Applying the Carbon Hierarchy to Geotechnical ContractorsÂ-Paper

Paper

Pdf Summary

The paper argues that geotechnical contractors must apply a company-wide carbon hierarchy to achieve meaningful progress toward net zero, rather than relying mainly on low-carbon materials and fuels. Drawing on the IEMA greenhouse-gas management hierarchy, it recommends acting in this order: <strong>eliminate</strong> emissions, <strong>reduce</strong> them, <strong>substitute</strong> lower-carbon alternatives, and <strong>compensate</strong> only for residual emissions.

In design and engineering, this means considering ground improvement or reusing existing foundations before reducing pile quantities and dimensions, and only then substituting conventional cement and other materials with lower-carbon options. On site, contractors can reduce time and fuel use through efficient operations and maintenance, then adopt biofuels, electric or hydrogen-powered equipment. Offices and yards can improve energy efficiency, electrify equipment, and use renewable electricity. Procurement can prevent over-ordering, select lower-carbon suppliers and materials, and improve transport efficiency. Human resources can reduce travel through remote meetings and home working, encourage public transport and cycling, and support lower-emission vehicles. Finance, health and safety, environment and quality teams, and IT also contribute through carbon reporting, audits, risk assessment, and improved data collection.

The paper highlights the importance of Scope 3 emissions, particularly those associated with cement and steel, which are estimated to account for over 90% of piling-project emissions. It cautions against treating offsets or carbon-capture technologies as substitutes for avoiding and reducing emissions first, and notes that solutions should be assessed for wider sustainability effects and potential burden shifting.

Because the hierarchy can guide decisions across all business functions—not just project design—it provides a practical framework for employee-led carbon reduction and the sector-wide changes needed to reach net zero.

Keywords

geotechnical contractors

carbon hierarchy

net zero

Scope 3 emissions

emissions reduction

low-carbon materials

sustainable procurement

cement and steel

carbon management

piling projects