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This contractor installed spun concrete structural columns as an alternative to steel section columns as a less carbon intensive and more efficient install. The spun concrete increases strength when compared to traditionally cast concrete as it removes air pockets (C75 to C110 MPA), with the process having less than half the embodied carbon of the equivalent steel section. This process…

On this project there are two site compounds which were initially run using diesel generators. The diesel was switched to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as it was more sustainable and produced less emissions. However, the cost of HVO has increased and the emissions are comparable to white diesel when comparing well to wheel. The diesel powered generators were not running…

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…

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…

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…

This contractor worked with Calluna Upcycling to recycle their stand from an exhibition they presented at. This was converted into handy pencil/make-up cases and distributed for the workforce, reducing waste to landfill whilst providing a gift for the workforce. Calluna create flexible work for people who for a variety of reasons need it – all of their workers struggle with…

This contractor has collaborated with suppliers to deliver cutting-edge low carbon post tensioned concrete floor slabs for the superstructure of the project. The post tensioned strand is the first of its kind to be used in the UK and uses a much higher volume of recycled scrap metal material with a significantly lower carbon impact compared with traditional post tensioned…

The eco action higher or lower game, is an interactive environmental resource for businesses and organisations that helps to engage and educate staff on a range of sustainability issues. This is an online version of the popular card game, which has a flexible option with a number of flexible uses. It works as a tournament style game where teams compete…

On this project, they contacted the supplier to ask if they could do a luxury vinyl flooring take back scheme, as they had never completed this previously. This is the first vinyl take back scheme that the supplier have completed in the UK. To assist the supplier with this the contractor is commercially funding the take back scheme with the…

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…

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…

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…

Gen Zero is a research project that the DfE & the contractor have led and is based on a construction approach that will form a “Kit of Parts” (platform) to build ultra low carbon sustainable schools, using a fixed grid, timber construction which are adaptable to user needs and demountable to ensure longevity of use. The practical classroom pod will…

A large number of skips can and have been filled in the past and seemingly potentially useful insulation is taken away by waste removal contractors and simply thrown away, usually into landfill. This contractor asked Shredall to specify and advise upon the size of an appropriate compactor to fit into their site and training was carried out for the general…

This contractor changed the design to use Eco Sheet Piles Plus throughout the project which significantly reduced carbon. These are part of the XCarb brand and are a recycled and renewably produced initiative, based on the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) route using 100% recycled material in addition to using 100% renewable electricity sourced from the same power grid. This allows…