Soil is a vital, yet often overlooked, resource in construction projects.
- Early planning and assessment can maximise soil’s sustainability benefits.
- National policies currently underutilise soil’s potential in developments.
- Mismanagement of soil leads to unnecessary costs and environmental impact.
- Contractors play a crucial role in sustainable soil management practices.
Soil is an essential, albeit frequently underestimated, resource within the realm of construction projects. Its significance is acknowledged at the governmental level, where its contributions to carbon and waste reduction are recognised alongside the delivery of biodiversity net gain (BNG). However, the potential of soil can only be fully harnessed if it is considered early in project planning, prior to contractors mobilising on site.
To maximise soil’s potential, it is imperative for designers and contractors to integrate soil management considerations at the inception of a project. By doing so, they can achieve more sustainable outcomes in the development of housing, commercial, and infrastructure initiatives. The focus should be on preserving soil as a resource from the earliest stages, as the opportunity for substantial benefits diminishes once excavation begins.
The current approach to soil management in the National Planning Policy Framework has been criticised for not adequately addressing its use and reuse in the construction sector. Development projects typically involve movement and stockpiling of soils, which often results in their classification as waste. This can lead to the loss of soil function and its carbon storage capacity. Early assessment of soil resources can be instrumental in site design, helping to preserve soil quality and support waste minimisation strategies.
Mismanagement of soil is not only an environmental concern but also a financial one. The expenditure associated with waste classification, testing, and disposal is significant, including costs related to carbon emissions from transportation and the need to replace soil with virgin materials. Addressing this issue offers a chance to reduce costs substantially.
With the government’s ambitious plans to construct 1.5 million homes over the next five years, there is an urgent need for a shift towards sustainable development practices. This includes recognising the critical role that soil can play in achieving these objectives. By assessing soil resources ahead of time, contractors can facilitate its retention and reuse, thereby mitigating waste legislation challenges.
Contractors are urged to request detailed soil-resource assessments and to incorporate forward-thinking design strategies to retain and reutilise soil on-site or offsite. Bold actions are encouraged, such as embracing net-zero goals across supply chains and construction phases, acknowledging embodied carbon, and setting ambitious targets for improvement.
Maximising soil’s potential is vital for sustainable development, requiring strategic early planning and innovative practices in construction projects.
