Chapter 11: Sustainable geotechnics

This chapter describes how geotechnical engineers can contribute to sustainable development. Climate change and environmental degradation, together with social and economic inequalities are among the biggest threats to humankind and the planet. Ensuring that sustainable development is at the heart of every decision made as geotechnical engineers and that design and construction contributes towards environmental regeneration and social equity is undoubtedly the biggest challenge facing engineering in the twenty-first century. Geotechnical engineers need to play their part to make geotechnical practice sustainable and actively question whether their projects deliver outcomes that satisfy the triple bottom line: environmental, social and economic sustainability.

This chapter cannot cover the full field of sustainability and geotechnics in any significant depth, but rather signposts the reader to where to find more information. Sustainable development in the context of geotechnical engineering includes minimising carbon emissions and other environmental impacts from construction; preserving and restoring biodiversity through use of regenerative and nature-based solutions; maintaining water quality and minimising its use; preserving topsoils and enabling carbon sequestration in soil; minimising use of natural resources and greater use of circular economy; and developing resilient geotechnical solutions.