At Pieters, we believe in building with the future in mind. That’s why we’re proud of the graduation research conducted by Emma van Aarsen, carried out at our Utrecht office in collaboration with SBB Ontwikkelen en Bouwen B.V. and Zuyd University of Applied Sciences.
Over the course of five months, Emma conducted in-depth research into innovations in tunnel formwork construction – an efficient but environmentally taxing building method – and explored ways to make this technique more sustainable.
Her thesis, titled “Innovations in Tunnel Formwork Construction: A study into a more sustainable and future-proof design and construction process,” provides valuable insights and practical tools for the industry.
Among other things, she developed the GreenTunnelTool, a practical calculation tool that helps stakeholders objectively compare concrete mixes based on CO₂ emissions, shadow costs, and demoulding strength. This makes it possible to make more sustainable choices already in the design phase.
Her research demonstrates that collaboration, knowledge sharing, and integrating sustainability early in the process are essential for the future of tunnel formwork construction. It also shows that sustainable choices – when supported by the right tools and insights – are not only good for the environment but also contribute to better decision-making and potentially even long-term financial benefits.
We thank Emma for her commitment, dedication, and the wonderful final result. With her contribution, we take another step toward a more sustainable construction sector.
