Sustainable Ground Engineering isn't an add-on: It's a mindset..

Shrinking the carbon footprint of ground engineering

Filipe Marcos, Senior Geotechnical Engineer: Filipe has a strong background in civil and geotechnical engineering. He holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Civil Engineering, specialising in Geotechnics. Filipe works in the Guildford Geotechnical team led by Director Chris Gough.

Ayesa UK is a top 15 UK engineering consultant by revenue.

Everyone’s talking about building sustainability into projects—but how do we actually make it happen consistently and practically?

Most of the structures we are designing now will be operational in 2050 and beyond, in a resource-constrained, net-zero-carbon economy. There might not be a one-size-fits-all answer. Every project is different, shaped by its location, stakeholders, capex and other constraints, and ever-evolving technology. Furthermore, the decarbonisation of an asset should not be a standalone consideration and needs to take into account the carbon implications on the wider system which it is part of. But one thing remains constant: the early stages of a project offer the biggest opportunity to embed sustainability into the core of the design and construction process.

When we invest time upfront in understanding the site, reviewing existing conditions, and aligning on shared sustainability goals, we set the tone for everything that follows. That means identifying risks, opportunities, and efficiencies—like reusing materials or designing to the contours of the land—before we even break ground. Miss this step, and we often find ourselves managing issues or missed opportunities later.

We’re also seeing project teams expand, with more collaboration across disciplines. Close coordination between geotechnical, structural, and environmental engineers, for example, results in smarter solutions and fewer wasted materials. It's a dynamic shift—and one that brings huge benefits, not only for carbon savings but for overall project quality and innovation.

To make the most of these opportunities, clients need clear value metrics, and project teams need to explore sustainable options collaboratively from Day One. We believe sustainability should be a mindset, not a box-ticking exercise—and it starts well before construction.        

1. Early-Stage Site Assessments: Setting the Foundation for Sustainability: Early site studies are a key moment to align sustainability goals with what’s possible on the ground. This phase includes:

• Evaluating the need for built environment, as opposed to a nature-based solution
• Evaluating orientation, sunlight, and prevailing winds
• Understanding the natural water cycle and ground conditions
• Identifying biodiversity, habitat corridors, and protected species
• Assessing existing infrastructure and local planning objectives
• Understanding local resources available, including workforce, and supply chain

This upfront work can help design teams:

• Maximise passive design opportunities
• Reduce disruption to existing ecosystems
• Avoid planning issues and reduce rework
• Deliver buildings that are efficient and resilient over their lifetime and improve the wider system

Early assessments are about more than checking boxes—they're about unlocking smarter ways to design with the land, not just on it.

2. Collaborative Design: Unlocking Sustainable Thinking Across Disciplines:

Sustainability is most effective when it’s woven into every decision, not treated as a separate line item. Cross-discipline collaboration helps embed sustainability into:

• Site-sensitive architecture and passive design
• Structural efficiency and materials optimisation
• Whole-life carbon assessments and circular economy planning
• Energy performance modelling and renewable integration

When engineers, architects, and sustainability consultants sit around the same table from the start, new ideas emerge, risks are flagged earlier, and the overall outcome improves. It’s not about compromise—it’s about co-collaboration and using each other’s expertise and ideas.

3. Foundations and Piling: Building Responsibly from the Ground Up:

Foundations often carry a heavy carbon load, but with the right approach, we can reduce that impact. Strategies could include:

• Reusing or adapting existing foundations
• Using lower-carbon concrete or alternative cement mixes
• Designing efficient structural systems with less material
• Considering offsite or modular foundation components

Geotechnical and structural teams working in tandem can help optimise designs from the outset. With detailed ground data available early, we can also evaluate alternative techniques like soil improvement, displacement piles or helical piles—solutions that may reduce embodied carbon and site disturbance.

These early conversations pay off in better decisions, fewer delays, and more sustainable outcomes.        

4. Technology and Digital Tools: Powering Sustainable Decision-Making:

Advancements in construction technology are accelerating our ability to design, assess, and deliver more sustainable projects. Digital tools offer a level of foresight and precision that simply wasn’t possible in the past, enabling teams to:

• Simulate energy performance, daylight access, and thermal comfort
• Evaluate structural and material options for embodied carbon
• Coordinate design clashes and optimise layouts through BIM integration
• Create digital twins for performance monitoring and adaptive reuse planning

BIM, in particular, allows for detailed collaboration and version control, reducing rework and waste. 3D modeling and virtual design reviews make it easier to understand how systems interact spatially and environmentally. With the right data, these tools also help quantify the carbon and lifecycle impacts of design choices—providing clients with clear comparisons between options.

By integrating digital workflows from the earliest stages, we don’t just reduce risks — we empower better, faster decisions that keep sustainability at the core.        

5. Whole-Life Asset Thinking: Beyond Construction:

True sustainability doesn’t end when construction is complete. Projects need to be considered across their full life cycle—from design and build through to operation, maintenance, and end-of-life.

Whole-life asset thinking involves:

• Designing for adaptability, flexibility, and future use
• Selecting materials and systems with durability and maintenance in mind
• Planning for efficient energy and water use throughout the asset's life
• Embedding monitoring systems to track performance and inform repairs and upgrades

This mindset not only reduces long-term costs and carbon emissions but also supports client ambitions for net-zero operations and resilience.

6. Aligning with Global Sustainability Goals:

From net zero carbon strategies to local climate action plans, projects increasingly need to demonstrate alignment with big-picture sustainability targets. Early engagement and integrated working practices directly support:

• UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Local authority climate targets and biodiversity plans
• National infrastructure resilience goals
• Social outcomes and benefits to the local communities.

By taking a proactive approach from the outset, project teams help their clients meet both regulatory requirements and community expectations.

Conclusion:

Sustainability as a “Mindset”

 If we want to build sustainably, we have to think sustainably—right from the first sketch to the final pour of concrete. That means embedding site intelligence, embracing collaboration, harnessing technology, and challenging traditional approaches to foundations and materials.        

At Ayesa, sustainability isn’t an ‘add-on’—it’s embedded in how we approach every project. Through early insights and strong partnerships, we help shape solutions that are resilient, efficient, and forward-looking.

Chris Gough: is Director of Ground Engineering at Ayesa, based in our Guildford office. A Chartered Civil Engineer with a master’s degree in engineering, Chris brings over 20 years of UK and international experience in foundation engineering and geotechnics. Throughout his career, he has built a strong reputation across a wide spectrum of geotechnical disciplines. His expertise includes the design of piled foundations, bored piles and diaphragm walls, slope stability assessments and remediation, reinforced earthworks, and ground investigation interpretation. Chris is also highly experienced in the preparation of geotechnical reports, site supervision, and temporary works. He has particular specialist knowledge in the detailed design and construction sequencing of deep shafts and basements—especially in the context of underground metro systems and complex, space-constrained urban environments.

Chris has served as a judge for the prestigious UK Ground Engineering Awards for the past three years, reflecting his standing and expertise within the industry.

Filipe A. Marcos: Filipe is a Senior Geotechnical Engineer with a strong background in civil and geotechnical engineering. He holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Civil Engineering, specialising in Geotechnics. Filipe began his career in Portugal in 2017 as a Civil Design Engineer before moving to the United Kingdom to broaden his experience. He has worked on major infrastructure projects, including the Thames Tideway Tunnel East Project and the HS2 North Area Project. Since October 2023, he has been part of ByrneLooby (Ayesa) team where he continues to apply his geotechnical expertise. Filipe is currently specialising in Sustainability as part of his professional chartership journey, aligning his technical work with the principles of sustainable design