ESS Ecology is currently engaged in a number of offshore ecological assessments, ranging from small, local projects, to large developments of national importance.

The firm has completed a Land Use and Ecology assessment as part of a larger BREEAM assessment of the new West End Medical Practice building being constructed in the grounds of St. Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh.

During the process, the ESS Ecology were able to ensure works were compliant with current nature conservation legislation, as well as give advice and make positive contributions to the ecological value of the development in the centre of the Scottish capital.

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BREEAM is a globally recognised method for assessing the environmental design and performance of building projects and ESS Ecology is well placed to fill the role of "Suitably Qualified Ecologist" and to advise on legal responsibilities and maximising credits under the Land Use and Ecology section. The post-construction BREEAM Land Use & Ecology Audit will be undertaken in 2014.

Other projects include undertaking a badger survey for a proposed health sector development within the Research and Development Park of Heriot Watt University, and advising the owners on the ecological value of another health sector site to inform pre-development master planning.

ESS Ecology is currently targeting the health and education sectors as public sector market segments with great potential to deliver sustainability through carefully and sensitively designed projects.

(JP/CD)