The Earthbanks initiative 

The goal of the Earthbanks initiative is to demonstrate how a network of soil depots could be created that can: 

• accept soil from construction and development projects, 
• offer long-term storage, 
• redistribute soil to other construction sites in need of soil using the DoW CoP. 

Beyond this simple modus operandi, there is further opportunity for the Earthbanks initiative to demonstrate how such a network could further the sustainable reuse of soils by exemplifying approaches to soil treatment and the fabrication of bespoke soils to meet specific geotechnical or habitat sustaining objectives. Thus a further goal of the Earthbanks initiative is to demonstrate how a network of soil depots could be created that can also align to Soil Treatment Centres and Soil Fabrication Facilities 

To move the concept of Earthbanks outlined above toward reality, proof-of-concept demonstration projects are required. CL:AIRE and partners are pleased to propose a new phase of practical demonstration to develop soil reuse depots.  

The initiative aims  to develop a framework and guidelines for the establishment of soil depots or Geo-Resource Hubs (Earthbanks) across England and Wales. These depots would serve as central facilities for the testing, management, and reuse of excess soil from construction and development projects. Learning from this proposed practical research will help codify a more detailed system into the DoW CoP ready for widespread industry use. Coordination of this approach through the DoW CoP, with additional controls, ensures this will become a good-practice, joint industry, government, regulator approach . 

The initiative has four major objectives – 

1. Exemplify a minimum of 3 demonstration transfers of material(s)

• one transfer of clean, naturally occurring material, 
• one transfer of contaminant-impacted materials (requiring treatment), 
• one transfer of fabricated soil (requiring production).  

2. Use and improve currently available methods

• be small scale initially (<1,000m3 / scenario), 
• adopt the DoW CoP, and 
• use Regulatory Position Statement 215 enabling material reuse without environmental permits. 

3. Provide valuable outputs

• create a detailed set of procedures for operating Earthbanks, 
• conduct a life cycle and carbon assessment of this form of soil management vs traditional approaches, 
• conduct a cost benefit analysis of such facilities / depots, 
• scoping for fabricated soils to facilitate specific habitat creation as aligned to biodiversity net gain objectives.  

4. Focus on skills & technology

• assess the necessary skills and training for personnel operating Earthbanks, and 
• review and potentially select and adopt digital tracking options to control the material transfers, 
• development of an Earthbanks App to support engagement in soil reuse via a tactile user experience platform.  

The initiative aims to engage with relevant regulatory authorities and policymakers to advocate for the development of policies that incentivise soil reuse and discourage soil disposal. It will achieve this by developing clear guidelines and standards regarding soil depot management including testing, quality assessment, and remediation techniques which can be relied on to support such policies. The initiative will ensure that the regulatory framework aligns with the goals of sustainable soil management, making it easier for construction and development projects to adopt soil reuse practices and contributing to a circular economy. 

The end goal is to encourage the creation of a network of Earthbanks across the country to promote the sustainable management and reuse of soil in the construction industry while protecting the environment and public health. The initiative aims to contribute to a sustainable future by promoting the reuse of soil resources, reducing reliance on landfill sites, and fostering a circular economy model.