The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) Sustainability Committee met on early December, chaired by Stuart Norman, with representatives from across the membership. The meeting focused on carbon reporting engagement, progress across guidance documents, development of digital tools, and updates from FPS task groups.

Key Updates and Actions:

– Sustainability Committee Chair –  Call for Candidates – Stuart Norman will step down as chair in March 2026 upon becoming FPS Chair. Members are invited to consider the role or discuss shared-leadership options with Luke Deamer.

– Company and Project Carbon Reporting – Cerys Orriss presented updates on company-level submissions, noting improved Scope 2 results due to renewable electricity, but emphasised continued low participation in Scope 3. A January Scope 3 reporting drop-in session will be arranged by Cerys, supported by Luke.

Concerns were raised regarding inconsistent reporting cycles and outdated data; FPS Secretariat will circulate refreshed information. Members discussed enhancing the digital reporting process and broadening access to the Power BI dashboard.

Project-level reporting continues to show early positive trends, including reduced carbon intensities linked to greater use of EPD-backed data. Matt Lamb outlined plans to develop the first sector-wide carbon baseline by combining technique-level intensities with industry proportional usage. This dataset will replace older assumptions embedded in the existing FPS calculator and underpin improved benchmarking and design-stage estimates.

A centralised carbon dashboard is being explored, with external technical support likely required. Alignment with the developing EFFC-DFI carbon calculator remains essential to ensure assumptions can be updated dynamically.

– EFFC-DFI Carbon Calculator – The alpha version of the calculator is now in review, with beta release expected in Q1 2026. Members stressed the need for updatable carbon ratios that remain aligned with FPS working group outputs. Coordination with the developers is ongoing.

– Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) – An overview of CSRD requirements and implications for UK contractors working for EU-reporting clients was provided. The FPS carbon calculator remains the only EU-approved sector-specific tool, a significant advantage for members.

– Sustainability Guides:

• – Climate Adaptation & Resilience Guide – Final draft completed following EFFC feedback. A webinar launch is planned.
• – Water Guide – Final comments received; design and US localisation underway ahead of a likely Q1 2026 publication.
• – Nature Guide – First draft due early 2026. Contributions from AGS are enhancing the geo-environmental content. A dissemination working group will be formed. A dissemination brief will be prepared for review.

– FPS Executive Update & Geotechnical Digital Map – The FPS Geotechnical Data Map was presented, which visualises historical piling project data using ArcGIS. The tool supports design optimisation and potential foundation reuse and integrates company datasets already submitted. Technical integration with the FPS website is underway, supported by the FPS’s web agency.

Task Group Updates

– Carbon Metrics Group – Discussion incorporated into the main reporting agenda. Work continues toward establishing the 2025-based sector benchmark and ensuring compatibility with the carbon calculator redevelopment.

– Anti-Idling Group Reset – No progress this quarter. The group will be re-engaged through the Plant & Safety Committee, with clearer scope, goals, and measurement criteria. This aligns with Charter member commitments on reducing idling.

– Low Carbon Materials Group – The group will reset and re-engage in January 2026. The FPS is exploring connections with the Advanced Market Commitment (AMC) initiative for low-carbon concrete, following a parliamentary launch and early uptake by several buyer organisations.
Case studies identified during the FPS Awards will be shared (subject to approvals) to support upcoming guidance.

– Foundation Reuse Guidance – The developing guidance has expanded into a 30-page document covering historical context, current practice, and future approaches to foundation reuse. A revised draft is under review.