Prevent soil damage during construction projects
Benefits of managing soil in the built environment
Construction and landscaping can have an enormous impact on soil quality within the urban environment. Using techniques that maintain soil quality and function will help you ensure that soils can continue to maintain drainage characteristics, support vegetation and provide the basis for green spaces, while minimising the risk of causing flooding or erosion. In addition to these environmental benefits, such sustainable business practices can help you reduce your costs and enhance your reputation among clients.
Policymakers are looking at how soil can be protected through legislation and good practice. For instance, planning authorities increasingly require sustainable drainage systems for new developments.
You can cut your soil management costs with effective forward planning and management before and during construction activities. If possible, you should aim to reduce the need to double handle your soils. This will help prevent problems such as compaction and poor drainage and, in some cases help avoid unnecessary importing of soils for landscaping. Finding a sustainable use for any surplus soils could also mean further savings - as well as making it easier to comply with waste legislation.
You can improve your reputation with regulators, customers and other stakeholders by showing that you consider environmental issues to be a priority - see market your environmental credentials.
You can also download a code of practice for soil use on construction sites (PDF, 737K).