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In exploring ways to reuse materials on construction sites, this contractor introduced a durable polypropylene floor protection system as an alternative to single-use products like correx or cardboard. Its strength and flexibility allow it to be used repeatedly across different site areas such as concrete walkways, carpeted finishes and timber floors. The product is made from recyclable polypropylene, offering far…

To minimise excavation for both the piling mat and the haul road, Tensar geogrid was utilised to create a mechanically stabilised layer beneath these areas. This approach eliminated the need for a 600mm dig-off for the piling mat ,instead the Tensar was laid directly over the existing topsoil, allowing the construction layers to be built up from there. The same…

This contractor has implemented Ultimate Cell, a hydrogen-based fuel enhancement system, on 15-tonne excavators. The system generates hydrogen through electrolysis and injects it into the air intake of diesel engines, improving combustion efficiency, lowering fuel use, and reducing emissions without requiring engine modifications. Ultimate Cell units were fitted to a 15-tonne excavator, site dumper and telehandler, and monitored over three…

The CAGE Hybrid Gas Engine (HGE) is a novel generator technology developed and trialled on this construction site. It enables seamless switching between hydrogen, LPG, and (potentially) biomethane fuels, providing a flexible, low-emission alternative to traditional diesel generators. The system is designed for easy integration with site battery storage units and can be optimised for different gas fuels at the…

The Whale on the Wharf is a four-storey breaching whale sculpture installed at this project. This transformed ocean plastic into art to raise awareness about marine pollution. Beyond its symbolic meaning, it integrates cutting-edge sustainable engineering notably the use of biochar concrete, an emerging low-carbon construction material. Biochar stores up to 85% biogenic carbon, acting as a carbon sink that…

This project is the first to use Gyproc SoundBloc Infinae© 100 12.5mm with Gypframe® Carbon Low metal profiles. The Gyproc board sets a new benchmark for sustainable construction, providing the industry with the first UK manufactured plasterboard as it is made 100% from it’s own recycled waste. Globally, gypsum board waste is a significant issue, with estimates suggesting over a…

To protect the 80,000 trees that have already been planted and allow them to establish, this contractor installed 6196m of fencing using a Cobalt Plant excavator which runs off Syntec fuel. This type of fuel is a suitable alternative to diesel and HVO, therefore aligning to the projects strategy to deliver using diesel-free construction. The team are also using an…

This contractor has partnered with energy storage specialist Zenobe to help provide clean power for construction sites by utilising second-life batteries (refurbished electric bus batteries) and transforming them into portable batteries. They will be supplied with 20 portable batteries to be used as temporary power sources that run as a cleaner alternative to diesel generators. One battery unit can store…

As part of their commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction, this contractor on their London Museum project has become one of the first to implement Holcim’s ECOCycle Recycled Concrete Aggregate concrete mix. The new mix replaces 20% of virgin aggregate with high quality recycled concrete sourced from construction and demolition waste. By adopting and approving this material, they have reduced…

On this project they have implemented post-tensioned concrete construction to extend existing reinforced concrete slabs. Post-tensioned concrete is one of the most efficient and sustainable types of concrete construction, using 15% less concrete and up to 40% less steel than an equivalent traditional reinforced concrete flat slab. Prioritising low-carbon strategies, the original 1980’s reinforced concrete frame and existing facade are…

This contractor has implemented the ‘hiper pile’ which reduces embodied carbon by reducing the amount of concrete required to maintain the load bearing capacity of the pile. This permits shorter pile foundations which reduces the amount of spoil on site. Being reduced in depth also reduces the risk of augering into water bearing strata. Material volume is reduced by an…

While the industry standard is 4.0mm scaffold tubes, this contractor and their scaffolding contractor are using 3.2mm tubes. This allows for better sustainability performance, lighter handling, and cost savings, all while still meeting BS EN 39 and BS EN 12811 standards. This is a change from the standard scaffolding tube thickness used across the industry. Thinner tubes use less steel,…

This contractor has used a dredger powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Making this choice provides a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to traditional marine gas oil (MGO), with emissions significantly reduced. There was a saving of up to 20% for CO2, up to 85% for NO2, and virtually eliminating SO2 and particulate matter. This supported compliance with strict environmental regulations…

Traditional tyres are vulnerable to punctures which then leads to frequent replacements. Therefore this contractor made the decision to use telehandlers with gel tyres which drastically reduce this risk and prevent unnecessary disposal of damaged tyres. Fewer replacements mean fewer manufacturing and transport emissions associated with tyre production and delivery. This results in a measurable reduction in carbon footprint.

This contractor has used modular temporary bracing systems that are fully reusable and adaptable for most structures, significantly reducing the tonnage of steel work required. This modularisation system enhances sustainability, safety, and efficiency. The standard design saves bespoke details and fabrication requirements, allowing standard attachments to suit various projects with different frame sizes, geometry and connection types. It also removes…