Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26 Progress Report for 2023-2024

Annex B: Major capital projects - climate change targets, strategic outcomes and contribution made to economic development.

The following includes information relating to projects within the IIP Major Capital Projects Progress Update for August 2024 and their accompanying climate change targets, strategic outcomes and the contribution made to local economic development.

Sector: Transport

Project: A9 Dualling Tomatin to Moy

How does the project support the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Targets: Every effort is being made to mitigate the environmental impacts of this programme. We value the environment we are working in and place emphasis on striking a balance between delivering projects and respecting the sensitivities of the area. Significant environmental assessment work and consultation has been undertaken to consider environmental impacts for this programme.

Our National Transport Strategy is clear that we will not build infrastructure to cater for forecast unconstrained increases in traffic volumes. The rationale for investment in this project is not based on facilitating increases in road traffic. We will continue to take bold action to reduce both car usage and the emissions of road vehicles. Contract requirements will include a focus on carbon reduction, use of renewable power sources, use of low emission vehicles and construction plant, emphasis on waste reduction and circular economy and exploration of innovative alternative design solutions.

How does the project support the three themes of the Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan Strategic Themes: The project will drive inclusive economic growth by strengthening connectivity; the dual carriageway reduces journey times and improves journey time reliability along this part of the A9 corridor. This will improve the competitiveness of rural businesses using the A9.

The contract will include an emphasis on sustainability; economic growth and building resilient and sustainable places. It will include increased focus on decarbonisation, including increased carbon reduction measures, waste management controls and material reuse (circular economy) proposals, particularly in relation to peat. The contract will also contain a provision for the site accommodation to be a “sustainable power hub,” with the main source of energy coming from the national grid (i.e. from renewable sources rather than fossil fuel generators).

The project will include the use of positive Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDs) to improve the drainage in the area thereby controlling the flow of water released into the existing drainage systems and providing treatment to water runoff. This will support the mitigation of potential flooding, treat water at source and provide ecological benefits. There will also be an emphasis placed upon opportunities generated for Small and Medium Enterprises and Supported Businesses, to help support economic growth in the region. It will also provide training opportunities, fair working practices and promotion of equality and wellbeing for all people working on the project. The appointed contractor will also propose a number of community enhancements in and around the project to provide lasting benefits for local communities.

How does the project contribute to Local Economic Development: The contract includes a significant emphasis on community benefits and social value. Such benefits include creation of employment and training opportunities, including an onsite training facility to be shared with communities surrounding the project, supporting small and medium sized enterprises through local subcontract opportunities and maximising opportunities for Supported Businesses and Social Enterprises as well as an emphasis on improving health and wellbeing of workforce.

The project also aims to provide educational benefits to local schools through training initiatives such as Academy 9 programme. It also aims to provide local communities with improved connectivity to public transport with upgrades to approximately 10km of non-motorised user routes to encourage active travel such as walking and cycling.

Project: A9 Dualling Tay Crossing to Ballinluig

How does the project support the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Targets: Every effort is being made to mitigate the environmental impacts of this project. We value the environment we are working in and place emphasis on striking a balance between delivering this project and respecting the sensitivities of the area. Significant environmental assessment work and consultation has been undertaken to consider environmental impacts for this programme. Our National Transport Strategy is clear that we will not build infrastructure to cater for forecast unconstrained increases in traffic volumes. The rationale for investment in this project is not based on facilitating increases in road traffic. The project will support tackling climate change through the A9 Dualling Social Value Programme that will be embedded in the contract and procurement process to incentivise decarbonisation within construction. The project will implement carbon reduction targets, as well as prioritising the use of electric / low or zero carbon emissions vehicles on site, where possible.

