National Highways has set out its commitment to protect and strengthen the natural environment and community wellbeing in its new Sustainability Strategy. With the vision of providing a connected road network, supporting the country’s transport needs and helping meet the 2050 net zero targets, it is an ambition that will need invested support from across the supply chain.
What is the Environmental Sustainability Strategy?
As part of its environmental strategy, National Highways has identified a number of priorities that it is focussed on achieving by 2050, including:
- Good road and environmental design
- Managing land for its environmental value
- Nature based solutions
- Integrating out into the wider landscape
- Conserving and enhancing historic and cultural value
- Mitigating pollution
- Leaner construction
- Optimising resource and energy use
- Cleaner, quieter journeys
With dedicated Road Investment Strategy (RIS) contractors appointed to deliver projects in line with these key pillars, it is essential that they are provided with the support, tools and data needed to be mindful of the environment throughout.
Construction and the environment
It is no secret that the construction industry has a significant impact on the environment, contributing around 39% of global carbon emissions, as well as a significant proportion of water and land pollution.
Highways projects are no different, with many taking place in green areas, near bodies of water or involving high embodied carbon structures, such as bridges. Couple this with the increasing strain being put on road infrastructure due to increased traffic levels and heavier vehicles and it is easy to see how there can be a detrimental impact on the environment.
What can be done about this?
There is no simple answer to this question, but there are some ways in which contractors can ensure they’re respecting the local environment during works. Environmental monitoring, like our Enviroguard system, is a great example.
Monitoring allows contractors to measure a number of environmental factors, from dust and noise to VOCs and vibrations, with real-time data able to highlight potential pollutants or other spikes to environmental factors, all of which could affect surrounding areas of historic or cultural value.
With the data available to view online, such monitoring technologies can cut down on the need for manual in-person surveys, meaning less cars and travel to site required, as well as a reduced health and safety risk.
When you choose Mabey Hire, contractors will have access to advice from experienced monitoring engineers with years of highways knowledge and expertise, with a detailed understanding of the unique complexities the sector can present.
By engaging with such forms of digital technology and taking a holistic approach to their work, contractors can ensure that they are supporting National Highways in the delivery of its Sustainability Strategy.
Speak to our team about how we can assist with your upcoming projects, here.
