Sustainability is shaping the future of construction and engineering, and the geotechnical and geoenvironmental sector is no exception. The AGS Sustainability Working Group was formed to help our industry take practical steps toward more sustainable outcomes. But before setting priorities, we needed to answer a fundamental question: what does sustainability mean for AGS members?

Understanding Sustainability

The UN Brundtland Commission defined sustainable development as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This principle is often expressed through three pillars—environmental, social, and economic.

Scientific research adds urgency to this discussion. The Planetary Boundaries Framework identifies nine Earth systems that regulate the planet’s stability, from climate and biodiversity to freshwater use. Several of these boundaries have already been crossed, increasing the risk of irreversible environmental change. For AGS members, this is highly relevant—our work influences land use, water resources, and carbon emissions.

Global Goals, Local Action

In 2015, the United Nations launched the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—17 objectives that address global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and resource use. To understand how these goals apply to our sector, the AGS Sustainability Working Group surveyed members in 2024.

The survey revealed clear priorities. Health and safety (SDG 3) topped the list, followed by SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13: Climate Action. Education (SDG 4) and gender equality (SDG 5) also ranked highly, reflecting the industry’s commitment to developing skills and promoting inclusion.

What Has AGS Already Done?

The analysis showed that AGS has been contributing to sustainability for some time. Examples include:

• Guidance on PPE, occupational health, and mental well-being (SDG 3).
• Articles on sustainable technologies such as timber piles (SDG 12).
• Support for innovation through the AGS Development Fund (SDG 9).
• Initiatives like mentoring and degree apprenticeships (SDGs 4 and 10).
• Conferences addressing data use and carbon calculation (SDGs 11, 13, and 17).

The Route Map Forward

The survey also highlighted areas for greater focus. Members want more emphasis on clean energy (SDG 7), circular economy principles (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13) and biodiversity (SDGs 14 and 15). In response, the Sustainability Working Group is:

• Developing carbon literacy training.
• Promoting resource circularity through foundation reuse and remediation.
• Launching a Sustainability Charter to help members embed best practice.
• Collaborating on industry-wide guidance, including the EFFC/DFI Climate Resilience and Adaptation Guide.

Reducing Climate-Related Risks: A Key Priority

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges identified in the Route Map. AGS guidance now emphasises:

• Understanding UK climate trends: hotter, drier summers; warmer, wetter winters; more frequent extreme weather; and sea level rise.
• Using climate tools and data: Met Office UKCP18 projections, Climate Risk Indicators, EA climate impacts tool, and BGS GeoClimate resources.
• Embedding climate risk assessment in PRA, DQRA, remediation design, and geotechnical planning.
• Adapting to change: design out risk in new developments, retrofit existing assets, improve drainage and flood protection, and manage vegetation.
• Planning for the future: assess for a 4°C rise by 2100 and plan for 2°C by 2050, as recommended by the Environment Agency.

Why does this matter? Because regulators require it, insurers expect it, and clients increasingly demand resilience. Beyond compliance, climate adaptation offers opportunities for innovation—nature-based solutions, low-carbon materials, and smarter design strategies.

Get Involved

Sustainability is a shared responsibility. Whether through case studies, technical notes, or participation in webinars and events, AGS members have an important role to play. Together, we can ensure our industry delivers projects that are not only technically sound but environmentally and socially responsible.

Information about the AGS Sustainability Charter can be found here.

Article provided by Vivien Dent