CALA Announces New Roles

CALA Group has made two key senior appointments as its Sustainability Strategy, launched earlier this year, continues to build momentum.

Kathryn Dapré has taken on the role of Head of Sustainability, with Robin Dodyk undertaking the role of Head of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). These two new recruits will help to drive CALA’s commitment to be operational net zero carbon by 2030, as well as reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Scottish Government’s 2045 target, and the UK Government’s 2050 target.

The goals also reflect owner Legal & General’s pledge to make all of its new housing stock operational net zero carbon enabled from 2030. This is part of its wider commitment to set Science Based Targets and align with the UN Paris Agreement and global efforts to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Kathryn will direct CALA’s roadmap of research, innovations and targets across key areas contributing to reducing its environmental impact, working closely with teams across the UK-wide business to empower colleagues to play their own part in the business’s carbon reduction.

Speaking on her appointment, Ms Dapré said: “With new government legislation coming to the fore and an increased awareness that the construction industry must do more to fight climate change, it is an exciting time to be joining CALA as the team steps up its sustainability mission.

“With a solid strategy already in place, I am looking forward to working with colleagues throughout the business to help make meaningful progress towards reducing our carbon footprint – not just in the way we build homes, but in the way we operate our business. Our teams are exploring innovative and pioneering means to meet our green objectives, and everyone has a role to play, so I’m looking forward to driving that.”

Robin is an experienced technical expert, having spent more than 44 years in the construction sector, including over 20 years with Oregon Timber Frame in Selkirk.

Robin will guide the business in adopting greener housing, leading on MMC research, trials and implementation, as well as associated training and development for the wider team. He will initially spearhead a major initiative to roll out timber frame across the entire range of CALA homes, ensuring efficiencies in the 40% of homes which already use timber frame as well as establishing and executing a strategy to efficiently introduce it to the rest of the business.

Robin commented: “Within the construction industry, our route to reducing carbon will involve a lot of change and innovative thinking if we’re to achieve our sustainability goals.

“It’s an exciting time to join the CALA team when our environmental impact is at the forefront of the agenda. With timber frame offering up to a 20% reduction in embodied carbon over similar-size traditional building methods, our plan to switch to this new approach is a huge focus. We will also explore other elements of MMC and wider innovations in construction to help achieve our net zero ambitions.”

Brian Johnson, Development Director at CALA Group, added: “Our overall Sustainability Strategy will help us to make great strides in our plans to reduce our impact on the planet.

“I am delighted to welcome both Kathryn and Robin to our fantastic business. Our industry will see significant change over the coming months and years ahead and our drive to become more sustainable is a big focus for us. These two new significant appointments will assist us in driving our longer-term sustainability agenda and further confirms our commitment to our changing approach.”

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