We sympathetically restored the A-Listed Victorian Palm Houses and the 1960’s ‘front-range’ Glasshouses at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh helping to safeguard global plant science and conservation for years to come.
The Edinburgh Biomes project was the most significant initiative in the 351-year history of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and focused on protecting 13,500 plant species, including many that are endangered or extinct in their native habitats.
Comprehensive works
Via the SCAPE Scotland Civil Engineering framework, we completed an extensive refurbishment and restoration work on the Palm Houses and Glasshouses. Our experts are addressed deteriorating stonework and ironwork structures, and replaced glass and windows to preserve this historic landmark and provide a safe environment for the Garden’s priceless plant collection.
We’ve also undertaken a complex package of phased work which involved installing district heating, high voltage and low voltage power, gas, water, and communication services connecting the buildings and Glasshouses to support future network changes.
With the completion of these works, we strengthened and preserved the Palm Houses and Glasshouses - ensuring their longevity for generations to come – and improved the energy efficiency of the Garden’s to support the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in its transition to net zero.
significant project in the Garden’s history
of two Grade A listed glass houses
to 13,500 plant species
Pioneering zero carbon construction
As we worked towards the carbon reduction targets set out in our ‘Building New Futures sustainability strategy, we developed a roadmap for a zero-carbon construction site, which we trialled at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. We examined every aspect of the project and using the construction carbon reduction hierarchy to find lower carbon options and solutions – integrating carbon into our decision-making and making it a priority alongside cost, quality, time and safety. To spur others across the global industry to follow our example, we documented our progress and the obstacles we encountered. The key learnings and actions from the project included:
- Early engagement - We engaged our customer, designer and supply chain partners from the outset and pooled expertise from across our UK business, establishing a dedicated delivery group and investing time upfront to assess carbon impacts and govern decisions.
- Digital integration - We aligned digital tools and data requirements from design through construction and operation to support shared sustainability goals, seamless delivery and smarter decision-making.
- Low-carbon plant and circular economy - We trialled an all‑electric fleet of telehandlers, excavators, dumpers and wackers, the first time Balfour Beatty deployed fully electric equipment on a live site. We secured carbon‑efficient heavy plant early to guarantee availability and avoid delays while exploring retrofitting carbon‑intensive plant and prioritising low‑carbon alternatives, embedding circular economy principles into our approach.
- Site set up and low carbon temporary power - We planned site layout and space requirements early to enable use of solar-hybrid generators, despite site constraints. We also used our most energy-efficient cabins to date, reducing heat loss by 39% compared to standard specifications. This set a new benchmark for future projects.
- Distribution centre model - We tested a consolidation centre approach to cut delivery-related carbon and improve logistics. Benefits were documented and shared internally, with early supply-chain engagement and timely decisions key to success.
- PPE recycling - We trialled a PPE recycling scheme to divert waste from landfill, evaluated more sustainable PPE options and gathered user feedback to refine our approach.
Driving social value through community engagement and employment initiatives
As part of our commitment to deliver long-lasting social impact for the communities we work operate it in, our project team delivered the following outcomes:
- Collaborated with the Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council and Capital City Partnership to launch the pilot ‘Ukrainian Construction Academy.’ This initiative helped Ukrainian refugees access sustainable employment in the construction industry by providing ten participants with certified training, site placements, and comprehensive employability support to gain the necessary skills and certification to work.
- Collaborated with Employer Support Services such as Rural Urban & Training Schemes and Action for Children to offer work placement opportunities, providing valuable site experience and industry-recognised certification.
- Provided employment opportunities to local residents, achieving 71% local employment, and directed 54% of spending towards the local community.