Pevensey Star Inn Gates receives Environment Agency Exemplar Award

We were contracted, by the Environment Agency, to upgrade the current water control structure at the Pevensey Levels. The structure had reached the end of its working life, and a new solution was required to improve water level control and eel passage.

From the outset, a culture of collaboration was fostered between the delivery team, designer, and client. This forward-thinking approach aligns perfectly with the Exemplar Award, delivering the project safely, sustainably, and efficiently.

Key achievements include:

• Environmental leadership – The project is registered under BREEAM with a projected score of ‘Very Good’, the highest achievable for this type of structure, setting a benchmark for environmental responsibility in the refurbishment sector.
• Carbon reduction – Initiatives such as trialling the Instagrid system to replace generators, prioritising material reuse, becoming a diesel-free site, integrating telematics to reduce plant idling, and installing solar and wind-powered security lighting and CCTV have enabled the project to report carbon emissions below target.
• Wellbeing and safety – The team implemented wellbeing initiatives, supported suicide prevention awareness and fundraising, and maintained an excellent safety record with zero lost-time incidents.
• Community engagement – Consistent communication ensured considerate care for local neighbours throughout the project.