Building for a Sustainable Future
Author
Douglas Aitken, Managing Director at Lochlie Construction Group
5 minute read
The Scottish engineering, manufacturing and construction sectors are undergoing a period of significant transformation, driven by the urgent need for decarbonisation, efficiency in energy use, improved operational resilience, and the development of future-proof infrastructure.
Businesses across Scotland are increasingly seeking partners who offer not only technical expertise but also a shared commitment to sustainability and long-term value.
Lochlie Construction Group (www.lochlie.co.uk) brings extensive experience in renewable energy and building maintenance and is committed to supporting this transition.
Building for Net Zero: More Than Just Compliance
Our recent participation in the “Step Up to Net Zero” programme, sponsored by the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, has reinforced that sustainability is a key priority within the construction industry, not as a fixed target, but as a continuous process of improvement and responsibility.
We are aligned with Scotland’s Net Zero goal for 2045 and Renfrewshire’s 2030 ambitions.
This commitment is embedded in our day-to-day operations and long-term planning, Our key areas of focus are applicable in a range of commercial situations and include:
- Reducing direct emissions: Actively working to reduce carbon footprint through the use of renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, and the operation of a carbon-neutral headquarters.
- Prioritising low-carbon materials: Sourcing materials locally wherever possible, helping to reduce emissions from transportation while supporting the regional economy.
- Investing in the workforce: Teams regularly undertake training in renewable technologies and energy-efficient practices, helping to ensure their work is future-ready.
- Embracing circular construction principles: Supporting a circular economy where materials are reused and repurposed. through collaboration with recycling organisations and a focus on waste reduction,
- Sharing knowledge: Engaging with the wider industry through Open House events and collaborative networks, contributing to shared progress towards net-zero goals.
These actions reflect a broader commitment to transparency and long-term sustainability. That commitment is underpinned by regular monitoring of environmental performance using tools such as carbon calculators and openly sharing findings to encourage collective learning across the sector.
Collaboration and Communication: The Key to Success
Our experience indicates that clear communication and well-established working relationships are central to delivering construction projects effectively. Close engagement with clients and stakeholders is key to understanding project-specific needs and objectives. This collaborative approach helps ensure that strategies and solutions are appropriately adapted to the context of each project.
In both refurbishment and new build work, the emphasis has to be on maintaining consistent communication throughout. This supports alignment of expectations, improves risk management, and contributes to delivering projects on time and within budget.
Taking time to speak with peers across the Scottish engineering community is a valuable way to exchange ideas and stay informed about evolving practices. In the context of sustainability and the construction industry, these conversations are especially important. They provide a space to explore how others are tackling shared challenges—such as reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, or integrating renewable technologies—using a range of practical and scalable solutions. By learning from one another, we can strengthen collective efforts to embed sustainability more deeply into everyday construction practices.
Strengthening Solar Capability Through Training, Collaboration, and Practical Support
At Lochlie we have invested over £10,000 in renewables training to build in-house expertise in solar PV, battery storage, and EV charging. This ongoing training helps ensure our team stays up to date with the latest technologies and compliance requirements across all projects.
We frequently share our insights and lessons learned through industry events with Scottish Engineering and local Chambers of Commerce.
Our Open House events have also been well received, providing an opportunity to share lessons learned and offer tours of our carbon-neutral office.
In addition, we also have supported other SMEs in securing renewable energy funding by providing consumption modelling and data-driven insights to strengthen grant applications.
Harnessing Data for Solar PV Success
Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is widely recognised as a key solution for reducing energy costs and supporting sustainability goals. The optimal approach to solar PV goes well beyond simply installing panels. The aim must be to ensure that every kilowatt is used as efficiently as possible by integrating real-time data analytics,
At our Hillington Park headquarters, we have installed a 38kW solar PV system, 54kWh Tesla Powerwall battery storage, and air source heat pumps. These technologies allow us to monitor and optimise our energy use. Real-time data helps us track our progress in reducing carbon emissions and offers valuable insights into system performance.
Beyond our own facilities, we have worked with a range of companies, including fellow Scottish Engineering members such as Atlas Winch & Hoist Services. Collectively, all these projects are expected to generate around 800,000 kWh of electricity over the coming year, leading to estimated cost savings of more than £200,000.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Engineering and Manufacturing in Scotland
The growing emphasis on sustainability within Scotland’s engineering, manufacturing and construction sectors goes beyond regulatory compliance. It reflects a shift towards building an industry that is more resilient, energy-efficient, and responsive to long-term environmental and economic challenges.
At Lochlie Construction Group, we view our work as part of this wider transition. Through our involvement in areas such as solar PV, planned maintenance, and refurbishment, we support the movement towards more sustainable construction and engineering practices. These are just starting points in a much broader process of innovation and adaptation.
As technologies continue to advance, so too must the ways we apply them. This means remaining open to new approaches, collaborating across sectors, and sharing practical knowledge that helps others implement sustainable solutions effectively. It’s not simply about adopting the latest tools—it’s about choosing the right combination of technologies for the specific context of each project.
Regardless of who you choose to work with, successful integration of low-carbon technologies depends on thoughtful planning, cost awareness, and a clear understanding of what’s most appropriate for the situation at hand. When applied well, these solutions can deliver measurable impact and meaningful progress towards Scotland’s net-zero targets.
We would be delighted to explore these concepts further with you.
Email: info@lochlie.co.uk
Phone: 0141 212 0000
