Bringing ground conditions upfront - Strategic planning for climate-smart geotechnical works (PlanGeoSmart)

This project aims to explore the opportunities and barriers to integrate decarbonization of geotechnical works into municipal spatial planning as a complement to climate mitigation measures in the construction stage.

The project focuses on climate influencing factors related to building localization (ground conditions) and superstructure loads (depending mainly on building height and materials).

To date, efforts to decarbonize the construction stage have been largely limited to superstructure materials, while geotechnical works have often been neglected.

Moreover, there are few studies on climate-smart selection of building location and design (i.e. loads) in spatial planning, considering the need for geotechnical works.

To fill the gap, this project will conduct four integrative activities with the aim to (i) examine the climate impact of geotechnical works in building construction through Swedish case studies, (ii) analyze the influence of building location and loads on the climate impact of geotechnical works through scenario analyses, (iii) identify barriers for decarbonizing geotechnical works in current spatial planning, and (iv) explore outreach opportunities for municipalities to overcome barriers and mainstream climate impact of geotechnical works in spatial planning processes.

The project is interdisciplinary and integrates knowledge and expertise in spatial planning, geotechnical engineering, geographical information system, and life cycle assessment.