Dundee engineering firm RADIX partners with Abertay University to tackle carbon emissions in construction
A student from Abertay University has helped a Dundee engineering firm develop new technology to measure and lessen the environmental impact of constructing buildings.
Emir Tashbaev, an MSc student of Geotechnical Engineering, has joined forces with RADIX to come up with a technology called a carbon calculator, which determines the impact of different types of building foundation systems.
Tashbaev's research focused on the screw piles and ground screws which are alternatives to traditional concrete foundations and are considered to be lower in carbon footprint.
Emir came up with a technology that assesses the embodied carbon of a foundation and takes into account the carbon impact of transporting, manufacturing, and installing the foundation, and also what happens to the foundation at the end of its life.
RADIX tested the technology on two construction projects, one being a battery energy storage system project in North Yorkshire.
For both projects, the research showed that RADIX's screw pile foundation systems are lower in carbon impact compared to traditional concrete foundation systems.
Dundee firm’s continued growth
RADIX was started in 2019 by Callum Milne and is located at Dryburgh Industrial Estate, Dundee. The company designs, manufactures, and installs ground screws and screw pile foundation systems.
The company has grown in the last couple of years and now employs 22 people, with the annual turnover over £9 million.
The new technology will help RADIX determine the impact of using their foundation systems and demonstrate potential carbon savings to their clients.
For Emir, from Kyrgyzstan, the challenge gave him the opportunity to engage his university studies in a practical engineering environment.
He is graduating from Abertay University in November.
Strengthening Dundee's engineering sector
This project reflects the increasing collaboration between Dundee's Universities and local businesses bringing academic research and expertise into industry.
The MSc in Geotechnical Engineering, offered by Abertay University from the 2025/26 academic session, has a focus on 'engineering with the environment' and the development of sustainable foundations.
Following the success of the project, Abertay University and RADIX are exploring further opportunities to work together, including a possible new undergraduate research project, and a Knowledge Transfer Partnership.
This further collaboration illustrates a real commitment by the partners to advance innovation and research to contribute to developing more sustainable construction practices, with Dundee at the heart of this.
