RSK to deliver research project for NHBC Foundation

The NHBC Foundation has appointed RSK Geosciences to deliver new guidance on climate adaptation and mitigation in relation to future foundation solutions adopted by the UK construction industry. This new research project will provide guidance to support housing developers in building resilient foundations that protect homes against the effects of climate change but, themselves, have minimal impact on carbon emissions. The working title for the document is “Foundation solutions – Future proofing against climate change effects”.

“The work aims to produce guidance to house builders in two key areas,” explains Neil Hutchinson, Managing Director of RSK Geosciences. “First, to understand the carbon footprint of foundation systems and how these can be minimised. Second, the document will help engineers to understand the potential risk factors associated with climate change, how these can impact foundations and how the engineer can mitigate these risks.”

The research behind the report will reflect the revised National Planning Policy Framework issued by the UK government in summer 2021. This framework requires new developments to take a proactive approach to mitigating and adapting to climate change; this should take into account long-term implications for flood risk, biodiversity and landscapes, and the risk of overheating from rising temperatures, in line with the objectives and provisions of the Climate Change Act 2008.

Neil added, “The NHBC Foundation sees this as a critical subject that will help inform the UK construction industry and provide a valuable contribution to mitigating the risks associated with climate change and, at the same time, reducing its carbon footprint. The RSK group is a market leader in this area of work and the scope of the report was extended on the basis of recommendations of the Geosciences team with support from the RSK carbon team.”