Keller is committed to delivering its solutions in a socially and environmentally conscious manner.
Over recent years reporting processes have improved and performance is generally encouraging.
The overall number of environmental incidents remained in line with those reported the previous year, with most incidents being minor hydraulic leaks. We have therefore been rolling out our improved equipment inspection process, using our site software prior to each shift commencing, in an effort to reduce the number of minor spills.
We continue to work on our preventative maintenance programmes to ensure that we address any issues before the event occurs.
In addition, we ensure that secondary containment is in place for stored equipment and materials. We continually seek to improve our processes on site, specifically around job planning, to ensure that we identify, mitigate and control our risks and minimise our environmental impact. More details can be found in our Biodiversity Policy.
Whilst as subcontractors we have limited control on biodiversity on site, some geotechnical solutions we offer, like Neutrogel®, can help remediate contaminated ground. Equally, for our own operations on specific projects, we make use of dust suppression and baffling to minimise the impact of dust and noise on the local environment. We also typically use local material suppliers to support local businesses, reduce transport distances and reduce congestion around our sites. We are engaging with our trade associations to highlight upcoming legislation and best practices for the geotechnical sector. We also engage with local organisations and wildlife trusts to promote local biodiversity around our yards and offices.
Case study
Cutting carbon for Tata Steel
Keller India has won a Sustainability Excellence Award from manufacturing giant Tata Steel after drastically cutting carbon emissions on a project in Ludhiana. By optimising the design, the team made the construction not just greener but more cost-effective too.
Tata Steel, part of India’s largest company, is building the country’s first low-carbon steel production facility in the Punjabi city of Ludhiana. Using only scrap steel and an electric furnace, the plant is pioneering greener manufacturing.
One of the challenges the company faced during construction was that Ludhiana sits in an earthquake zone, impacting the load-carrying capacity of pile foundations.
This work will only increase with the physical risks and opportunities arising from climate change. We also offer solutions to help remediate contaminated ground water. This includes solutions such as slurry cut off walls, as well as innovations like our Halocrete® grouting solution.
When it comes to our own operations, we focus on water reduction on key projects and countries where water is less available. We have a Keller employee in Keller Bahrain carrying out a PhD focused on operationalising water reduction initiatives in our design and site operations. Similarly, we are also contributing to cross-sector trade association work on water reduction, highlighting upcoming legislation and best practices in our sector.