• Sustainability Policy

• Spoil Solutions

One of the key policy objectives for EARL is to offer a sustainable public transport alternative for access Edinburgh Airport. EARL will encourage a shift from cars to trains, with an estimated 17% of passengers using the rail link in 2011, rising to 22% by 2026.

The EARL team is committed to promoting sustainable development in Scotland. A sustainability workshop has already been held and sustainability objectives have been set. tie Ltd is also preparing a Sustainable policy which will be published on this website.

As the design of the EARL project progresses, we will seek to incorporate many initiatives to reduce emissions, conserve energy, minimise the production of waste and be a good neighbour to local communities. Ideas currently being researched include:

• The utilisation of local products and services
• Innovative methods of reducing energy consumption at the station
• Using environemntally friendly building materials such as eco-cement
• Seeking waste exchange programmes with other local construction projects

Our assessment will take into account the 'whole life' costs of the sustainable initiatives in addition to capital costs to ensure long term value for the project.

tie will shortly begin discussions with the Edinburgh Construction Academy about training people for construction roles in the project. This approach was welcomed by the EARL Parliamentary Committee who agreed that tie's work with the academy may enable future potential skill shortages to be addressed.

If you have any suggestions for sustainable initiatives, please contact us.

The EARL Project will produce around 1,450,000 cubic metres of inert fill, otherwise known as Spoil, from the tunnel and cuttings. tie is committed to disposing of this spoil using the principles of sustainability.

tie want to Reduce the amount of Spoil generated by the project through design and construction methodology; Reuse as much of the spoil in embankment construction and landscaping; and Recycle the spoil to allow it to be reused for other projects such as the regeneration of brownfield sites, landscaping, capping, recreational facilities and development projects. To ensure that the impacts on the environment and neighbouring areas are minimised, close proximity sites with transport links to minimise disruption during transportation, are being actively identified. tie is keen to proactively identify sites that require regeneration or regrading for the benefit of the community, and are enthusiastic about identifying receptors which will benefit the environment, local amenities, neighbouring surroundings, the use of natural resources, the carbon footprint of the project and the overall cost to the public purse.

tie issued a Prior Information Notice to the Official Journal of the European Union and an advert to the press detailing the types of receptors we would prefer and the volume of spoil that is involved, the advert is attached here.

EARL will not start construction until 2009 therefore interested parties have time available to apply for the required approvals. A Procurement Process will be followed to ensure a transparent bidding system. Interested parties will be required to meet and provide the following requirements:

• An appropriate Waste Management Licence or Waste Exemption
• Planning Permission
• Environmental Impact Assessment if required.

If you are interested in learning more about the EARL's Spoil Strategy, contact us at earlojeu@tie.ltd.uk.