The Canine Training Squadron (CTS) is home to around 200 highly skilled working dogs, training in a variety of roles including police force protection, arms and explosives searches, Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED), and drugs search operations in the UK and overseas.
Following £4.1 million investment, Amey managed and delivered the project on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), ensuring the new facility will be carbon neutral and 96% self-sustaining.
The new facility includes three new classrooms, indoor and outdoor training areas, a new Station Headquarters office space and training accommodation. Using its own solar panels and a battery generator the facility will fulfil its own electricity requirements, and an air source heat pump and recovery system will regulate heating across the entire site. A grey water harvesting system will recycle water for non-drinking requirements, reducing the main water supply by up to 60%.
An Army Safety and Environmental Award was presented to the DATR in March, recognising the collaborative approach between the Unit, Defence Infrastructure Organisation and Amey in delivering the new, sustainable training facility.
DATR Commanding Officer Lt Col Mike Robinson RAVC said: “The Defence Animal Training Regiment provides innovative and crucial training for our personnel and military dogs. I am pleased the Canine Training Squadron headquarters is officially open and can continue to provide a great learning environment for our Armed Forces whilst fulfilling our Net Zero objectives.”
HRH The Princess Royal met service personnel who showcased the training of military dogs and their handlers, and the range of capabilities they provide to the MOD. HRH was also invited to plant a tree on site as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy. This initiative is part of the national celebrations to commemorate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Amey’s Secure Infrastructure Managing Director, Craig McGilvray, said: “As a key provider to the public sector we recognise that it is our obligation to help reduce emissions created by national estates. This means working with clients to design and build solutions that help them achieve their Net Zero targets. This project is one example of how our teams use innovation and collaboration to help deliver facilities that are future proofed.”
DIO’s Area Delivery Manager for Lincolnshire and East Midlands, Greg Piper, added: “The state-of-the-art new training facility will provide a modern and self-sustaining operating capability for the Unit going forward. The project was a complex and challenging piece of work, but excellent collaborative work with partners, stakeholders and the customer ensured successful delivery and we are delighted to see this very important facility now in full operation.”
The new facility has achieved a Defence Related Environmental Assessment Methodology (DREAM) rating of ‘excellent’ and will help the Army to achieve its net-zero carbon emissions targets for 2050. In addition, cost savings from the project will be invested into Army infrastructure.