Project innovation and sustainability hallmark latest BriggsAmasco award win

BriggsAmasco was among the winners at this year’s Construction News Specialists Awards. The leading commercial roofing contractor won the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability’ award for delivering a complex low-carbon roofing package at the Dakota Hotel, Newcastle. Their impressive victory was announced at a finalists’ presentation held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.

Kobir Ahamed, BriggsAmasco Sustainability Manager, said: “What a fantastic achievement. The award recognises our leadership in decarbonisation. Our innovative application of the groundbreaking IKO Permatec LI was critical to our success. The hot melt roofing solution achieves a 50% lower embodied carbon compared to its standard product. BriggsAmasco became the first contractor to trial IKO Permatec LI when we employed it for the Dakota Hotel roofing programme. The award also recognises our inventory of electric hot melt machines and e-torches, as well as our commitment to quality and safety through our use of reverse loading machines.”

The Dakota Hotel project involved the installation of a 261m² main roof, and a 45m² green roof. The site’s exposed quayside location instigated a mid-programme specification change, with BriggsAmasco and IKO collaborating on the selection of an alternative roof system to achieve minimum weighting and prevent wind uplift.

The teams’ exceptional technical adaptation and resilience in overcoming the redesign issue were acknowledged by judges as part of the awards decision-making process. Briggs’ use of sustainable products, including red polymer primer with reduced VOC content, also merited mention in terms of sustainability.

Two BriggsAmasco apprentices worked on the Dakota Hotel project, gaining practical experience in design and quantity surveying. This counted towards the award’s Social Value criteria, which was enhanced by Briggs’ use of local products and support of local businesses.

In summary, judges praised the Dakota Hotel roofing project as one that ‘balanced innovation, practicality and long-term environmental benefit’.

Kobir added: “Congratulations to all those who contributed to the exceptional Dakota roofing programme. It was a real collaborative effort, with our excellent working relationship with IKO proving crucial to the project’s successful outcome. Low carbon construction’s evolvement is vital to the industry and the environment. We hope our dedication to quality and sustainability will be rewarded with further industry accolades as we journey towards our net- zero target.”