Socogetra, in association with BESIX, has set itself the objective of drastically reducing its CO2 emissions on the quay wall project site at Pommeroeul, in Hainaut (Belgium). On this project, carried out for the client SPW Infrastructures, the objective is to reach level 3 of the CO2 performance scale. This is a major challenge that requires rigorous daily work.
With the help of Astrasol, a consultant specialised in carbon assessments, Socogetra organised this transition by focusing on 4 key approaches to reduce CO2 emissions.
- The first step was to assess the overall CO2 emissions of the project, and to map them in three main areas: energy (responsible for 51 % of emissions), transport (responsible for 45 % of emissions) and staff mobility (responsible for 4 % of emissions). The team has committed to reduce emissions on this site by 12 %.
- Secondly, concrete measures have been implemented on-site to minimise emissions, for example by switching off energy-consuming equipment when not in use, thus avoiding unnecessary energy consumption. The use of renewable fuels (such as HVO100 diesel) for 50 % as well as optimising performance with state-of-the-art equipment has a positive long-term impact on emissions. In addition, by using stone from a nearby quarry for the canal embankment, Socogetra has reduced transport emissions. Staff and subcontractors also play a key role by adopting an exemplary eco-friendly attitude, particularly when driving vehicles.
- The third important point was communication. Internal and external communication is fundamental throughout this project, transparency and communication on the actions implemented promote the participation of all actors in the construction sector in the common objective of reducing CO2 emissions.
- Finally, participation is the most important aspect of this project. By bringing together people from the construction sector around a common goal, it was easier to come up with innovative ideas and share good practices to reduce CO2 emissions.
Socogetra and BESIX can be proud of the efforts made by their staff to adopt an exemplary attitude. They are reaping many benefits from this project, both financially and in terms of time savings.
In the future, the CO2 performance scale will be more and more present in the specifications in Belgium. This has already been the case in the Netherlands for several years. BESIX Nederland, BESIX Europe and several Belgian subsidiaries are already certified at level 5 of the performance scale. This certification also demonstrates the group's commitment to reducing its CO2 emissions.