NOV 9 Lunch Lecture – Sustainability Initiatives from Around the World

NOVEMBER 9 – 12:00 – 1:30 pm

For the first time, GeoU will host a lunch lecture to extend the learning opportunities for attendees. UK-based chief engineer David Shercliff will share examples of sustainable engineering solutions from around the world, including the many ways that the appropriate application of geosynthetics can make significant contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.(SDGs).

Examples of sustainable geosynthetic applications:

Reduction of the use of limited natural resources like sand and aggregate in infrastructure
Safeguarding ground and groundwater from contamination via landfill lining
Faster and simpler construction reducing energy consumption and emissions
Reduction in transport of bulky materials reducing energy consumption and emissions
Flood prevention via Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) and creation of permeable surfaces
Assisting with infrastructure resilience thereby benefitting local community mobility
Containment of hazardous waste and environmental protection
Replacement of higher environmental cost construction materials like concrete and steel
Preservation of potable/irrigation water supplies via lining of canals, dams & reservoirs
More cost effective construction promoting economic growth
Protection of infrastructure via prevention of soil erosion
Increasing design life of infrastructure leading to reduced maintenance
Sludge dewatering and silt fences prevent water course contamination
Coastal defence safeguarding property and natural habitats
Facilitation of green and blue roof construction
Providing grey water storage for irrigation for podium gardens and toilet flushing in buildings
Facilitate steep green slopes, walls and bridges
Construction of resilient flood defences
Protection of glaciers and associated water resource preservation
Avalanche and rock slide protection
Construction of resilient earthquake resistant infrastructure
Light weight materials providing safe and faster working for semi skilled peoples
Easy use for emergency flooding prevention in disaster zones
Artificial rocks for erosion where there is only erodible silt/sand
Allow construction over otherwise unusable ground conditions
Sludge and tailings lagoon capping

For Nov 8 – 9 short course registrants only

INVITED SPEAKER

David Shercliff

is a UK-based, Chartered Civil and Waste Engineer who has offered innovative geosynthetic solutions internationally across four decades. His background includes work highway and water treatment installations, waste management, and coastal designs. Currently, he is Chief Engineer for a drainage geocomposite manufacturer (ABG). David acts as an industry expert on international standards committees such as ISO and CEN. He has more recently been heavily involved in the Institution of Civil Engineers and International Geosynthetics Society Sustainability Committees contributing presentations including carbon calculations comparisons for a wide range of geosynthetic applications.