Waste from the construction industry and dredged sediments could provide a safe and sustainable source of healthy soils thanks to a new cross-Channel research project.
The €2.5million ReCon Soil project, supported by €1.8million from the European Regional Development Fund via the Interreg France (Channel) England programme, starts in April and will run until June 2023.
It brings together scientists, industry and educators to revolutionise how waste material from construction projects is managed, both from a scientific and regulatory perspective.
The project aims to halt the amounts being paid by the industry to dispose of waste soil from building sites across the UK and France - currently estimated at more than €3.5billion per annum - while contributing to food security, agricultural sustainability and reduced carbon emissions.
Sallyann Stephen, Deputy Programme Manager, Interreg France (Channel) England programme, added:
"Healthy soil is at the heart of agriculture and in maintaining quality food production across the Channel region. We were impressed by ReCon Soil's ambition to develop three low carbon soil solutions that will reduce waste and carbon emissions in the construction industry, while contributing to the sustainability of the agricultural industry and future food security."
The partner organisations involved in the project are:
- UK: University of Plymouth; CL:AIRE UK; Eden Project Learning; University of East Anglia.
- France: Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières, Normandie; Comité d'Action Technique et Economique, Bretagne; Université Le Havre Normandie, Normandie.
