New IGS-created video shows how the industry is at the crux of the sustainability conversation
Geosynthetics for Sustainable Development, the new video produced by the International Geosynthetics Society Education Committee, asks the question: “What defines quality of life?”
It’s a question that’s being answered by a call for solutions that are sustainable and protect the earth and its limited resources. More and more, sustainable infrastructure solutions are being addressed with high-quality, engineered geosynthetic materials. As the increasing demand for improved living conditions is driven by the growing world population, consumption is outpacing supply of virtually all resources. The video seeks to show how geosynthetics are a solution to building sustainable civil, geotechnical and environmental infrastructure projects.
The creation of the video was spearheaded by Sam Allen, vice president of TRI/Environmental, Dr. Neil Dixon (UK Chapter) and Dr. Gary Fowmes (UK Chapter), both of Loughborough University, with support from one of the founders of the IGS, Dr. J. P. Giroud, and the IGS Secretary Elizabeth Peggs. The beta version premiered at 10 ICG in Berlin, and now it’s available to the public on IGS’s YouTube channel.
“While sustainable development has increasing international commitment, its successful implementation requires us to employ state-of-the-art technologies and materials to both conserve energy and promote more durable, sustainable structures. Adoption of this approach mandates the awareness and robust use of geosynthetics and the realization of their long-term benefits.” – Sam Allen, Immediate Past Chairman of the IGS Education Committee
In a fast, engaging format, Geosynthetics for Sustainable Development shows that sustainable solutions are needed to create the infrastructure necessary for the quality of life desired by a growing world population. Appealing to a wide variety of viewers, the video makes the case for geosynthetics as a fundamental building block that is integral to building a sustainable future.
Touching on geomembranes and geosynthetic clay liners, geonets and drainage geocomposites, geotextiles and geogrids, the video goes on to explain that this group of materials will assist in reducing the carbon footprint contributed by infrastructure development while minimizing the use of natural resources. How exactly do geosynthetics improve infrastructure? The video highlights just a few of the ways:
- Improve road construction
- Develop safe, long-lasting slopes
- Control evaporation
- Preserve water
- Protect the environment
- Control surface erosion
- Enhance longevity, resilience and safety of critical infrastructure
All of these aspects are central to the current sustainability conversation, and the video does a wonderful job of showing how the geosynthetics discipline and the IGS are helping to frame a dialogue that moves us toward a more sustainable future.
We invite you to share the video so that IGS can spread the word. Here’s a link to Geosynthetics for Sustainable Development.