EFFC Road Map Session-Video

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The session introduced the new EFFC Carbon Reduction Guide, published jointly with the DFI’s European group, and outlined plans for further guidance on sustainability topics such as circular economy, biodiversity and social impacts.<br /><br />Speakers explained why geotechnical companies should cut emissions: construction and foundations contribute significantly to global carbon, while regulation, client and investor expectations, employee priorities, risk management and efficiency savings are increasing pressure to act. The guide recommends measuring emissions, setting reduction plans, reporting progress and addressing remaining emissions through credible offsetting. Its reduction hierarchy prioritizes eliminating emissions, then reducing demand and optimizing designs, before substituting lower-carbon materials or energy.<br /><br />Practical measures include reducing cement and steel use, improving equipment and transport efficiency, reusing materials and considering lower-carbon fuels. Two case studies showed the benefits: an optimized piling design saved about 500 tonnes of CO₂, while changes to materials, design, bentonite reuse and fuel on an infrastructure project saved more than 2,600 tonnes.<br /><br />The EFFC–DFI carbon calculator can compare project options, and a company-level tool is being developed to help members track Scope 1 and 2 emissions, with optional Scope 3 benchmarking. Discussion emphasized that sustainable choices must be assessed carefully: alternatives such as hydrogen and HVO have limitations, and safety and local requirements remain essential.

Keywords

EFFC Carbon Reduction Guide

sustainability

geotechnical emissions

carbon reduction

Scope 1 and 2 emissions

carbon calculator

circular economy

biodiversity

low-carbon materials