Being recognised at the 2023 Civil Contractors New Zealand Auckland Branch awards for its groundbreaking Portland Road Environmental Improvements project was a 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 6,000 cubic metres 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 centered 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 20 tons+ 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 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide equivalent.”
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.
“It’s very important on every project we ensure what we’re doing is improving the environment.”
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. The innovative dredging process also facilitated the reutilisation of dredged silt for on-site landscaping, eliminating the need for costly disposal and further reducing the project’s environmental footprint. Cole says it saved the Council $1m in cartage and tipping fees, and native plants are now growing in the silt.
“The change in method developed by Glasgow Contractors is now used to de-sludge dozens of ponds around New Zealand marking a massive success for the civil industry in our country, and is seeing huge savings in carbon footprint for public works projects and private projects alike,” says Cole.
However, Glasgow Contractors’ journey toward environmental innovation was not without its challenges, he says. Working with consent conditions and stakeholder hesitancy required a concerted effort, with the company conducting extensive trials and collaborating closely with regulatory bodies to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of its methodology.
Established in 2006, Glasgow Contractors has emerged as a trusted leader in Auckland’s civil and drainage industry, with a diverse portfolio of projects spanning stream restorations, stormwater renewals, and more. Led by directors Cole Glasgow and Kade Glasgow, the company has earned a reputation for delivering quality outcomes while upholding the highest standards of health, safety and environmental responsibility.
“It’s very important on every project we ensure what we’re doing is improving the environment,” says Cole, “while working within it and giving a positive outlook for the future of silt and water management.”
© Waterford Press Ltd 2024 – Independent Print Media New Zealand
