Kier Places is Heathrow’s delivery partner for its Quieter Neighbour Support Scheme - a major programme of works delivered locally to help improve the wellbeing of the airport’s neighbouring communities, including reducing the impact of noise created by aircraft.
Noise insulation scheme for
24,000
homes
Noise insulation and ventilation programmes for
50
community buildings, including schools, care
and community-based settings
A new model for delivering noise insulation works
The project represents a new model for delivering noise insulation works to communities around major transport infrastructure hubs at scale and pace and is designed to deliver the objectives set out in Heathrow’s sustainability strategy.
As well as making homes and communities more resilient to noise, the measures installed as part of the project will contribute to the energy efficiency of the properties and buildings.
The project draws on Kier’s expertise in domestic and non-domestic decarbonisation and applies core principles of best practice retrofit to ensure that every measure installed is appropriate for that property or building.
Techniques for surveying the domestic properties include digital scanning and mapping tools and the creation of digital models of homes by type, which enables improved planning and forecasting as well as better project outcomes.
Supporting wellbeing and the local community
The measures installed in homes are aimed at improving the wellbeing of Heathrow’s neighbouring communities, including reducing the impact of aircraft noise.
The treatments to the community buildings are aimed at improving the enjoyment and function of local educational facilities and social hubs, including schools, nurseries, colleges, libraries, and places of worship.
An important part of the delivery model is Kier’s commitment to supporting Heathrow’s communities. This includes offering long term employment opportunities to residents and support a thriving and diverse supply chain from the surrounding area. For example, nine members of the team are from the local area, and so far we have supported more than 320 apprenticeship weeks of on-the-job learning alongside our supply chain. This model has been developed in close collaboration with Heathrow to help fulfil its own community and sustainability objectives, alongside Kier’s own mission to leave lasting legacies in the communities where we work.
The project also includes an ambitious community engagement strategy with a programme of bespoke education outreach projects for schools and innovative methods of engaging with residents and local groups.
To date, the QNS team has delivered 34 weeks of work experience to local students, 244 hours of educational engagement, and taken on two T-Level students from Cranford Community College for their industry placements. The project has also delivered our award-winning social value initiative, Kierriculum, in partnership with Marjory Kinnon School, one of the largest SEND schools in the country. Kierriculum is a comprehensive educational resource designed to show students about career opportunities in construction, and directly supports schools to meet the Gatsby Benchmarks - particularly Benchmark 4 (linking curriculum learning to careers) and Benchmark 5 (Encounters with employers and employees).
We have also provided more than 1,000+ hours of community volunteering, supporting environmental and social initiatives including accessibility upgrades to local churches in the area.
And our Heathrow / Kier community vehicle is now on the road with our team meeting residents, meaning the local community can find out more about the programme and how it will benefit their homes and public spaces.
Banner image photo credit: Heathrow Airport Limited