The company has appointed Luke Deamer from the university's Centre for Environment and Sustainability as Doctoral Practioner in Sustainability. He will be looking at ways that the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDG) can be applied to ground engineering to help improve its impact on the environment. Keller has adopted several of the SDG that are relevant to its operations as part of its commitment to promote sustainable business growth.

Deamer's research will help to shape Keller's sustainability strategy and focus on the benefits a more sustainable approach can bring to the geotechnical industry and the wider world.

Commenting on his appointment, Deamer said: "This is a very exciting project, with a lot of potential for innovation. I look forward to working with the Keller team and the University of Surrey to develop sustainable geotechnical solutions."

Jim De Waele, managing director, NW Europe, said: "Keller is committed to maintaining a sustainable business and meeting its corporate responsibilities and we hope Luke's valuable work will contribute towards this."