How does the project support the three themes of the Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan Strategic Themes: The project will drive inclusive economic growth by strengthening connectivity and the dual carriageway reduces journey times and improves journey time reliability along this part of the A9 corridor. This will improve the competitiveness of rural businesses using the A9. The contract will include an emphasis on sustainability, economic growth and building resilient and sustainable places. The project will require the use of renewable energy sources wherever possible, to power site office and compound facilities and introduce carbon emission measurement, monitoring and reporting as well as promoting the use of the circular economy and waste minimisation. It will also provide training opportunities, fair working practices and promotion of equality and wellbeing for all people working on the project. The appointed contractor will also propose a number of community enhancements in and around the project to provide lasting benefits for local communities. The project contributes to providing high quality and efficient public services through the delivery of reduced journey times, improved safety for motorised and non-motorised users, as well as improved access to public transport with a new overbridge providing unrestricted access for pedestrians and non-motorised users over the A9 allowing access to both northbound and southbound bus stops safely. Additionally, the project will provide new paved footways and dedicated non-motorised user links to improve active travel networks in the area.

How does the project contribute to Local Economic Development: The contract will include a significant emphasis on community benefits or social value. Such benefits are envisaged to include creation of employment and training opportunities, supporting small and medium sized enterprises through local subcontract opportunities and maximising opportunities for Supported Businesses and Social Enterprises, as well as an emphasis on improving health and wellbeing of workforce. The project also aims to provide educational benefits to local schools through training initiatives such as Academy 9 programme. It also aims to provide local communities with improved connectivity to public transport with upgrades to the non-motorised user routes to encourage active travel such as walking and cycling.

Project: Levenmouth Rail project

How does the project support the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Targets: The project contributes to the Transport Scotland’s National Transport Strategy target of a reduction in carbon emissions by 75% compared to the baseline by 2030 and decarbonisation by 2035, as well as towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. The project has the opportunity to encourage modal shift from private car to rail, especially for journeys within Levenmouth, contributing to reducing carbon emissions.

How does the project support the three themes of the Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan Strategic Themes: New opportunities for travel will be opened up to provide access to additional jobs, educational facilities and connectivity for leisure activities, accessibility and other local attractions. The project will also increase the attractiveness of Leven for increased economic activity and tourism through increased labour market participation and productivity uplift.

How does the project contribute to Local Economic Development: The reinstatement of Levenmouth Rail Line will provide the area with a major boost to economic sustainability and connectivity. It will deliver opportunities for local people - unlocking access to education, culture, entertainment and employment options, as well attracting new business and investment. This is further enhanced by the £10 million Levenmouth Reconnected Programme which seeks to maximise the economic and social opportunities presented by the new Levenmouth Rail Line.

Project: East Kilbride Rail Enhancement

How does the project support the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Targets: The project aligns with Scotland's 2018-2032 Climate Change Plan update. It also takes climate action; helping to deliver the net-zero target, adapting to the effects of climate change and promoting greener, cleaner choices. Decarbonised corridors will help to deliver the net-zero target.

How does the project support the three themes of the Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan Strategic Themes: Delivering the East Kilbride project allows decarbonisation in the form of electrification on this region of the network, which will be enabled through the deployment of existing electric rolling stock. As well as delivering the full electrification of the East Kilbride corridor, the project will also deliver enhanced station facilities at East Kilbride and the construction of the new, relocated Hairmyres station with enhanced facilities, which will be transformational in providing a bus interchange, park and ride and active travel hub for passengers along this vital route. Step free access is to be provided at both these stations, and Giffnock station, enhancing accessibility for passengers.

How does the project contribute to Local Economic Development: The project is being delivered by Network Rail who employ graduate trainees and have an extensive apprentice training programme.

Project: Markle Level Crossing Bridge Replacement

How does the project support the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Targets: The National Transport Strategy 2 (NTS2) was published in February 2020 and outlines the vision for Scotland’s transport system over the next 20 years. One of the 4 priorities on NTS2 is taking climate action. The scheme is an enabler for East Linton Station and subsequently encourages more sustainable trip making. The project thus contributes towards Net Zero and Environmental Sustainability by enabling modal shift from road to rail.

How does the project support the three themes of the Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan Strategic Themes: The development supports the SPP (Scottish Planning Policy) overriding goal of achieving sustainable development by providing a high-quality rail connection to strategic locations such as Edinburgh (north). This will contribute towards the policy of driving inclusive economic growth. The new station will also facilitate new sustainable housing developments at East Linton, thus contributing the theme of Building Resilient and Sustainable Places.

