ESS Ecology

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessments Method

BREEAM is a globally recognised method for assessing the environmental design and performance of buildings (both existing and new). It is considered by many within the UK's property and construction industry to set the standard for sustainable design and in evaluating and certifying developments in terms of their environmental performance.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has recently been updated. It guides Scotland's development to 2030 by setting out a number of strategic actions to help Scotland deliver sustainable growth.

In a successful tender bid ESS Ecology recently acquired a large scale pre-construction electro-fishing assignment for a wind farm development in Ross-shire that recently was awarded consent. Amongst a number of pre-construction planning conditions, an electro-fishing survey was required on several watercourses within the study area.

Two ESS Ecology staff recently attended a four day course "Bat Ecology and Survey Techniques" in Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway, organised by bat specialists from Echoes Ecology. ESS Ecology has a programme of continuing professional development for its staff and aims to continuously improve the quality and scope of its services and is committed to continual professional development of its staff.

As autumn is upon us, and winter around the corner, would you rather hibernate or migrate? Are you already preserving fruits and chopping wood, or booking that Caribbean holiday?
Looking to the wildlife world, we see both strategies in action in autumn, relating as many processes do, to food (which of course equals energy) and the requirement to obtain enough food to survive the harsh British winter.

Bird concentrations in the vicinity of airports are considered hazardous for air traffic as aircraft collisions with flocks or even single (large) birds can cause major incidents. Planning conditions for a mixed used development in Aberdeen included the need for a Bird Hazard Management Plan due to the site's proximity to Dyce Airport. In order to fulfil this condition ESS Ecology were asked to undertake the survey work and associated reporting.

The general perception amongst planners, developers and the general public is that Brownfield sites are areas which are degraded, untidy wasteland and as such, prime locations for developments. The perception of Brownfield sites however is changing.  It is the isolated, neglected nature of these sites which precipitates an increase in their relative biodiversity value.  Once these sites are abandoned, plants and lower animals begin to re-colonise the sites, many of which are rare or protected.The general perception amongst planners, developers and the general public is that Brownfield sites are areas which are degraded, untidy wasteland and as such, prime locations for developments. The perception of Brownfield sites however is changing.  It is the isolated, neglected nature of these sites which precipitates an increase in their relative biodiversity value.  Once these sites are abandoned, plants and lower animals begin to re-colonise the sites, many of which are rare or protected.

The new ESS website has launched, and includes a host of new features to help visitors and clients access the information they need...