COPFS Elgin Decarbonisation

As part of the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service’s (COPFS) ambitious plans to reduce the carbon emissions of its estate by 2.5% each year and become carbon neutral by 2040, Morgan Sindall recently completed extensive decarbonisation works to its offices in Elgin.

Delivered on time, within budget and with a client satisfaction score of 10/10, this modern, eco-friendly and energy-efficient office space offers a successful blueprint for the decarbonisation of buildings and estates within the public sector.

Alison McKenzie, Procurator Fiscal for Aberdeen, said: “COPFS is committed to transforming workspaces to create modern, ecologically efficient and environmentally friendly spaces. We can be enormously proud of the pioneering role our staff in Elgin are playing in helping COPFS to decarbonise. The installation of solar panels is already helping us to embrace renewable energy and is just one of the ways that we can reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. And this work to decarbonise the Procurator Fiscal premises in Elgin will further improve our renewable energy credentials.”

Originally built in 1860, the four-storey building has undergone a complete transformation to help enhance its thermal performance, reduce energy costs, and to create a quieter, more comfortable working environment.

Working closely with Michael Laurie Architects, a fabric-first approach was adopted to optimise the performance of the building envelope. All the existing single-glazed windows were replaced with triple glazed units, while a high-performance insulation was applied to the internal and external walls, as well as to the roof.

With the building’s U-value, airtightness and thermal efficiency significantly improved, its existing mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems were completely replaced with state-of-the-art, energy-efficient alternatives. An air source heat pump, combined with Air Handling Units (AHUs), now provides cost-effective heating and cooling, while BMS control panels on each floor automatically regulate airflow and offer energy usage monitoring for improved efficiency.

As part of COPFS’s commitment to renewable energy, new solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have also installed on the roof, helping to supply a substantial portion of the building’s energy needs all year-round.

The site team faced significant logistical challenges due to the project being located on a heavily congested one-way street in the heart of Elgin, surrounded by residential and commercial properties.

Although a small area directly to the front of the building was permitted for use, the site team spoke with its supply chain partner, Travis Perkins, to agree the use of its former Elgin yard for the delivery and storage of large materials. Located just outside of town, this allowed for smaller ‘just-in-time’ deliveries to be made from the yard at the most convenient time, minimising disruption to the local community. A permanent office space on the high street was also rented in place of temporary site cabins. Not only did this eliminate the need to set up within the limited confines of the site, it also provided the site team with purpose-built facilities, whilst also benefiting the local economy.

Another key element to the project’s success was encouraging strong relationships with the local residents and businesses. Morgan Sindall’s Project Manager served as the main point of contact in this respect, maintaining daily communication to ensure transparency and to address potential concerns. This positive relationship also led to support from residents; with scaffolding permitted to be erected within their boundary to carry out stonework repairs, and others granting access and use of the rear of their properties. In thanks, the site team volunteered to take out the bins of the three neighbouring properties for the entire project.

These efforts, combined with thorough planning and clear communication, earned the project a perfect Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) score of 45/45, further highlighting its respectful and sympathetic delivery.

Robert Green, COPFS Head of Business Support Services and Estates, said: “Throughout you have solutionised issues, maintained workflow and engaged with other members with professionalism, courtesy, and respect. You said at the start you would treat the work as if it was work to your own house and hand the project over only if you would be happy to receive it as a customer. You have been true to your word.”

Committed to leaving a positive and lasting legacy, the team carried out a number of social value initiatives throughout the project. Recognising the large Armed Forces presence around Elgin, they hosted a coffee morning for veterans exploring careers in construction, offering guidance and support for their transition to civilian life.

The site also partnered with Café @ The Warehouse, a social enterprise that reinvests its profits from its café into training and supporting young people. Additionally, it collaborated with Barnardo’s and the Jobcentre to provide two work experience placements, donated over 25 pints of blood, contributing to the Moray Christmas Toy Appeal, and engaged with local schools through STEM and career events.