How does the project contribute to Local Economic Development: The project will be delivered by East Lothian Council with Balfour Beatty PLC as the main contractor. Balfour Beatty PLC employs graduate trainees and has an extensive apprentice training programme.

Project: Borders Railway Decarbonisation

How does the project support the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Targets: The National Transport Strategy 2 (NTS2) was published in February 2020 and outlines the vision for Scotland’s transport system over the next 20 years. One of the 4 priorities on NTS2 is taking climate action. The scheme forms part of the Rail Services Decarbonisation Action Plan, which is the plan to decarbonise rail traction in Scotland. The project thus contributes towards Net Zero and Environmental Sustainability by reducing carbon emissions from rolling stock.

How does the project support the three themes of the Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan Strategic Themes: The project is a direct enabler for the transition to Net Zero Emissions and contributes to environmental sustainability, through its contribution to decarbonisation of the rail network. The project supports the SPP (Scottish Planning Policy) overriding goal of achieving sustainable development by providing a high-quality rail connection to strategic locations such as Edinburgh. This will contribute towards the policy of driving inclusive economic growth.

How does the project contribute to Local Economic Development: The project will be delivered by Network Rail which employs graduate trainees and have an extensive apprentice training programme.

Project: Fife Decarbonisation

How does the project support the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Targets: The National Transport Strategy 2 (NTS2) was published in February 2020 and outlines the vision for Scotland’s transport system over the next 20 years. One of the 4 priorities on NTS2 is taking climate action. The scheme forms part of the Rail Services Decarbonisation Action Plan, which is the plan to decarbonise rail traction in Scotland. The project thus contributes towards Net Zero and Environmental Sustainability by reducing carbon emissions from rolling stock.

How does the project support the three themes of the Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan Strategic Themes: The project is a direct enabler for the transition to Net Zero Emissions and contributes to environmental sustainability through its contribution to decarbonisation of the rail network. The project supports the SPP (Scottish Planning Policy) overriding goal of achieving sustainable development by providing a high-quality rail connection to strategic locations such as Edinburgh, Perth and Dundee. This will contribute towards the policy of driving inclusive economic growth.

How does the project contribute to Local Economic Development: The project will be delivered by Network Rail which employs graduate trainees and have an extensive apprentice training programme.

Project: CMAL - Two new 100 metre ferries

How does the project support the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Targets: This project aligns with Scotland’s 2018-2032 Climate Change Plan Update. Contributing towards a reduction in carbon emissions by the use of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and bunkering facilities at ports. LNG is a proven technology, utilised by maritime sectors in a number of other countries, including Norway. The LNG facility will be built in line with industry and safety requirements. LNG has a reduced GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emission compared to MGO (Marine Gas Oil) of c.20-25%.

How does the project support the three themes of the Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan Strategic Themes: LNG has significant local air quality benefits with shore-powering providing for overnight powering of vessels, with significant local noise and air quality improvements for residents and crew. The project will act as a key enabler of the wider net-zero vessel strategy and there will be greener, quieter, reliable vessels on Scotland’s ferry network.

How does the project contribute to Local Economic Development: These new ferries will improve the ferry service provision to island communities. It is anticipated these new ferries will boost economic sustainability through tourism. In addition, they will also maintain and enhance social and cultural wellbeing and the sustainability of these communities. This can also include direct access to jobs and access to services such as health and education.

Sector: Health

Project: National Waiting Times Centre Board - Hospital Expansion

Programme - Phase 2

How does the project support the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Targets: Project delivered in line with current sustainability guidance, BREEAM 2018 (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology). Targets agreed with NSS / HFS (National Services Scotland / Healthcare Frameworks Scotland) as part of key stage reviews.

How does the project support the three themes of the Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan Strategic Themes: The building will be energy efficient with energy targets agreed. Economic growth will be driven by use of local supply chain where appropriate - contractor has community benefit criteria to meet in this regard. Phase 2 of the Hospital Expansion Programme will increase capacity and provide better long-term service provision.

