The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Biomes Initiative

We’re sympathetically restoring the A-Listed Victorian Palm Houses and the 1960’s ‘front-range’ Glasshouses at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh to help safeguard global plant science and conservation for years to come  

The Edinburgh Biomes project is the most significant initiative in the 351-year history of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, aimed at protecting 13,500 plant species, including many that are endangered or extinct in their native habitats. 

Comprehensive works

Via the SCAPE Scotland Civil Engineering framework, we are undertaking extensive refurbishment and restoration work on the Palm Houses and Glasshouses. Our experts are addressing deteriorating stonework and ironwork structures, and replacing glass and windows to preserve this historic landmark and ensure the Glasshouses continue to provide a safe environment for the Garden’s priceless plant collection. 

We’ve also undertaken a complex package of phased work which involved installing district heating, High Voltage and Low Voltage power, gas, water, and communication services, that will support the connection of the buildings and Glasshouses to a future new energy centre.  

Once completed, our work will not only strengthen and preserve the Palm Houses, and Glasshouses ensuring their longevity for generations to come, it will improve the energy efficiency of the Garden’s and support the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in its transition to net zero. 

Most

significant project in the Garden’s history

Restoration

of two Grade A listed glass houses

Home

to 13,500 plant species

As we complete our works to rejuvenate the historic buildings and play our part in decarbonising the construction and infrastructure sector, we have set out a roadmap to a zero-carbon construction site, identifying the gaps and challenges preventing zero carbon construction.  

Driving social value through community engagement and employment initiatives  

We are committed to delivering lasting social benefits for the communities we work in. This includes regenerating communities, driving employment and training opportunities, and supporting SME’s local supply chain partners. To date, we have: 

  • Collaborated with the Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council and Capital City Partnership to launch the pilot ‘Ukrainian Construction Academy.’ This initiative aims to help Ukrainian refugees find sustainable employment in the construction industry by providing participants with certified training, site placements, and comprehensive employability support to gain the necessary skills and certification to work.  
  • Collaborated with Employer Support Services such as Rural Urban & Training Schemes and Action for Children to offer work placement opportunities, providing valuable site experience and industry-recognised certification.  
  • Provided employment opportunities to local residents, achieving 71% local employment, and directed 54% of spending towards the local community.