Oct 24 – Carbon Challenge 2024 finalist!


Morgan Sindall Infrastructure’s  20-tonne Carbon Challenge 2024 invited all of their projects make a 20-tonne carbon saving. Bourne Rail & Special Projects collaborated with Morgan Sindall at Surrey Quays Station and their proposal was a finalist in the challenge!

Surrey Quays works improve capacity and step-free access, and forms part of a wider programme of improvements which will help unlock 14,000 new homes and alleviate the pressure of nearby Canada Water station. When complete, the works will provide a new ticket hall, gate-line, passenger overbridge stairs leading down to the platforms, a lift to each platform and platform lengthening to accommodate connection with the new station entrance.

During the ECI phase, initiatives were identified using Carbon Reduction workshops where the steel frame was identified as a potential opportunity for carbon reduction. Early engagement of BRSP allowed the sourcing of XCarb low carbon steel and  EAF furnaces. The total steel tonnage for Surrey Quays Station is 120 tonnes – with 69% of the steel sourced through EAFs, 18% is XCarb Steel and the remaining 13% is BOF steel. The total carbon saving is 199.7 tonnes of CO₂. There is no additional cost at present for the EAF route, whilst an XCarb uplift works out at only £52 per tonne. The earlier the supply chain is procured, the sooner alternative sourcing can be chosen, whilst in many projects (including this one) client financial incentivisation also allows for carbon-saving initiatives to be implemented on the project. 

Of course, these aren’t the only carbon-reducing actions put into place at Surrey Quays – everyday actions are making a big difference in helping us minimise our negative impact on the environment. From using alternative power sources and reusable clothing, to changing cement types to increase GGBS and amending the design of secant piles to reduce concrete volumes. Incorporating these ideas will have a positive impact on our products and projects, as we continue to focus on achieving demonstrable progress towards net zero by 2050!