How does the project contribute to Local Economic Development: Project provided opportunities on Employment, Skills & Training, Health Benefit Outcomes, Environmental issues, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) & 3rd Sector Involvement in line with our board policies Better Health Through Employment, Sustainability / Environmental and Procurement Strategy.

Project: NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Foxgrove (National Secure Adolescent Inpatient Service)

How does the project support the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Targets: Foxgrove has been designed to meet Section 6 of the current Scottish Building Regulations, including utilising the “hotbox” of existing boilers to provide a district heating system for Foxgrove. This is classed as an innovative way to reuse waste energy from the existing boilers.

How does the project support the three themes of the Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan Strategic Themes: Recycled Waste (% Target to be set). Reduced Waste to Landfill (% of re-use inert material, Target to be set). Carbon Reduction (Car sharing scheme, training and awareness workshops to building users on efficient use of building, deliver cycling proficiency training).

How does the project contribute to Local Economic Development:

• Works Awarded by Value (5% of works awarded to SMEs by value)
• Work Awarded by Tendering Opportunities to SMEs (20%)
• Supplier Development e.g. Number of seminars (winning work, value management, risk management, PQQ bidding, Health and Safety, environmental stewardship etc)
• 1 Meet the Buyers Day
• 15 Training sessions provided to SMEs e.g. Number of seminars (leadership, supervisor, Health and Safety, presentation, BIM, bid training etc)

Project: NHS Lothian - Oncology Enabling Projects, Edinburgh Cancer

Centre

How does the project support the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Targets: The majority of the projects within the program were refurbishment projects with limited opportunity for implementation of the net zero carbon strategy. For the new build Linacc project, the building was designed in line with the 'fabric first' approach achieving standards above Section 6 Building Regulations. Mechanical and Electrical proposals have incorporated energy efficient building services design features.

How does the project support the three themes of the Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan Strategic Themes: The project reinforced the commitment to a skilled workforce across a range of NHS services on the Western General Hospital. The refurbishment projects provided a sustainable and resilient service for the local community.

How does the project contribute to Local Economic Development: The project provided skilled employment opportunities for the local area through its lifecycle from construction to operation, with key performance indicators (KPIs) as part of the Framework Contract. It attracted skilled workers to the area further contributing to the development of the local economy.

Project: NHS Grampian - Aberdeen Baird Family Hospital and ANCHOR

Centre

How does the project support the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Targets: The targets for both Thermal and Electrical load for both new buildings have been set at a level which is lower per m² than the buildings which they are replacing. The buildings will be sourcing their heat from a Low and Zero Carbon (LZC) district heating scheme from the campus centrally in the form of a CHP (Combined Heat and Power). Flood risk assessment was undertaken and informed the design. The Board works towards aligning itself with all government legislation and adhering to the targets.

How does the project support the three themes of the Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan Strategic Themes: Improvements in energy performance of the new facilities will support the delivery of national emissions reduction targets and the NHS Grampian’s Carbon Management Plan. The priority of NHS Grampian to tackle health inequalities has been recognised in the development of this project for example: the use of technology to deliver services in local communities where possible; promoting home or community based treatment, and the creation of Community Maternity Units – in Aberdeen, Inverurie and Peterhead.

How does the project contribute to Local Economic Development: Community

benefits recorded as achieved include:

• Number of new jobs supported by project on a Quarterly basis - 6
• Advanced Health and Safety Training - Principal Supply Chain Partners (PSCP) to deliver H&S training to advanced level - 20
• Meet The Buyer Events - Focus on Tier 2 supply chain - 2
• Apprenticeship in employment on project at any level (Existing Apprentices) - 15
• Apprenticeship Completions - whilst working on project - 1
• Graduate Employment - 4
• Employment Opportunities - minimum of 26 weeks and aimed at and filled by New
• Entrants - 6
• Work Experience Placements - 7
• School visits (primary and secondary) - presentation on careers and project - 102

Project: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde - North East Hub

How does the project support the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Targets: Glasgow City Council introduced a Gold Standard for Planning Applications in 2019 that similarly required net zero carbon developments. The design proposals for North East hub and accompanying cost plans have been developed to achieve this through rigorous examination of design, specification and construction proposals. The current design will offer a zero-carbon heating by utilising air source heat pumps and utilising electricity generated by photovoltaic panels and green electricity from the grid. The building fabric includes passivhaus principles of high air-tightness requirements and heat recovery from ventilation systems. Triple glazing is used throughout with a presumption towards using natural light and natural ventilation where possible.

