Geda Construction develop an already impressive CR srtategy

The Niall Mellon Township Challenge was a life changing experience for me but more importantly a new life for hundreds of them

Eddie MurninGeda Construction

Geda Construction is an organisation that has for many years had an extensive CR strategy in place but they continue to find innovative ways of developing this strategy and keeping it updated.

Given that they operate in the construction industry a large proportion of Geda's CR strategy has focused on environmental issues, an area in which they have excelled. They were recognised on the national stage in July of last year when they attended the BITC National Example of Excellence Awards where they received the ‘Highly Commended’ accolade in Eco-efficiency. In 2006 Geda also received the BITC ‘Big Tick’ in the same category and in their first year as a BITC member they were the recipient of the Northern Ireland regional award for Environmental Improvement in 2005.

However, Geda Construction recognised that there were other areas of Corporate Responsibility in which they could make a dramatic impact. One way in which they have done this is through employer supported volunteering and more specifically their support for the Niall Mellon Township Experience.

On 2nd November GEDA employee Eddie Murnin travelled to Cape Town, South Africa with a team of 1380 volunteers as part of the biggest ever Township Challenge, building homes for some of the country's poorest people.

Another facet that Geda Construction have added to their CR strategy is the education of young people interested in the construction industry. On Wednesday 5^th March a group of pupils from South West College (Dungannon campus) visited Geda’s new residential development Lisnaclin View at Bush Road, Dungannon.

Geda invited the construction students for a tour to see exactly how modern construction methods are incorporated into building design and the benefits that this will bring for new homeowners.

The group of 20 pupils along with college lecturers Frankie McMahon and Ciaran Fee were greeted by Geda company partner Peadar Quinn who commented

“At Geda we are very much aware of the effect that our every day activities have on the environment. Through careful planning we try to minimise the environmental impact of all of our building and civil engineering projects. By inviting the engineers of tomorrow to our developments we hope to pass this message on”.

Impact

Over 4000 Euro has been raised for the Niall Mellon Township Experience
During the week Eddie Murnin was in South Africa his group built 203 houses, providing homes for 450 adults and 1100 children
20 students have gained invaluable practical experience in the construction industry with more visits planned

The group of pupils from South West College pictured with Peadar Quinn, Partner at Geda (back row first on left) and Michael Canavan, Geda Site Manager at Lisnaclin View (back row first on right)