Latest Innovations in Environment

These include examples of innovative activity, which demonstrate constructors protecting and enhancing the environment.

Excess Concrete Collection Vessels

Published 15 August 2024 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesCarbon reduction Circular economy Green/renewable energy

Most excess concrete is disposed of in standard waste skips, lined with plastic sheeting. This contractor has developed vessels for collecting concrete that are tailor made for this and will not require using plastic sheeting, which is a waste product in itself. The vessels are also designed to prevent overfilling, which is an industry issue that affects the collection of...

Cold Applied Waterproofing

Published 5 August 2024 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesCarbon reduction Lower embodied carbon content materials

On this project they have been using a cold applied waterproofing system called Integritank for their below ground waterproofing. This system is a structural waterproofing membrane for the protection of concrete structures and is applied using a multiple pass spray method to ensure an even coating which doesn’t slump after application. The contractor maintains that the health and safety risk...

Zero Plastic to Landfill Certified Project

Published 5 August 2024 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesAssessment and approval of supply chain relating to carbon Carbon reduction Circular economy Corrective action addressing waste Net zero

This contractor became an engaged member of the Responsible Plastic Management (RPM) Program to support targets of the contractor’s 2030 Sustainability Roadmap. They identified that this project was a perfect location to attempt to achieve the exemplar status of having a construction project that was sending zero plastic to landfill. In order to achieve this they engaged intensively with their...

Vegetated Retaining Wall System

Published 5 August 2024 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesCarbon reduction Lower embodied carbon content materials Modern methods of construction

Instead of using concrete for their retaining wall, they utilised Flex MSE, a patented engineered solution for vegetated retaining walls and erosion control which has been designed to outlast its hardscape predecessors, including concrete and steel. Seeds were then applied, via hydroseeding, onto the face of the Flex MSE installation. Its simple geobag and interlocking plate facing adapts and moves...

Use of Graphene in Asphalt to Extend Pavement Life

Published 5 August 2024 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesCarbon reduction Lower embodied carbon content materials

Research conducted by Iterchimica suggests that the average lifespan of a thin surface course system is 6-10 years. This contractor, along with a specialist technical consultancy, wanted to find a solution to improve the durability of hot rolled asphalt surfacing, making it less susceptible to deformation and producing a more sustainable, environmentally friendly solution. The trial, conducted on a busy...

Certified Reduction in VOC Emissions

Published 18 July 2024 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesConsultation Investigation for environmental events Involvement Specialist input

As part of their sustainability responsibility on this project and their desire for the healthiest workplace for their employees, the contractor set out to investigate the range of available low emitting raw materials, adhesives, finishes and finishing products and put these together to provide a certified method for achieving low emitting veneered and painted panels. These emissions include recognised prolonged...

Biochar

Published 18 July 2024 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesCarbon reduction Circular economy Conserve of resources Lower embodied carbon content materials

This contractor has implemented Biochar, which is a method of composting trees to use as fertiliser on the project. This is the first project to use Biochar and will have their own in-house equipment on site. The initiative is a way of using all felled trees to use on projects and help to reuse waste normally removed and disused To...

PH and Turbidity Water Monitor

Published 18 July 2024 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesIdentify potential natural environment detriment Protect the local environment Protection of existing natural habitat

As the collection of water samples can be a difficult process, this contractor chose to have a full time PH and turbidity water monitor on site. The water monitor is a hybrid power system using photovoltaic panels with a propane generator in case of emergency. The entire site team have access to the online monitoring system which sends message alert...

Digital Concrete Testing to Cut Carbon

Published 18 July 2024 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesCarbon reduction Monitoring and recording of resource usage

This contractor has implemented VERIFI, a digital-in-transit concrete monitoring system mounted on trucks. VERIFI monitors concrete consistency (slump and temperature) reducing the need for extensive presence of concrete technicians at site and laboratory testing. Site teams verify compliant concrete by consulting the VERIFI display upon delivery. Access to the app is granted solely to authorised personnel. The site supervisor now...

Robotic Line Markings

Published 18 July 2024 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesEnergy efficient plant and equipment Modern methods of construction Monitoring and recording of resource usage

Traditionally the new lane lines (particularly the rib lines & around junctions) would be set out on site by the engineering and surveying team. This would involve walking the line with setting out equipment and then stopping to bend down and spray out the point by hand. This presents a significant time and cost of resource to undertake these works,...

DNA Insect Scan

Published 18 July 2024 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesDefined plan to protect and enhance the natural environment Identification of flora, fauna and natural resources Identify potential natural environment detriment Planned planting and hard engineering to enhance the natural environment Protect the local environment

This contractor created a method to measure the effectiveness of living walls for biodiversity. This is important because insect rates are falling at an alarming rate with several studies reporting losses of 40%, the situation is critical and insects are vital for the functioning of our ecosystems. There are projects that will have introduced green walls and assumed that they...

Solar Powered Automatic Boom Arm Barrier

Published 18 July 2024 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesCarbon reduction Energy efficient plant and equipment

This contractor has implemented a FHOSS type gate and barrier, which comes with the following benefits. Sustainability – Photovoltaic solar panel in place to ensure zero carbon emissions over a 10 year life cycle and 24/7 off-grid solar autonomy with no ground contamination. Safety – Fully compliant to BS EN 12345:2017 with force limitation and inbuilt green & red LED...

Smart Site Set Up

Published 3 June 2024 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesMonitoring and recording of resource usage

Smart technology is becoming an integral part of this contractors fit-out delivery. They developed a user platform bespoke for their welfare facility so that data could be collected and measured against known standards or to set benchmarks for other sites. In the site office they are measuring energy usage of temporary power, vertical farm mock up, air quality including temperature,...

Testing VOC’s to Create Two UK Firsts

Published 3 June 2024 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesLower embodied carbon content materials Measurement and publication of targets and performance Specialist input

On this project, the client had the vision to produce the worlds healthiest workplace and to do that they need to push the boundaries of what is acceptable further than ever before. The contractor challenged their supply chain to see how they can achieve this whilst maintaining all heath and safety building control standards. They have two products that have...

Galvanised Corrosion Cleaning Product

Published 3 June 2024 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesConserve of resources Consultation Specialist input

This contractor work with a specialist supplier to developed a solution that removed the white corrosion from the galvanised MEP first fix. The solution was to use a rock salt de-icer, rather than an ice melt chemical de-icer. This de-icer was used to de-ice the buffalo board to the southern gantry. The contractor and specialist contractor then undertook trials to...

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+- Latest entries

Xwatch System
Due to the proximity of some lower high voltage overhead lines the project decided to install the
Smart Tags for Lifting Operations
This contractor has implemented smart tags which ensure that lifting apparatus and equipment has
Repairing and Protecting the Thames Barrier
This contractor has implemented Chockfast Orange (PR-610TCF) which is a specially formulated 100%
ProCleanSorb Peat Filtration Bund
The Project Team has introduced a creative and proactive approach to managing potential fuel spills
Obtaining Corporate Donations and Funding for Charities
This contractor has developed a course that contains 9 modules and is designed to provide charities

+- Latest innovations

ERICA Boards Installed
ERICA boards help the contractor prevent energy wastage using a power monitoring and control
Passive Eel Pass
This contractor has implemented a passive eel pass that will ensure a consistent flow rate
Wheeled Container Lifter
This contractor installed a wheeled container mover that makes lifting and transporting cargo

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