Shaping Resilience from the Ground Up
When we picture sustainable infrastructure, we tend to think of visible elements–solar panels, green buildings, smart mobility, or wind turbines. Yet, one of the most critical factors often remains invisible beneath our feet: the ground we build on. The discipline that navigates this invisible but indispensable layer is geotechnical planning.
On March 11, 2025, the SIERA Academy Impact Series Webinar brought this subject into the spotlight. Led by Roberto Quaas, Managing Director of M&P Group, and Dr. Stefan Vogt, Research Manager at the Technical University of Munich, the session unpacked the vital role of geotechnical planning in enabling low-carbon, regulation-compliant, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
This blog dives deep into the insights shared during the webinar, exploring how innovation in geotechnical engineering is helping to build a sustainable future–one foundation at a time.
What Is Geotechnical Planning and Why Is It Essential?
Geotechnical planning involves investigating the ground–its soil types, groundwater levels, geological risks, and environmental sensitivities–to ensure that infrastructure is built on a stable, safe, and sustainable base. It forms the starting point of every infrastructure project, from tunnels and railways to skyscrapers and landfills.
But in today’s context of rising environmental risk and tightening regulations, the role of geotechnical engineers has grown more complex and more critical. They’re no longer responsible only for ensuring structures “don’t fail”—they must now make them resilient, efficient, and environmentally responsible.
“Soil is sometimes less known than the surface of the moon.” – Roberto Quaas
The quote reflects how little we still know about the subsurface–and how much depends on it.
From Ground Risk to Ground Reality: Key Challenges in Geotechnical Planning
As sustainability expectations rise, so do the challenges geotechnical engineers face. The ground itself is dynamic, unpredictable, and increasingly vulnerable to environmental pressures.
1. Navigating Subsurface Uncertainty
Soil is not uniform. Even within a single construction site, you may find a combination of soft clay, sand, gravel, or rock–all requiring different treatment. This variability makes it difficult to predict how the ground will behave without site-specific investigation.
- Inaccurate soil data can lead to structural failures, costly delays, and environmental hazards.
- Engineers must rely on advanced field techniques like cone penetration testing (CPT), borehole drilling, and geophysical mapping to model subsurface conditions accurately.
2. Confronting Climate-Induced Risks
Climate change is destabilizing many of the assumptions on which past infrastructure was built. Rising groundwater levels, heavy rainfall, and permafrost thaw are already affecting ground behavior.
- Increased flooding and erosion are impacting slope stability and foundation performance.
- Thawing permafrost is causing unexpected settlement in regions once considered stable.
- Sustainable engineering must now integrate climate-adaptive strategies from the outset.
3. Building in Urban Environments
Space in cities is increasingly limited, and any subsurface work must account for proximity to existing buildings, underground utilities, and infrastructure.
- Engineers are turning to advanced techniques like jet grouting, deep soil mixing, and micropiling.
- Low-vibration construction methods are essential to avoid disrupting sensitive structures.
4. Managing Regulatory Complexity
Permitting and environmental compliance add another layer of challenge–especially in Europe, where more than 60% of infrastructure delays are linked to regulatory bottlenecks.
- Key regulations include Eurocode 7, DIN 4020, the EU Water Framework Directive, and the EU Soil Thematic Strategy.
- Projects must demonstrate alignment with environmental protection, biodiversity preservation, and groundwater quality standards.
“Permitting in environmental zones can delay projects for years–but it’s necessary. Biodiversity is part of our life insurance.” – Roberto Quaas
Turning Regulation into Opportunity: CSRD & ESRS Alignment
Rather than viewing regulation as a barrier, leading organizations are embracing it as a roadmap toward smarter, cleaner infrastructure. Geotechnical planning plays a central role in achieving compliance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).
How Geotechnical Planning Supports CSRD & ESRS:
- ESRS E1 (Climate Change): Climate-adaptive foundations reduce long-term risks and enhance infrastructure resilience.
- ESRS E4 (Biodiversity): Nature-based solutions–like green slopes–minimize habitat disruption.
- ESRS E5 (Resource Use): Circular approaches reduce reliance on raw materials and prioritize reuse.
| Focus Area | Geotechnical Contribution |
| Climate (E1) | Climate-resilient foundations and reduced CO₂ emissions |
| Biodiversity (E4) | Ecological slope design, vegetated walls, and habitat protection |
| Resource Use (E5) | Recycled soil, low-carbon materials, and material reuse strategies |
By proactively aligning geotechnical choices with sustainability frameworks, companies can meet compliance requirements while also reducing costs, boosting ESG scores, and strengthening public trust.
