, IN LINE WITH MOUTH CANCER AWARENESS MONTH This month’s ESG Matters talk focussed on raising awareness for mouth cancer.    In line with Mouth Cancer Awareness Month, our Technical Sales & Estimating Manager  Koh  talked us through the facts, warning signs, risk factors and tips for preventing mouth cancer. We learnt how to conduct a 2-minute self examination, as well as how to help spread awareness.   Mouth Cancer Awareness Month is all about sharing knowledge. Tell your friends, family, and co-workers to look after their oral health, encourage regular check-ups and open up the conversation. More information can be found in the carousel below:

LITTLE HAMPTON, WEST SUSSEX PROJECT OVERVIEW Hampton Park, a new housing estate based in Little Hampton, West Sussex, required an arch structure within the wetlands area of the site. The purpose of the structure was to accommodate a carriageway, shared cycleway / footway and associated verges and embankments. The asset BEBO Arch E15.5mT (bevel ended), with a span of 14.4m, a 2.9m rise and an arch thickness of 476mm, provides active travel connectivity by linking two phases of the development together. PROBLEM SOLVED This project was particularly challenging due to the difficult ground conditions. The modular nature of our asset BEBO Arch proved to be the perfect solution, and was assembled in segments and stitched together using reinforced concrete at the apex. The reinforced embankments utilised lightweight Leca fill to reduce the loading on the sub-structure. Aesthetically pleasing bevelled concrete arches provide an excellent example of why our technology is used for highway structures, green bridges and within housing developments. ESG This impressive concrete structure provides three core ESG benefits to the scheme: Habitat creation – Connecting local wildlife and preserving existing habitats Flood mitigation – The void within the embankment creates capacity in a flood event Social connectivity – Reducing congestion and providing active travel route

MONDAY 25TH NOVEMBER, 12:30PM - 1:30PM Exciting announcement!   We are delivering a Lunch & Learn through  The PWI  on Monday 25th November from 12:30pm to 1:30pm.   Our presentation will be an exploration of technical solutions, showcasing our innovative approach to rail infrastructure and addressing the many environmental challenges we face, while embracing future technological advancements.   To book your FREE space, please visit:  https://www.thepwi.org/event/infrastructure-under-pressure-designing-for-durability-and-adaptability/

AN ESG TALK DELIVERED BY VICTORIA MCTAVISH In line with World Menopause Day which took place on 18th October,  Victoria McTavish  delivered an informative ESG Matters presentation to the team. Menopause affects half the workforce directly and men indirectly (colleagues, partners, friends). Creating understanding boosts team morale, gender equity, and employee retention. Thank you Victoria for helping to raise awareness.

GUILDFORD, SURREY PROJECT OVERVIEW 40m of asset BaFix 70 was required as part of ongoing maintenance issues along the Nightingale Road trainline, Guildford. asset were asked to provide a concept to solve a failing masonry retaining/parapet wall issue caused by buddleja growth, which destabilised the retained wall structure. The project was in a difficult to access area, positioned behind a row of terraced houses. The permanent works solution to a 40m section (as instructed by Network Rail) called for our innovative ballast retention system due to reduced installation times whilst backfilling, compared to installing ballast boards. PROBLEM SOLVED The asset BaFix 70 system had to be positioned behind the retained structure, in order for the failing masonry parapet to be removed and rebuilt, and all vegetation removed. Installation was completed over one weekend possession to avoid disruption to train operating companies and passengers, by carrying out work during known hours with no rail activity. ESG The main ESG consideration for this project was social value. Installation noise was kept to a minimum during night working, as asset BaFix doesn't require large machinery to install. The amount of retention achieved meant that no further possessions were required. Re-using existing brickwork also removed the need for further masonry construction to take place, which would have caused disruption to local residents.

NEC BIRMINGHAM - WED 15TH TO THURS 16TH OCTOBER Our final exhibition of the year will take place at  Highways UK  on 15th and 16th October! We will be on Stand J55, showcasing our innovative range of infrastructure solutions designed specifically for the road sector within the UK and internationally. We look forward to seeing you there!