How geotechnics can speed up decarbonisation with the help of Clients-Paper

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The article argues that foundation contractors cannot accelerate decarbonisation alone: clients—including owners, public authorities and prime contractors—make key decisions before tendering that can either enable or constrain lower-impact geotechnical solutions. Working together early can reduce carbon emissions, water dewatering and resource use while also saving time and money.<br /><br />Drawing on project experience, the author identifies ten barriers clients can address: allow alternative designs; state the project’s underlying need rather than prescribe a solution; avoid unnecessary minimum dimensions and requirements; keep simple projects and calculations simple; align environmental commitments across the project; use realistic geotechnical parameters and sound soil mechanics; make better use of site testing and past project data; and allow adequate time for tender responses.<br /><br />Overly restrictive specifications, excessive safety margins, copied requirements and refusal to consider alternatives can drive unnecessary concrete and steel use, extra excavation support, pumping, cost and emissions. Instead, clients should focus on what is necessary to meet standards and project objectives, and give contractors room to apply their expertise.<br /><br />Some clients already reward sustainability, set contractual carbon or water targets, and support innovative solutions. Early contractor involvement and competitive dialogue can bring expertise into planning and make optimization possible before designs are fixed. The article calls for ongoing dialogue and locally adapted approaches: “enough is better than too much.”

Keywords

decarbonisation

foundation contractors

client decisions

geotechnical solutions

carbon emissions

early contractor involvement

sustainability

soil mechanics

tendering

resource efficiency