Leveraging existing Infrastructure and planning for efficient crane lifts

During project management we often face the challenge of delivering successful projects within budget constraints. In this post, I'll explore strategies we have deployed during these early days of 1 Finsbury Avenue’s decarbonisation journey. These include options to utilise existing pipework infrastructure to reduce project costs and minimise embodied carbon, planning for a critical crane lift within a tight deadline to meet the allotted road closure authorisation, and construction of a Bigfoot system to site one of the heat pumps.

During the tender process we explored various options to meet our key deliverables whist providing an opportunity to reduce overall project costs and developing design aspects ahead of the stage 4 design process. One such way to reduce project cost was to utilise the existing pipework infrastructure where possible. When evaluating the existing pipework, we will carefully inspect its condition and capacity to ensure it can accommodate the new project demands.

By assessing the current system, and identifying opportunities to integrate the new project requirements, we will avoid the need for extensive demolition and reconstruction, saving both time and money. This proactive approach will help us avoid costly surprises down the line and ensure the seamless integration of the new project components.

Alongside the reduction of project cost, it’s equally important to consider the environmental impact of the project. By using the existing pipework, we’ll have the added benefit of reducing the embodied carbon associated with the project by minimising the need for new material production and installation. It also serves as a demonstratable example of sustainable project delivery, which further aligns our property management project delivery to British Land’s sustainability objectives.

Where would we be without a challenge in the very first few weeks of our project; a crane lift within 3 weeks of appointment of the successful contractor! Efficient crane lifts are key to a successful project, particularly when dealing with tight deadlines and road closure authorisation. This required close collaboration between crane operators and the project team to develop a comprehensive plan, using a bespoke designed and built Bigfoot system to securely site and support one of the heat pumps.

Through detailed site assessment, considering the available space, access routes, and potential obstacles that may impact the crane lift, the Bigfoot system ensured a stable and level base for the heat pump to be installed efficiently while meeting all necessary technical and safety requirements.

None of this would have been possible without effective collaboration with our supply chain to explore innovative solutions and harnessing strong technical and project management capabilities to deliver this complex scope within a tight deadline.

In summary, the planned strategic reuse of existing infrastructure, careful crane lift planning, and purpose-built Bigfoot system were key factors in contributing to delivering successful execution of this first milestone.

The thoughts and observations above are my own and do not necessarily represent the position, strategy, or opinions of British Land.