The SEBRO Project: A Living Laboratory for Sustainable Foundations
To illustrate how theory becomes practice, the webinar spotlighted the SEBRO Project–an ambitious, research-led initiative in Kolbermoor, Bavaria. The site sits on soft lacustrine clay, a notoriously challenging material shaped by glacial activity over 15,000 years ago.
Led by the Technical University of Munich and supported by the Bavarian Research Foundation, SEBRO is testing 12 different foundation systems to identify the best combinations of stability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
What Makes SEBRO Unique?
- A 6,000 m² test site equipped with state-of-the-art monitoring systems.
- Full-scale loading tests simulating real construction conditions with over 600 tons of weight.
- Side-by-side comparisons of piles, ground improvement methods, and shallow foundations.
- Data analysis based on carbon footprint, material usage, and settlement performance.
“Everywhere can be built on–it’s just a question of cost and CO₂.” – Roberto Quaas
The SEBRO project demonstrates that sustainable solutions are available–even in the most difficult conditions–if supported by evidence, innovation, and collaboration.
Explore the Solutions: From Concept to Practice
The world of geotechnics is evolving rapidly, fueled by environmental urgency and digital transformation. Engineers are now combining traditional expertise with new tools and sustainable techniques to meet modern demands.
Sustainable Ground Improvement Techniques
The shift away from carbon-intensive materials is reshaping how engineers approach soil stabilization.
- Bio-based binders such as lime, clay minerals, and plant-based additives are reducing emissions without compromising performance.
- Permeable foundation systems support natural aquifer recharge and minimize runoff.
- On-site material reuse aligns with circular economy principles and helps reduce transport emissions.
Digital Monitoring and AI-Driven Design
Smart technologies are turning data into real-time decision-making tools.
- Embedded sensors monitor soil movement, water levels, and foundation strain continuously.
- AI-powered simulations forecast soil-structure behavior under various climate scenarios.
- Tools like SustainSuite integrate this data into CSRD reporting, bridging the gap between compliance and performance.
Nature-Based Solutions and Ecological Design
Engineering solutions are increasingly drawing inspiration from nature to deliver resilience with minimal environmental impact.
- Green retaining walls and vegetated slopes offer both stability and biodiversity benefits.
- Soil bioengineering methods prevent erosion while enhancing landscape aesthetics.
- These solutions also reduce long-term maintenance and improve public acceptance.
By combining these approaches, geotechnical engineering is not only solving complex design problems–it’s becoming a driving force in environmental stewardship.
Adoption Challenges: Bridging Innovation and Reality
Despite the clear benefits, widespread adoption of sustainable geotechnical solutions remains uneven. Several barriers are still holding the industry back:
- Higher upfront costs discourage investment in low-carbon alternatives.
- Lack of regulatory incentives makes it easier to stick with conventional methods.
- Skepticism toward new technologies slows down acceptance, especially in high-risk projects.
However, a cultural shift is underway. According to Dr. Vogt, universities are seeing rising demand for sustainability-focused programs, and engineering students are increasingly prioritizing environmental responsibility in their career paths. The next generation of geotechnical professionals is poised to lead the transition.
Looking Ahead: SIERA Academy
Sustainable infrastructure doesn’t happen in isolation. It requires ongoing dialogue, education, and action. The SIERA Academy Impact Series is committed to supporting this mission through knowledge sharing and technical support.
Upcoming Sessions Will Explore:
Each session is tailored to help stakeholders understand how ESG requirements and engineering innovation can work hand in hand.
Take the Next Step with SIERA
To move from awareness to action, SIERA Alliance and its partners offer multiple ways to support your sustainability goals, whether its Engineering Solutions or ESG Software or Consulting services, we got you covered:
- Get in touch with SIERA Advisors for environmental engineering solutions and tailored project insights.
- Partner with SIERA Alliance and SustainSuite to simplify CSRD reporting, integrate ESG metrics, and embed sustainability into your foundational design.
Sustainability starts at the ground level–literally. With better planning, smarter tools, and bolder leadership, the future of infrastructure can be strong, stable, and sustainable.
