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'We knew that there had to be some kind of optimized solution to all of this—how we could use these masses efficiently, how we could make informed decisions regarding CO₂ emissions and cost.'
The West Railway Project Overview
The West Railway project in Finland is a pioneering initiative designed with a circular economy model. This project represents a significant shift from traditional infrastructure design, aiming to enhance cost efficiency and foster innovation. The project spans 100 kilometers of rail, includes over 100 bridges, and features 22 tunnels, all contributing to significant earthwork and material generation.
Key Challenges and Solutions
Surplus Material Management
One of the primary challenges identified during the preliminary design phase was the generation of 8 million cubic meters of surplus materials, primarily earth and rock, due to extensive excavation work. Traditional methods in Finland often leave the management of surplus materials to contractors, leading to inefficiencies. To address this, the project team sought advanced software solutions to gather and analyze data related to material usage, transportation, and environmental impact.
Circular Economy Principles
The project aims to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency by repurposing surplus materials within the project or selling them to nearby projects. This approach aligns with circular economy principles, viewing waste as a potential resource rather than a burden.
The Role of Technology in Sustainable Infrastructure
ORIS Platform
The ORIS platform played a crucial role in integrating sustainability into the design process. This digital platform ensures data protection and scientific rigor, allowing for real-time comparisons of design options. It takes into account local sourcing and logistical considerations, optimizing sustainability.
SaaS Integration
Alain discussed the exciting developments in technology, mentioning that SaaS is offering software as a service. This opens up new possibilities for scaling sustainable practices across projects, enabling more efficient project management and sustainable practices.
The Importance of Collaboration
Multidisciplinary Team
Both Anna and Alain stressed the significance of collaboration in achieving sustainable outcomes. The project involved geotechnical engineers, geologists, and other experts working together. The ORIS platform acted as the glue that held everything together, enabling the team to visualize the entire system and work cohesively.
Early-Stage Design Planning
Early-stage collaboration with designers is essential for capturing carbon savings and optimizing project outcomes. The ABCD strategic planning process involves establishing a reference scenario, assessing the current state, exploring creative solutions, and prioritizing actions. Having a clear baseline is vital for measuring progress and making informed decisions throughout the project.
Circular Economy and Waste Reduction
Viewing Waste as a Resource
The project aims to rethink how materials are sourced and utilized, minimizing waste generation and maximizing the reuse of materials. This approach is crucial for achieving significant carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂ eq) emission reductions, promoting circularity, and conserving natural resources.
Engaging Clients
Engaging clients who may not yet prioritize sustainability can be challenging. However, many project owners are becoming increasingly aware of the need for sustainable solutions, driven by regulatory changes and societal expectations. Showcasing successful case studies and the potential impacts of sustainable practices can encourage clients to adopt these principles.
Main Sustainability Outcomes
1. Material Efficiency and Circularity
- The project aims to use surplus materials, particularly high-quality rock and earth, within the project itself or sell them to other projects. This approach promotes circularity by reducing waste and conserving natural resources.
2. Reduction in CO₂ Emissions
- By optimizing the use of materials and minimizing transportation distances, the project significantly reduces CO₂ and CO₂ equivalent emissions, since carbon dioxide is just one of several gases. This is achieved through advanced planning and the use of digital platforms to analyze and make informed decisions.
3. Cost Reduction
- The efficient use of surplus materials and optimized transportation not only reduces environmental impact but also lowers the overall cost of the project. This dual benefit of cost and environmental savings is a key outcome of the circular economy model applied in the project.
Key Takeaways
Integrate Sustainability Early: Incorporate sustainability into the design process from the very beginning to maximize resource efficiency and minimize waste.
Leverage Technology: Utilize advanced digital platforms like Oris to optimize project management and sustainability practices.
Foster Collaboration: Engage a multidisciplinary team and ensure early-stage collaboration to capture carbon savings and optimize project outcomes.
Promote Circular Economy: View waste as a potential resource and rethink material sourcing and utilization to achieve significant emission reductions and promote circularity.
Engage and Educate Clients: Showcase successful case studies and the potential impacts of sustainable practices to encourage clients to adopt these principles.
Conclusion
The West Railway project in Finland serves as a model for the industry, showcasing how sustainability can be effectively integrated into infrastructure development. By prioritizing circular economy principles, the project aims to significantly reduce waste and enhance resource efficiency. Collaboration and the right technology are essential in achieving these goals.
To set this goal and target on such a large-scale project is already something very different and innovative. It’s a first eye-opener on optimization for mega projects, which usually generate a lot of waste.
About ARKANCE
For over 20 years the brands under ARKANCE company, have been providing software solutions and professional services to Architectural, Engineering, Construction and Manufacturing industries helping them to understand the role of digitalization for the built environment. Businesses both large and small utilize ARKANCE's dedicated industry experts to help navigate technologies as they emerge, driving efficiency and improving workflows. With a global focus on reducing emissions and increased focus directed towards industry, ARKANCE are now turning their attention to providing the linkages between using technology to digitize, and at the same time leveraging the valuable data insights it brings to build more sustainably. ARKANCE are passionate about helping their customers understand how the technologies they use today can help them to step towards net zero in the future, to build a better world.