Driving towards sustainability

A wave of innovation is changing the scene, with Rob Carr actively working towards sustainable solutions to decrease its ecological footprint.

In a time when environmental concerns are the focus of discussions, industries are being pushed to change their practices and limit their impact on the planet. 

Construction and engineering companies have shifted their priorities beyond just profit. 

Today, many prominent companies acknowledge that sustainability is not solely a moral duty, but also a key business strategy. 

One example is Rob Carr, which is not only reducing its ecological impact but also gaining a competitive edge by integrating sustainable practices into its operations.

“As part of the Soletanche Bachy group, the world leader in foundations and soil technologies, Rob Carr has implemented the “Green is Great” awareness initiative to encourage staff to do their part in joining the company’s efforts in reducing its carbon dioxide emissions,” Rob Carr general manager Angelo Soumboulidis said. 

Within the group’s strong environmental approach, Rob Carr is committed to limiting its environmental impact and reducing its carbon dioxide emissions by 40 per cent by 2030, an ambitious target. 

From utilising recycled materials to incorporating renewable energy sources like solar panels, among others, these practices are significantly lowering carbon emissions associated with Rob Carr’s construction projects.

Like most construction companies, Rob Carr needs cement, concrete, steel, and fuel to carry out its projects. These resources generate significant carbon dioxide emissions which impact operations and, ultimately, the environment. 

Reducing carbon emissions is a focal point for Rob Carr in its commitment to achieving long term sustainable operations by employing a mix of strategies and in its efforts for reasoned and sustainable growth, the company is relying on a pragmatic environmental action plan focussing on key areas. 

Three key areas: 

• Energy – reducing carbon footprint by 40 per cent by 2030 by reducing fuel and electricity consumption
• Cement – reduce indirect carbon dioxide emission by 20 per cent by 2030 through reducing cement consumption using less concrete, using alternative binders and bespoke cements with lower carbon footprints
• Waste – minimising the generation of onsite waste and maximising recycling and recovery of materials by using specialised vendors who reuse construction waste and materials to generate new reusable products. 

To ensure sustainable operations, Rob Carr has implemented a stringent emissions tracking framework for its projects and the business as a whole. 

The framework, developed in-house, includes the detailed calculation of carbon emissions for any offering made to a client at tender stage. 

Ultimately, this development has enabled the company to compare the carbon dioxide impact of a basic solution with that of a variant during the tendering phase, in order to promote, wherever possible, the solution that has the least impact on the environment.

The framework is in template form and incorporates detailed calculations within Rob Carr’s estimating software, ensuring that the requisite detail and accuracy of information are available for any developed project solution. 

If successful, the Rob Carr project team receives this information and progressively tracks the project’s carbon dioxide emissions throughout its lifecycle. 

“The aim for the project team is to innovate and implement new processes or solutions or supply alternative materials, which will help to further lessen the projects’ overall carbon dioxide emissions and ultimately the company’s overall ecological footprint,” Soumboulidis said.

The project reporting merges and tracks several environmental indicators against a B0 scenario, such as total fuel consumption, electricity, gas, water, concrete, steel, and other materials in a monthly report, thus allowing for continual improvement.

Integrating renewable energy systems into construction projects is becoming increasingly prevalent. 

From incorporating solar panels into its site facilities to lessen the need for power generation using fuel, through to looking into machine electrification using electric power packs to reduce energy consumption, Rob Carr is at the forefront of offsetting carbon emissions in the trenchless space contributing substantially to the sustainability of the built environment.

Further breakthroughs in materials science are driving the creation of environmentally friendly substitutes for standard construction materials, further decreasing the ecological footprint of the business.

Through the group, Rob Carr has access to EXEGY, a low carbon concrete alternative made exclusively by Soletanche Bachy. 

“EXEGY is a package of materials and group services which provide group companies such as Rob Carr and ultimately clients, the most suitable low-carbon footprint concrete or grout for any project,” Soumboulidis said.

Ultimately, the sustainability of any construction project relies on collaboration within the supply chain. By collaborating closely with the group, other group companies, suppliers and subcontractors, Rob Carr enforces strict environmental standards and encourages the adoption of sustainable materials and practices in its operations.

With climate change becoming a firm reality, construction and engineering companies will play a bigger role in fostering sustainability. 

By embracing innovation, and prioritising carbon dioxide reduction strategies, Rob Carr will not only minimise its environmental impact but also drive positive change across the trenchless industry.

For more information, visit the Rob Carr website.

This article featured in the April edition of Trenchless Australasia.