How does the project support the three themes of the Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan Strategic Themes: The success of this investment in enabling service transformation for the benefit of the local community will be demonstrable through delivery of these opportunities and benefits whilst also becoming integral to further regeneration plans for the area, fostering inclusive carbon net zero economic growth, producing an even more resilient community who have a focus on “place making”, becoming a fairer and more equal society, and reducing poverty and inequalities

How does the project contribute to Local Economic Development: A community investment group has been set up to help develop the social value plan for the North East Hub project. Key outcomes to date include:

• 2 new start employment opportunities have been created on site - these were advertised via Jobs and Business Glasgow and the transitional employment programme was utilised
• Education programme launched November 2021, supporting 13 pupils through their Foundation Apprenticeship at SCQF (Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework) level 4 in Construction
• Helping Hands Initiative Competition launched July 2022
• SME local business training, 2 events delivered during Q2 2021 to registered companies

Project: NHS Forth Valley - National Treatment Centre

How does the project support the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Targets: Will align to an existing hospital project agreement and tie into existing infrastructure. The project will be delivered in line with target BREEAM rating to be agreed with NSS / Health Facilities Scotland.

How does the project support the three themes of the Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan Strategic Themes: Project will reduce patient waiting times while also localising treatments.

How does the project contribute to Local Economic Development: As a modular building, manufacture will be offsite with enabling work and construction separately as well as car parking construction and amendments. Opportunities for local economic development to be confirmed with the SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) and contractors.

Project: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde - Radionuclide Dispensary

How does the project support the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Targets: Achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions presents a particular challenge to specialist

high energy facilities such as the RND (Radionuclide Dacryography) Radionuclide Dispensary. This challenge has been tackled in three areas:

• Consider new production technology and assess if this could offer improved service and support a reduced energy model
• Review environmental conditions set out in the URS to consider where these can be challenged to reduce the energy impact
• Ensure that both the building fabric and services are as energy efficiency as possible

Computer simulation of the energy model is provided by the TM54 methodology for forecasting the operational energy efficiency of a building. The current proposals have been fully modelled and evaluated by a specialist consultancy team. The executive summary to the output report highlights that the proposals would result in a highly efficient building, which offers significant improvements on established benchmarks derived from the UK Green Building Council. The model indicates that the combined whole building of Production areas (hot zone) and support areas (cold zone) offer a 57% improvement over the appropriate benchmark.

How does the project support the three themes of the Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan Strategic Themes: The project will have no reliance on fossil fuels and will be net zero carbon emission in operation, £20 million construction investment will help support local suppliers and contractors, and building on the Gartnavel site will bring the manufacturing facility onto the site where the product is used locally and close to the motorway network to allow easy transportation to other areas of Scotland.

How does the project contribute to Local Economic Development: The project will deliver several local economic benefits included the use of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local supply chains. The project will also adopt the use of the social value portal to generate and monitor wider community benefits including apprentices and local employment opportunities.

Project: NHS Lanarkshire - Monklands Replacement Project

How does the project support the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Targets: Project will deliver a net zero pathfinder project that will be an all-electric strategy.

How does the project support the three themes of the Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan Strategic Themes: Project will deliver a net zero pathfinder project that will be an all-electric strategy and it will deliver a digital hospital that connects people, places, and data to healthcare services making them more accessible to all. It will deliver an improved public transport services to the hospital and make healthcare services more accessible as well as a comprehensive range of community benefits that will drive inclusive growth delivering sustainable employment, economic (including community wealth building) and environmental benefits. In addition, it will deliver accessible healthcare services through digitization and a modern healthcare facility that is fit for purpose, flexible and adaptable to future healthcare needs.

