Applying the Carbon Hierarchy to Geotechnical ContractorsÂ-PPT Presentation

PPT Presentation

Pdf Summary

The presentation applies carbon hierarchies to geotechnical contracting, using them to prioritise emissions reductions across a project’s life cycle.<br /><br />The PAS 2080 hierarchy encourages teams to first avoid construction where possible, then reduce the need for new construction by reusing or refurbishing assets. If construction is necessary, they should choose low-carbon solutions and improve efficiency during construction and operation.<br /><br />The IEMA hierarchy offers a complementary sequence: eliminate emissions, reduce them, substitute lower-carbon energy and materials, and compensate only for residual emissions. Geotechnical examples include ground improvement instead of cement and steel, reusing foundations, designing fewer or smaller piles, reducing idling, using low-carbon cement or recycled materials, and adopting electric or alternative-fuel power. Compensation options include carbon-negative solutions, carbon capture and storage, and offsetting.<br /><br />The hierarchy also applies beyond design and site work. Human resources can reduce travel through video calls, remote working, local staff, and public transport. Procurement can specify appropriate material quantities, efficient transport, low-carbon or carbon-negative materials, and incentives for suppliers to innovate.<br /><br />The presentation concludes that the hierarchy helps structure improvement efforts, but contractors should prioritise eliminating and reducing emissions rather than relying immediately on compensation. Their environmental impacts extend beyond the construction site, and applying the hierarchy is only a starting point.

Keywords

carbon hierarchy

geotechnical contracting

emissions reduction

PAS 2080

IEMA hierarchy

low-carbon materials

ground improvement

foundation reuse

sustainable procurement

carbon compensation