Lower Thames Crossing

That’s a wrap on our #LowerThamesCrossing spotlight on carbon week! We hope you have found it interesting to learn more about our role as a pathfinder project, our ambitious low-carbon targets and our plans to get there. It was great to speak to our communities at our pop-up events, meet teachers eager to inspire the next generation and hear from local young people expressing their thoughts on the future of green infrastructure in their area.

Yesterday we spent the day with local teachers at an event to equip the next generation of engineers with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a sustainable future.   We also hosted an exciting debate with The Gifted Young Gravesham Youth Committee, where students passionate about their communities, the environment and construction were able to learn and discuss our plans for low carbon construction, voice their perspectives, opinions and challenges. Read more about our Youth Ambassador Forum: https://lnkd.in/eA_Py7_q

We asked David and his onsite advisor Lauren to reflect on the importance of internships for #NationalSupportedInternshipDay David said he’s looking forward to his next rotation and hasn’t decided what to do next because he wants to keep his options open. We’re working with our Delivery Partners and local stakeholders to break down barriers for students with special educations needs and disability. See more information on our website about the types of pre-employment programmes we’re looking to develop: https://lnkd.in/d3MJj3Fp

The #LowerThamesCrossing is designed to be the UK’s greenest road, with carbon reduction running through the heart of all our decisions. We've made huge progress already and set ourselves an ambitious target to reduce our construction carbon emissions by 70% – but our journey to explore and scale-up sustainable construction is just beginning... Read more here: https://lnkd.in/d4T7Gtsm

A few weeks ago, we introduced you to David, one of our Business Admin Apprentices. Before his apprenticeship, David joined the project on a supported internship. To celebrate #NationalSupportedInternshipDay we caught up with David about his journey so far. We want to ensure our local communities can take full advantage of the opportunities on their doorstep. Click to see more information about the types of pre-employment programmes we’re looking to develop: https://lnkd.in/d3MJj3Fp

SPOTLIGHT ON: Accelerating the large-scale use of electric vehicles! Diesel, concrete and steel are the highest contributors to our construction carbon emissions. By 2027, we will remove all diesel from our construction sites, accelerating the large-scale use of electric vehicles, biofuel and the use of hydrogen to power heavy construction machinery – a first for a major project in the UK. Earlier this month, we joined our partners at Tarmac for a showcase of some of the innovative EV fleet that could be used to build the #LowerThamesCrossing and help drive out carbon from the infrastructure industry.  From electric trucks and paving equipment to battery-electric excavators, the future of low-carbon construction is no longer a pipedream, it’s a reality.

The footbridge of the future is almost here - and it’s low-carbon! Last year, we asked for an innovative, sustainable and low-carbon footbridge design that could be used on the #LowerThamesCrossing and across the wider road network. Fast forward to this summer, where we’ll be announcing the winner from over 30 entries, judged on the use of their low carbon materials, construction methods and evidence of good design principles. Stay tuned for the winner announcement later this year. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eB55vC28

As our spotlight on carbon week continues, today we’re at Bluewater Shopping Centre. Come and chat to some of our carbon team between 10am-5pm. See the full list of events: https://lnkd.in/d58Ud2nA

Did you know, the #LowerThamesCrossing is the first major UK infrastructure project to be awarded Gold level Accreditation by the Carbon Literacy Project? With 2,896 hours of carbon training delivered to our team so far, it has given us the knowledge to put carbon at the heart of every decision we make. To help educate the next generation - providing them with the green skills, knowledge and mindset needed for a future in #sustainability - we’re offering FREE Carbon Literacy training to local schools and colleges. If you are a school located within a five mile radius of the project, get in touch at education@lowerthamescrossing.co.uk to secure your spot. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ebpHVByr

The UK is legally bound to achieve Net Zero by 2050. With the construction industry producing around 44% of the UK’s carbon emissions, real change is needed. As a #pathfinder project, the #LowerThames are exploring innovative, carbon-neutral construction methods to speed and scale-up adoption by the wider industry. So far, we’ve: - Halved our predicted construction carbon footprint and became the first major project in the UK to make it a legally binding limit in our Development Consent Order. - Been awarded Gold level accreditation by the Carbon Literacy Project. - Set an ambitious new target to reduce our construction carbon emissions by 70%. - Set new standards for eliminating diesel and only using low carbon concrete and steel. We’ve come a long way in our carbon journey already and this is only the start.