George Leslie are committed to reaching Net Zero by 2040, but to do that we need to become more sustainable in the way we work. This means embracing practices and modern methods of construction that help lower our carbon footprint. The areas below are opportunities identified in our Carbon Management Plan to achieve Net Zero.
Nature-Based-Solutions
Nature Based Solutions Nature Based Solutions (NBS) are used to protect, manage and restore areas like cities, watercourses and green fields. This can be done in a variety of ways, some of which we already use. We have made use of willow branches along river embankments, MSE bags allowing nature to maintain its course for river banks and the works we are currently doing on the peatland restoration projects. If there is an opportunity for NBS to be implemented on your projects, please get in touch with the Sustainability & Innovation Team.
Recycled-Aggregates
Recycled aggregates Recycled Aggregates are a processed excavated material that is run through a wash plant with varying grades of sands and gravels produced. This can save upwards of 70% in carbon emissions compared to quarried material. Please refer to the latest bulletin on where recycled aggregates should be used.
Green-Steel
In the UK, steel is produced in two ways; Blast furnace or Electric Arc Furnace (EAF). The EAF process uses more recycled steel. Celsa are a main supplier of reinforcement steel to BRC, ROM, Roe Group and Express. These suppliers have confirmed they can provide the EAF recycled steel for us. When ordering reinforcement, please ensure it is EAF recycled steel. EAF also offer an opportunity for ‘green steel’. Green steel is a steel produced using electricity or renewable energy sources. This is an option when procuring sheet piles. Please request a quote for a low carbon option when discussing with the Supply Chain.
Low-Carbon-Concrete
Concrete is one of the highest carbon emitting materials across construction, worldwide. George Leslie have joined the Low Carbon Concrete Collective which aims to remove the need for CEM1 across all projects. Please be aware of the mixes that are used on site and where possible, remove the need for CEM1. Scottish Water have a Low Carbon Concrete Matrix available for reference.
Battery-Units
Battery Units : Wherever possible, all our projects are to use battery units available from our power suppliers, such as Hussh Pods from SLD or Battery Storage Units (BSU) from Sunbelt. These units can reduce fuel usage by an average of 60% every week, which equates to over £500 per week. There are also advancements in this technology, meaning batteries are becoming more efficient and saving more fuel.
Hydrotreated-Vegetable-Oil
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil is an alternative to diesel with circa 90% less carbon emissions. As well as lower emissions, HVO has been found to be less aggressive on engines than diesel, resulting in increasing the lifespan of engines and subsequently require less servicing. This is also true for our plant and our Supply Chain. It is a business desire to use HVO on all our projects, unless otherwise stated.
Welfare-Eco-Cabins
Welfare Eco Cabins : New units are available from our suppliers which are better insulated, make use of double glazing, thermostats and PIR lighting amongst others. Our Supply Chain have been informed to provide these types of cabins as standard on our projects. In using these cabins, it lowers the fuel usage on site and are a better, more comfortable design than previous welfare units.
Green-Energy
Advancements in Green Energy make it possible for projects to generate power from solar and wind turbines. These are a good alternative, complementing the battery units we are currently using. However, be aware on Scottish Water projects solar panels can ONLY be used if they are from their approved suppliers list.
