As we approach World Soil Day on 5th December, it’s crucial to reflect on the vital role soil plays in our lives. The Government’s 25-year environmental plan sets an ambitious target: England’s soils must be managed sustainably by 2030, with steps taken towards restoring the UK’s soil health. This goal presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the construction industry.

Healthy soils are fundamental to our wellbeing. They support food production, water quality, biodiversity and carbon sequestration. However, soil degradation and topsoil depletion are a growing concern. According to a UCL briefing published last year, soil from construction sites make up 58% of materials going to landfill, a worrying statistic considering a large proportion of this could have been reused.

The Construction Industry’s Role

The construction sector, being a significant user and mover of soil, has a pivotal role to play in achieving the government’s soil management goals. Here’s how the industry can contribute:

1. Adopting Sustainable Practices: Implementing techniques that minimise soil disturbance and compaction during construction.
2. Proper Soil Assessment: Conducting thorough soil surveys before project commencement to inform better management decisions.
3. Soil Reuse and Recycling: Prioritising the reuse of excavated soils on-site or finding suitable alternative sites for reuse. See below diagram.
4. Enhancing Soil Quality: Where possible, improving soil health through appropriate amendments and treatments.
5. Compliance with Regulations: Adhering to guidelines like the CL:AIRE DoW CoP for responsible soil management.