Institution news
Sam will be speaking at the IMechE's upcoming Sustainable and Decarbonised Construction seminar, for the full agenda and to join, please visit the event website.
Please could you briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience with regards to the construction industry and this event?
Sam Burdett (SB): I work as a senior environment and sustainability advisor for SCS JV. In my role I work with each of the active construction sites on the HS2 London Tunnels project to drive our sustainability strategy and Decarbonising Construction Activities framework. This involves collaborating with the environmental sustainability representatives on each of the sites and key stakeholders within the delivery team on a wide range of initiatives. My work involves identifying opportunities to reduce the impact of activities within the tunnelling and major civils works. Broadly my focus areas are on energy management and resource efficiency.
What, in your experience, has been the biggest roadblock for the industry over the past 2-3 years?
SB: The industry has faced significant and varied external challenges over the last few years. This instability has made consistent performance and profitability a major hurdle for many organisations, directly impacting sustainability efforts. Whilst there has been major progress in developing lower impact technologies, scaling these innovations commercially has been challenging due to fluctuating market conditions and investment uncertainty. Finally, the lack of stringent regulation around carbon emissions in the UK remains a critical issue.
What key topics are you excited to discuss at this year’s conference?
SB: I excited to discuss how organisations are bringing innovative products and where SCS JV are supporting their adoption. I’m also interested to learn how process innovations i.e. new or improved ways of working are being embedded in businesses throughout the value chain.
What would you say are the areas of innovation across the UK construction industry?
SB: I’m excited about the future of data sharing infrastructure. We use many systems within the construction industry and I’m sure many will be familiar with occasions where these systems don’t ‘talk to each other’. There are clear benefits to data collaboration within complex multi-stakeholder environments with the potential to save resources and emissions.
Who else are you most interested in hearing from on the programme?
SB: I am really looking forward to hearing about developments in zero emissions plant and equipment. Energy usage through diesel and HVO contribute a significant amount to construction stage carbon emissions therefore transitioning existing fleets with new technologies is essential.
Why is it important for engineers to join this conference?
SB: Engineers transform the way we live and work every day, all whilst work environments become increasingly complex. This conference will help engineers develop collaboration and communications skills, bridging the gap between technical expertise and practical implementation.
Sustainable and Decarbonised Construction 2024 will take place on 15 October 2024 at One Birdcage Walk, London
This technical seminar will showcase the latest innovations in plants, alternative fuels, heavy machinery, and new materials all contributing to reduced emissions in this sector. Presentations will share recent advances and lessons learned from projects at Shell, Tata Steel, JCB, Mitsubishi Electric and more.
Attendees will also be able to join the knowledge sharing and networking of the Crane Safety 2024 seminar, also taking place at the same time.
For further details and to book your place, please visit the event website.