How does the project contribute to Local Economic Development: Construction of a new hospital will contribute significantly to local business and in particular construction and other ancillary companies. This has been drafted out in a detailed Community Benefits plan.

Sector: Further Education

Project: Dunfermline Learning Campus (College element)

How does the project support the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Targets: In December 2022, the Fife College element of the Dunfermline Learning Campus was approved to progress to the construction stage. The new Dunfermline Learning Campus (DLC) Fife College building will deliver on the Net Zero Public Sector Building Standard - this voluntary Standard supports public bodies to meet their net zero commitments for their new build and major refurbished infrastructure projects.

Adopting the Hybrid plus solution will enable the College to implement a range of energy saving measures, in particular to the building elements during construction, which would otherwise be unavailable once the building is completed and in-use. The college DLC project aims to be an exemplar building for the college sector in Scotland and beyond, setting the standard for future college developments.

By progressing with the Hybrid plus design, it will deliver a highly energy efficient building with low embodied carbon which will enable the College to:

• achieve their net zero emissions target for the campus by 2030
• deliver operational costs of circa 36% less than that being experienced on recently completed college projects and over 32% better than a design to meet current legislation
• allows the College to deliver on the Scottish Government’s Heat in Buildings strategy by delivering next zero heat at the Campus by 2030
• delivers upon the Government targets for 2045, setting a sector exemplar model for embodied and operational energy, and deploy
• an all-electric solution adopted will allow the College to take advantage of green energy and avoid the inevitable increased operational costs that gas fuelled buildings will face in the future

How does the project support the three themes of the Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan Strategic Themes: Transition to a Net Zero Economy and Environmental Sustainability: Fife College is a pathfinder project for Scottish Government Net Zero Public Sector Building Standard (NZPSB Standard). The College has followed through and produced a Hybrid plus solution (as described under climate change column).

Driving inclusive Economic Growth: The new college campus provides a modern learning facility that is located in the centre of an area that is the fastest population growth in Scotland. The new campus will significantly enhance the degree of collaboration between senior phase school and the College, particularly through the implementation of Learner Pathways which will be delivered jointly by the schools and College and supported by external stakeholders e.g. Skills Development Scotland (SDS), NHS Fife. It will also provide a step change to increase opportunities for employer and industry engagement through spaces offering more flexible, blended and on-line delivery.

The planned digitalisation and innovation spaces will support engagement activities, knowledge transfer and curriculum alignment with industry needs. The new campus will further enhance the College’s ability to engage with university partners in both teaching, innovation and knowledge exchange. In short it will provide Fife College with a transformative and future proofed Place of Lifelong Learning.’

Building Resilient and sustainable places: The FBC is for a new campus for West Fife, as part of the wider DLC campus development, working in partnership with Fife Council. The new state-of-the-art campus has been planned to deliver against the needs of the local community and priority national skills needs and will include:

• Industry-standard workshops for engineering and construction
• Centres of excellence for engineering, construction, the built environment and sport
• A university hub, allowing learners to study to degree level with a range of university partners on campus
• Conference facilities, enabling the College to engage with national, regional and local businesses and provide catered conferencing events
• An innovation and events hub, to cater for College, industry and community events
• A multi-court sports pavilion, allowing the College to expand and diversify provision in sport and wellbeing for students and the local community
• Year-round outdoor learning spaces throughout the campus to be accessible and used by students and locals alike

How does the project contribute to Local Economic Development: The new Fife College campus will contribute to the economy of the Region as a whole by:

• ensuring College is capable of responding to the changing demographics of the region
• providing education and training required at the SCQF levels identified by labour market intelligence as the ones most likely to be in demand for future jobs
• supporting all of the region’s key employment sectors
• providing the region with a platform to greatly enhance its capacity to deliver innovation and product development in key areas, including health and care and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)

The College has adopted the Scottish Futures Trust’s TOMs (Themes, Outcomes and Measures) for managing and delivering social and economic value through the project and they expect to deliver benefits in excess of £15 million.

