DFI and EFFC launch sustainability guides for geotechnical companies
The Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) has announced a collaborative initiative with the European Federation of Foundation Contractors (EFFC) to produce a series of sustainability guides aimed at aiding geotechnical companies in adopting environmentally responsible practices. This partnership seeks to address the pressing imperative for industry members to align with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which countries across the globe have committed to achieving by the year 2030.
Kicking off this resource development is the EFFC/DFI Carbon Reduction Guide, which targets two specific SDGs: SDG 13, Climate Action, and SDG 7, Affordable and Clean Energy. The guide presents practical recommendations to assist companies in lowering their carbon emissions, thereby contributing to wider efforts to mitigate climate change. This is particularly pertinent as the geotechnical sector faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact.
The second publication in this series, the EFFC/DFI Circular Economy Guide, emphasizes the importance of SDG 12, which focuses on Responsible Consumption and Production. This guide equips companies with strategies aimed at minimising waste and advocating for material reuse within their operations, thus promoting a more sustainable approach in their projects and processes.
Matthew Glisson, P.E., the DFI director of technical activities, expressed the significance of this partnership, stating, “These guides are a great example of the synergy that comes from finding common ground.” He highlighted that the collaboration allows both organisations to benefit from shared experiences, particularly as sustainable practices and related regulations continue to develop in various regions. Glisson further noted that the partnership facilitates a two-way exchange of knowledge, enabling the DFI to inform North American geotechnical companies while also providing EFFC insights into practices emerging from different parts of the world.
These sustainability guides are being made readily accessible, with both resources available for free download through the DFI Publications Store, reflecting a commitment to disseminate valuable information that can significantly influence industry standards and practices.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts within the construction and engineering sectors to enhance sustainability, driven by both regulatory pressures and a growing recognition of the importance of environmental stewardship. The DFI and EFFC's collaboration is positioned as a proactive response to these demands, effectively bridging the gap between established practices in Europe and the evolving landscape in North America and beyond.
By equipping companies with the tools and knowledge to implement environmentally responsible methods, these guides aim to foster a culture of sustainability within the geotechnical sector, thereby contributing to the larger movement towards achieving the SDGs by the upcoming deadline. As companies consider their roles in addressing climate change and resource sustainability, the DFI and EFFC's resources are positioned as critical aids in navigating these pressing challenges.