Ground Investigation – Specifying for Sustainability

There is a growing imperative in our industry to undertake Ground Investigation (GI) in a more sustainable manner. Whilst the responsibility for reducing carbon emissions and improving environmental performance has often been placed on contractors, the reality is that those specifying and designing the investigation have a central role. To achieve tangible benefits, it is time to think creatively and holistically about how we specify, plan and execute GIs.

Rethinking Equipment
Innovations such as rig idle limiters; timers and the consideration of alternative fuel types all contribute to reducing overall emissions.

However, whilst these incremental steps are valuable, they alone will not help us meet stringent Net Zero targets. Some clients, whose budgets permit, may well consider introducing electric vehicles and drill rigs. Current experience suggests that limited working time, hefty battery packs and additional transport costs remain challenging, yet as technology advances, we can hope to see improvements. The key is to remain aware that no single technological fix will be a panacea; instead, success lies in addressing the fundamental reasons for conducting GI and how it is planned in the first instance.

Specifying with Purpose
Arguably the most practical way to deliver a genuinely sustainable GI is to reflect on why the works are specified in the first place. Too often, Principal Designers and their clients over specify investigations to allow for multiple “options” or to mitigate perceived risks. Whilst caution is understandable, there can be a tendency to proceed without re-evaluating the GI scope during the execution phase.

By creating a clear feedback loop between the field team and designers, we can continually assess whether we are doing the right amount of work in the right places. In some cases, scaling the investigation down might save time, energy and resources; in other cases, it may be more sustainable to increase the scope to avoid multiple remobilisations at a later date. Getting it right first time not only reduces cost and frustration but also minimises the unnecessary carbon footprint of repeated site visits.

Collaborative Planning and Resource Management
Beyond specification, there is scope for more proactive resource management. A consolidated, coherent approach to GI across adjacent sites or related projects can make a significant difference. Grouping GIs allows for:

• Efficient Logistics: Better planning of drilling rig movements, the use of shared haulage and the potential for lodging personnel locally rather than commuting daily.
• Local Labour: Engaging local teams reduces travel distances and supports regional economies.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: Fewer, more organised journeys to and from site decrease emissions substantially.

Such an approach requires open communication and collaboration amongst clients, consultants, contractors and all other stakeholders. Framework agreements often provide a suitable structure to facilitate this alignment, ensuring resources are shared effectively over a series of projects.

Monitoring and Remote Technologies
Post-fieldwork monitoring offers another opportunity to integrate sustainable thinking. Remote monitoring technology can reduce site visits, saving on fuel and travel time. However, the initial outlay for equipment is not insignificant, and the technology may not always be the best fit for certain site conditions. For projects where remote monitoring is impractical or cost-prohibitive, simple measures such as travelling by train or bus for manual checks remain a valuable way to cut carbon emissions without sacrificing quality.

Balancing Cost and Carbon
Making GI more sustainable does not mean compromising on safety or reliability. We need a balanced view of cost versus carbon savings to make informed decisions. One potential avenue is to collaborate with a consultant organisation within the BDA that has access to a carbon calculator. By modelling an “options GI” against a “targeted GI,” it becomes clearer where efficiency and carbon savings can be made, and whether any additional expenditure would be justified by the reduced environmental impact.

Looking Ahead
Though the transition to genuinely sustainable Ground Investigation is complex, it presents an exciting opportunity for innovation. From rethinking our materials to refining how we specify, plan and monitor site works, every project phase offers scope to reduce our environmental impact. Achieving Net Zero demands a collective mindset shift—where designers, clients and contractors work together, reviewing and adapting specifications in real time, and making optimum use of resources.

As we in the BDA continue to encourage sustainable practices, it is heartening to see an increasing appetite for change across the industry. There will undoubtedly be challenges, but by embedding sustainability at the very heart of Ground Investigation, we can meet both our environmental obligations and the operational objectives of our clients.

Author: Lee Healey, Chair of the British Drilling Association T&S Sub-Committee

 

-

Exhibit at  Contamination & Land Remediation Expo and help shape the future of land management and remediation.

This key event features over 200 sessions in key sectors like Contamination, Land Remediation, Brownfield Development, Management of Hazardous Substances and more. It's an essential platform for those keen to engage with the latest sustainable trends and innovations. Discover the future of environmental solutions at the ESS Expo.