Sector: Justice

Project: HMP Highland

How does the project support the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Targets: The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) will actively monitor the environmental and greenhouse gas emissions impact of the new facility. Measures within the design align HMP Highland with Scotland’s Net Zero emissions reduction targets, in particular with Zero Direct Emissions in normal operation.

How does the project support the three themes of the Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan Strategic Themes: The design of the new facility incorporates energy reducing measures, utilising a range of available low carbon energy sources and to facilitate future substitution with zero carbon energy sources.

The digital infrastructure proposed will assist SPS in advancing the digital transformation of its Estate and business and provide wider access to digital services for those in our care and their families. To enhance digital inclusion, this will include having the digital infrastructure to enable the people in our care to access digital services as they are enabled. Such services are being developed within SPS’s Digital Strategy.

The replacement of the current HMP Inverness will expand the provision of custodial services available within the local community and reduce reliance on accommodation in other locations (principally Central Belt).

How does the project contribute to Local Economic Development: The SPS and Balfour Beatty (the contractor) joint community benefits team continue to build on the existing strategic alliance with the project’s supply chain and local community agencies. To date there have been a number of measurable successes which are captured in the HMP Highland Social Impact Plan. As of June 2024, £4.9 million of the overall target spend of £60 million has been spent with the local supply chain who are delivering key subcontract packages (including groundworks and mechanical and electrical offsite manufacturing) - 73% of this is spend has been within 40 Miles of Inverness.

In addition, some of the other key achievements are 14 full time jobs created for the duration of the contract, 4 apprenticeships created (including a health and safety apprentice recruited from Grantown school), student and work placements, local school and college visits, support given to young and unemployed people into work (by providing career mentoring, including mock interviews, CV advice, and careers guidance).

There has been support for two Department for Work and Pensions employability events for people in custody in HMP Inverness supported by the University of the Highlands and Islands CECA Academy programme (Civil Engineering Contractors Association) and Barnardo’s supported CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) SACO programme (Scottish Academy for Construction Opportunities).

Sector: Rural and Environment

Project: RBGE - Edinburgh Biomes

How does the project support the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Targets: A core benefit of the programme will be that building and energy systems will contribute to meeting the Scottish Government targets for emissions by reduction of carbon emissions of 17% over the asset life cycle.

How does the project support the three themes of the Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan Strategic Themes: The programme will protect and enrich the National Botanical Collections, which are important for global plant conservation and maintaining the discovery science required to better understand and improve sustainability and help tackle the Biodiversity Crisis and Climate Emergency. The RBGE (Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh) Biomes will provide world-class displays and facilities that are key in supporting the public’s understanding of the need to respond to the Biodiversity Crisis and Climate Emergency and raising associated national and international reputation. The outcomes will deliver economic, circular economy and societal benefit by reducing RBGE’s carbon footprint and leading on carbon management and environmental public engagement projects arising from Edinburgh Biomes to encourage wider behaviour change.

Programme will provide fit-for-purpose facilities to ensure that RBGE and Scotland continues to deliver world leading, innovative and high impact plant and conservation research. - Facilities will deliver a legislatively compliant and future adaptive Plant Health Suite (PHS) that enhances and accelerates research into current and near threat plant pests and pathogens and achieves the highest possible standards of biosecurity for Scotland.

A revitalised visitor experience, increasing the diversity, number and experience of community, educational, family, and individual users through improved interpretation and more inclusive facilities. Building and energy systems that will contribute to meeting the Scottish Government targets for emissions by reduction of carbon emissions of 17% over the asset life cycle. Forecast to reduce annual energy consumption costs by £250,000 per annum.

How does the project contribute to Local Economic Development: The project is forecast to make a significant contribution to Scotland’s green recovery. The total economic benefit of the project construction is estimated at £150 million. It will also support the growth of regional businesses, with over £50 million to be spent in local supply chain through contracts.

Forecast to create over 100 green jobs per annum, throughout construction, and support sector and locality-based employment, and skills development in collaboration with partners. Planned provision of wider employment opportunities including apprenticeships, internships, S5 and S6 school release and career placements to kick start green/urban upskilling and all associated community benefits for the duration of the project and beyond.