Recycled-Aggregates
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Recycled aggregates is a processed excavated material which is ran through a wash plant, with varying grades of sands and gravels produced. This can save upwards of 70% in carbon emissions compared to the quarried material. Please refer to the latest bulletin on where recycled aggregates should be used. More info available here.
Green-Steel
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Green Steel : In the UK, steel is produced in two ways, from Blast Furnace or Electric Arc Furnace. The EAF process uses more recycled steel content within the material. Celsa are a main supplier to BRC, ROM and others on reinforcement steel. These suppliers have confirmed they can provide the EAF recycled steel for us. When ordering reinforcement, please ensure it is EAF recycled steel. EAFs also offer an opportunity for “green steel”. This is an option when procuring sheet piles. Please request a quote for a green option when discussing with the Supply Chain. More info available here.
Nature-Based-Solutions
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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 GL have already used. We have made use of willow branches along river embankments, MSE bags allowing nature to its course for riverbanks 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. Alternatively, a link to Scottish Water’s Technical Bulletin can be found here.
Low-Carbon-Concrete
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Concrete is one of the highest carbon emitters materials not only within the industry, but across all industries. 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 being used on site and, where possible, remove the need for CEM1. Scottish Water have a Low Carbon Concrete Matrix available to use, link here.
Green-Energy
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Advancements in Green Energy make it possible for projects to generate power from solar and wind turbines. These are a good alternative and addition to 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. A link to the Scottish Water guidance can be found here.
Battery-Units
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Battery Units : Wherever possible, all George Leslie projects are to use battery units, known as Hussh Pods or Battery Storage Units. 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.
Welfare-Eco-Cabins
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Welfare Eco Cabins : New units are available from our suppliers which are better insulated, make use of double glazing, thermostats and PIR lighting, among 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.
Hydrotreated-Vegetable-Oil
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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 with engines that diesel, which is increasing the lifespan of engines and resulting in less servicing. This is true for George Leslie plant, and our Supply Chain. We should now be using HVO on all our projects, unless specified otherwise.
