60 | CONTRACTING Glasgow Contractors T T Karen Phelps Environmental focus brings rewards The Portland Road Environmental Improvements project was conceived with the ambitious goal of revitalising a 600-metre stretch of stream Being recognised at the 2023 Civil Contractors New Zealand Auckland Branch awards for its groundbreaking Portland Road Environmental Improvements project was testament to Glasgow Contractors’ focus on environmental sustainability, says company director, Cole Glasgow. The project not only earned Glasgow Contractors the esteemed Excellence in Sustainability Innovation award but also secured the distinguished Project Category B award, solidifying the company’s position as a pioneer in sustainable infrastructure development. The Portland Road Environmental Improvements project was conceived with the ambitious goal of revitalising a 600-metre stretch of stream in Tāmaki Makarau. The project sought to move 6000m³ of silt that had built up in the stream/estuarine environment and dispose of that silt. At the helm of the project was Glasgow Contractors’ dedicated team of engineers, environmental specialists, and project managers, whose collective expertise and ingenuity drove the development of an innovative, sustainable approach to stream remediation, which significantly reduced the waste and carbon footprint of the project, says Cole. He says the project’s methodology centred on the adaptation of a suction dredging and dewatering technique from European wastewater dredging practices. This innovative approach, tailored to suit the unique environmental context of Aotearoa New Zealand, offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional dredging methods. “A typical dredging method for a stream of this width would require a 20t+ excavator with a long-reach, loaded to a dumper or hopper and trucked away from site,” explains Cole. “The traditional digging method was forecasted to total approximately 65,000 kg CO2e.” Central to Glasgow Contractors’ solution was the strategic utilisation of an amphibious dredge powered by a compact engine that not only minimised carbon emissions but also significantly reduced ecological disturbance, says Cole. By harnessing the power of this lightweight, efficient machinery, Glasgow Contractors was able to achieve unprecedented levels of precision and efficacy in sediment removal, all while operating within stringent environmental regulations. The environmental benefits of Glasgow Contractors’ approach were manifold, with the method boasting an impressive 90% reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional dredging methods. ∙ Stream enhancement & rehabilitation ∙ Site cuts ∙ Road reinstatements ∙ Footings & foundations ∙ Drainage ∙ Land clearing & development ∙ Earthworks ∙ Retaining walls ∙ Six wheeler tipper ∙ Flat-deck six wheeler ∙ Slip repairs 022 023 3907 hirstcivilcartage@gmail.com Proudly supporting Glasgow Contractors
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