Sustainable Drilling: how to Reduce Environmental Impact in Underground Projects

Sustainable drilling makes it possible to carry out underground projects while minimising environmental impact thanks to less invasive and more efficient techniques.

Drilling, and the underground construction sector as a whole, is essential for the development of infrastructure: water networks, sanitation, energy, telecommunications and industrial services. But it is also an activity that requires great responsibility.

At Catalana de Perforacions, we work with a clear objective: to minimise the environmental impact of every project by integrating technology, planning and advanced techniques that ensure a balance between efficiency and respect for the environment.

Sustainability is not just a trend; it is a necessity.

What do we mean by sustainable drilling?

Sustainable drilling refers to the application of methods, technologies and processes that reduce environmental impact during the execution of a project.

In practice, this involves:

  • Minimising earthworks and unnecessary alterations to the terrain
  • Reducing emissions and energy consumption
  • Optimising the use of materials and resources
  • Implementing preventive measures to avoid soil and groundwater contamination

Less invasive techniques to reduce environmental impact

Choosing the right technique is key to ensuring a respectful intervention. At Catalana de Perforacions, we use systems that allow us to work with precision and with a minimal environmental footprint.

These techniques allow us to:

  • Avoid trenching, reduce noise pollution, vibrations and emissions
  • Install pipelines with millimetre accuracy
  • Minimise the impact on surrounding flora and fauna, traffic and existing services
  • Provide an ideal solution for crossing roads, rivers and urban or interurban areas
  • The Shore Approach system preserves the marine flora and fauna found in the first section of drilling, where marine dynamics are greatest

``We integrate technology, planning and control
to deliver responsible and sustainable solutions``

The importance of planning and project control

A project aimed at protecting and caring for the environment begins long before execution. The planning phase is decisive for reducing risks and optimising resources:

  • Preliminary studies of the terrain to anticipate geological and hydrological behaviour
  • Environmental assessments to identify sensitive areas and establish preventive measures
  • Optimised technical design of the drilling project to reduce unnecessary movements and ensure an efficient route
  • Continuous monitoring during the works to ensure parameters remain within established limits

At Catalana de Perforacions, we deliver turnkey projects. Having specialised professionals in each field allows us to work with precision and reduce unforeseen events, ensuring a safe, professional, sustainable and respectful result.

Technology and innovation to reduce emissions and waste

Sustainability also requires the constant modernisation of machinery and work processes. At Catalana de Perforacions, we continuously invest in:

  • More efficient equipment with lower energy consumption
  • Recycling and treatment systems for fluids and waste
  • Sensors and digital tools to monitor pressures, depths and deviations
  • Logistical optimisation to reduce travel and associated emissions

Innovation is the key tool for moving towards increasingly sustainable, clean and responsible drilling.

Benefits for the client and the territory

Working with sustainability criteria not only protects the environment but also provides direct added value to the client:

  • Fewer impacts on the surroundings and the community
  • Reduced costs associated with earthworks and restoration
  • Greater safety and project control
  • Compliance with environmental regulations and requirements
  • Improved corporate image and alignment with ESG policies

Sustainable drilling is, ultimately, an investment in quality, efficiency and the future.

At Catalana de Perforacions, we understand that sustainability is not only a technical commitment but a global responsibility towards the territory and future generations. This is why we invest in technology, innovation and processes that minimise environmental impact and ensure safe, efficient and respectful execution.

This approach is also the reason why we actively participate in the Voluntary Agreements Programme of the Government of Catalonia, an initiative that promotes the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and encourages cleaner, more responsible business practices. Our participation reinforces our commitment to advancing towards increasingly sustainable drilling, aligned with the highest environmental standards and our firm dedication to environmental protection.

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