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A list of entries tagged with Innovations

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Excess Concrete Collection Vessels

Published 15 August 2024 | 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…


AI Workforce Tracker

Published 15 August 2024 | Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesControls Inspection and assurance Positive leadership and risk ownership

The project team are currently are using a new AI system to track labour productivity levels on site. The system involves small tags being worn on the hard hats of all operatives and a number of sensors dotted around the site. The system can then used to establish where time is being lost on the project. For instance, it was…


FHOSS Cast Projectors for Pedestrian Safety

Published 5 August 2024 | Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesPedestrian safety Signage

When considering improving existing signage to this area, the contractor went to market and found that there was nothing available that suited their needs. Therefore they searched for a solution provider and worked closely with FHOSS to come up with an effective solution. This is a custom solution that will be shared with other projects once in a fully marketable…


Cold Applied Waterproofing

Published 5 August 2024 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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…


Provision of Icle Tests

Published 5 August 2024 | Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesHealth risk assessments and monitoring

As part of Men’s Health Week, this contractor dedicated a time to highlight the unique health concerns that men face. They launched their initiative offering free Icle tests to employees. The Icle Test is an at-home urine test to detect blood in urine, an early warning sign of kidney or bladder cancer and a recognised symptom of prostate cancer. Given…


Certified Reduction in VOC Emissions

Published 18 July 2024 | 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…


WELL Equity – Inclusivity and Accessibility

Published 18 July 2024 | Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesEngagement and commitment from the workforce Supported by management Workforce development plans

This contractor has become the first construction company in the UK and Europe to achieve WELL Equity which places a significant emphasis on the policies and practices that underpin the workplace culture. The initial push for pursuing the WELL Equity certification came from the site, whose project culture strongly supported this initiative This early adoption and support exemplify how integral…


Vertical Farm

Published 18 July 2024 | Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesCanteen Diet

This contractor has installed 3 hydroponic farm walls (189 plants) into the site office. They are using this as a benchmark on what will be in the final scheme by incorporating this into the site set up, by having access to what they are creating for the client. During this time, they have held fortnightly harvests of the produce which…


Biochar

Published 18 July 2024 | 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 | 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…


Hello Lamp Post

Published 18 July 2024 | Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesIdentify potential impacted communities Impacted community surveys Regular updates of progress Social media

Hello Lamp Post is an initiative that transforms everyday street objects, such as lamp posts, into interactive communication platforms. It allows people to engage with these objects by sending messages via text message or smartphone apps. Essentially, individuals can “converse” with objects like lamp posts, benches, or even fire hydrants by sending messages to designated numbers or scanning QR codes….


Digital Concrete Testing to Cut Carbon

Published 18 July 2024 | 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…


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