Latest Innovations in Environment

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

Setting Out Directly From 3D Model

Published 10 March 2023 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesConserve of resources Modern methods of construction

On this project they have started implementing setting out directly from 3D models, as opposed to 2D paper drawings. They have altered their setting out workflow to allow for 3D models to be incorporated into the setting out process. The 3D files are imported directly into the setting out instrument, so points and lines are extracted directly from the model...

Mapping Project Specific Environmental Constraints Using QGIS

Published 10 March 2023 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesIdentification of flora, fauna and natural resources Identify potential natural environment detriment Provide updates regarding plan delivery and benefits

Locations of invasive plants, ground investigation boreholes, bat and doormouse boxes, underground services, site boundary, archaeological features are shown on a map which can be included in a RAMS so that the workforce can see the locations of sensitive areas in relation to their work area. Furthermore, the map can be downloaded into QField and uploaded onto a tablet which...

Lightweight Universal Formwork

Published 10 March 2023 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesModern methods of construction

Lightweight Universal Formwork was used for forming walls, slabs, columns and foundations. Polymer-coated fibres are the source material for the production of the material components. The product is particularly useful for smaller sites and sites that have low-noise requirements – as this does not require hammering when assembling. Despite the material being extremely light , it has a high load-bearing...

Eliminating Health and Safety Risk when Performing Localised Concrete Pours

Published 10 March 2023 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesConserve of resources Corrective action addressing waste

To support the building infrastructure it is necessary to build a drainage system using concrete. The drainage covers require a surrounding concrete support structure and the volume required for each is relatively small at c.1m3. Access to the drain cover locations is over unmade ground and this presents ergonomic manual handling challenges. The team identified a proprietary concrete bucket that...

Temporary Flood Defense Wall

Published 9 January 2023 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesCarbon reduction Modern methods of construction Prevention of surface water run-off Protect the local environment

This contractor used an interlocking quick wall similar to hessian sand bags as a temporary flood defense wall. The quadruple baffle bags are made of PP fabric 240/30gm2, coated white and are UV resistant. The coating of the product is flexible and adaptable to any situation. The bags have a unique bottom release system for emptying. The bag system is...

Onsite Polymer Slurry Treatment and Disposal

Published 9 January 2023 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesCarbon reduction Conserve of resources

For the construction of diaphragm walls, traditionally bentonite slurry is utilised to form a filter cake on the walls of trenches to support earth pressure. It is now becoming more common place for polymer to be used for the same application, this is due to its extended re-usability. However, the end disposal of this liquid still requires consideration. This contractor...

Asbestos Recycling Scheme

Published 9 January 2023 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesConsultation Protect the local environment Specialist input

This regeneration brownfield project required the demolition of several industrial units, this led us the contractor look into how they recycle materials such as the sheet asbestos product on the roofs. Recycling demolition asbestos is a new idea and this site was the first in the United Kingdom to use use this process. Using this method required meticulous planning to...

Washbox System

Published 2 September 2022 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesWater saving measures

This contractor has established a washbox equipment wash station which has its own water supply, which goes through five filter bags to remove waste and ensure that waste water is cleaned for reuse by site workers to safely and quickly clean their tools. This eliminates the need to use fresh water and prevents harmful products and chemicals being leaked into...

Plasma Cutter

Published 2 September 2022 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesModern methods of construction

A plasma cutter was designed, fabricated and commissioned to sit on top of the permanent casing with a retractable arm to directing the cutting face to the inside of the casing. The down arm of the cutter was designed to be telescopic via control of an electric winch in order to suit the requirements of each cut, trimming of the...

Utilising Tekla Model and Augmented Reality for Bridge Installation and Tensioning

Published 2 September 2022 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesModern methods of construction

Complex large scale projects inevitably present a wide range of challenges. The Tekla model was used extensively on this bridge prohect throughout in internal and external design meetings, critical in the design process. SH Structures uploaded the model as an IFC file, which allowed them to pick any point on the model and compare it to the surveyed position. The...

Herpetosure Ecological Newt Fencing

Published 2 September 2022 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesCircular economy Identification of flora, fauna and natural resources Protection of existing natural habitat

Herpetosure is an ecological newt fencing system made from recycled material and is 100% recyclable. This has been designed so that when beyond repair, fencing can be sent to the manufacturer where it is recycled and used to make new fencing. Traditional ecological, newt fencing, usually made from timber and polythene, is susceptible to damage and cannot easily be reused...

Closed Loop Pre-Treatment Cleaning

Published 2 September 2022 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesConserve of resources Water saving measures

The Closed Loop Pre-Treatment Cleaning system is a new way of cleaning the newly installed pipework into a building. This system pre-treats the initial system-fill water in a special treatment rig. Chemicals are added to assist in collecting contaminants, and also introduced to provide corrosion and microbiological protection directly in proportion to the volume of water. This pre-treated water is...

Beehives and Community Design

Published 2 September 2022 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesCommunity engagement Engage with community facilities Identification of flora, fauna and natural resources Schools and nurseries

This contractor engaged the local youth club through a science club they delivered to design labels for the honey produced by the beehives located on the roof of the project office. The 40 thousand bees on site produced over 70 jars of honey. The children were given jars of the honey with the winning design on them. This is part...

Materials Passport

Published 15 August 2022 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesInspection Measurement and publication of targets and performance Monitoring and recording of resource usage

A materials passport has been set up using software called Madasta which creates a live model of the proposed building by extracting data from digital models and is then completed with the actual information. This is then taken forward by the client and building management team throughout the buildings life so that during repair, adaption and end of life all...

Ultra Low Carbon Concrete

Published 11 August 2022 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean

CategoriesCarbon reduction Circular economy Lower embodied carbon content materials

Concrete contributes towards 8% of global CO2 emissions due to the carbon intensive production of cement. To help towards achieving a ‘net zero’ target, this contractor has developed and produced a cement alternative for use in concrete. This new concrete product contains 0% Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and is classified as an Ultra Low Carbon Concrete (ULCC). The cement replacement...

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+- Latest entries

Construction Sport Membership
This contractor is an active member of Construction Sport - an organisation that provides sporting
Water Treatment System Reducing Carbon
This contractor is using a water treatment system which reduces their carbon footprint, provides
Use of Clear Bin Liners
After a meeting held with the Environment Agency, it was discussed among the team to start using
Subcontractor Carbon Emissions Display
On this project they are displaying subcontractor monthly mileage and monthly carbon
Quick Lock Traffic Signs
This contractor has improved resource efficiency, circularity and reduced carbon emissions by

+- Latest innovations

Intellitag – Event Based Maintenance
In collaboration with National Highways and Highway Resource Solutions, this contractor introduced
Curved Nozzle for Blasting
The contractor has designed and created a bespoke nozzle to go onto the handle of blasters to reach
Pile Strain Monitoring
The project team are involved in a joint venture, in an element of research to measure the load

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The Scheme monitors construction activity across the UK and Ireland, scoring registered sites, companies and suppliers against a Code of Considerate Practice.

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