Top marks for the Pevensey Star Inn Gates project team

This includes the maximum five bonus points for innovation and best practice – an exceptional accomplishment. Not only is this VolkerStevin’s highest ever score, it is a remarkable industry milestone, with only nine other projects reaching this level in the past three years. 

VolkerStevin was contracted by the Environment Agency to upgrade the current water control structure at the Pevensey Levels in East Sussex. The structure had reached the end of its working life, and a new solution was required to improve water level control and an eel passage.

The project received two innovation points for the construction of a one-of-a-kind eel pass. VolkerStevin, working in collaboration with JBA Consulting and the Environment Agency, designed an eel pass that is entirely passive and will ensure a consistent flow rate, without any manual or electrical operations. The eel pass exit comprises a floating articulating swivel pipe, which will allow it to adapt to seasonal variations in the water level. To read more about the eel pass, follow this link: VolkerStevin develops one of a kind gravity eel pass at the Pevensey Levels | VolkerStevin

The team received three best practice points; the first one was awarded for the introduction of hypo packs. The team identified the need for improved support in managing hypoglycaemic incidents onsite, and so placed kits at site touchpoints to enhance the team’s ability to respond effectively to hypoglycaemic instances.

The second best practice point was given for the project team’s use of the Instagrid One Max power station, this is a battery powered power station that allows both 110v and 240v power to be supplied remotely, replacing traditional petrol powered generators. The team recognised that these would be a fantastic way to reduce carbon, provide safer power and reduce fumes in confined spaces.

The final best practice point was awarded for the use of reduced carbon hydraulically bound material surfacing, a recycled surfacing that the team have used to lay the temporary surfacing for the site compound carpark. The team identified this surfacing as an opportunity to reduce carbon on the project, the surfacing is a semi flexible subbase similar to lean mix concrete, it is made from road plannings, recycled type 1 and a cementitious binder. The surfacing has shown to be durable and provided a CO2 saving between 20-40%. Upon completion of the project the surfacing will be removed and recycled.

The CCS report also recognises the amazing work the team are doing in the local community, engaging with students, supporting charities and providing regular updates to residents.