The IGS Sustainability Committee drives the green agenda for the Society and its members, encouraging and supporting the significant contributions that geosynthetics make to sustainable infrastructure development. Here, the IGS Sustainability Committee’s new co-chair Yuse Lajiminmuhip, explains why he thinks communication and collaboration will be key in building a greener industry.

Hi Yuse, please tell us a bit about your role in the IGS.

I am active in the IGS Sustainability Committee and serve as a co-chair alongside Preston Kendall. My first meeting with the Committee was in September 2023, so I am one of our group’s junior members.

As the incoming co-chair, I provide support by responding to inquiries on behalf of the committee, meeting interested parties, and summarizing those meetings as notes for the leadership to review. I have also led outreach efforts to encourage more Sustainability Case Study submissions.

How long have you been an IGS member and what drew you to the Society?

I work for AGRU America and as a part of AGRU’s Corporate membership, I’ve been with the IGS for several years. Recently, however, AGRU has been making a concerted effort to encourage more active roles within the Society. As a marketing and outreach professional responsible for publishing and promoting AGRU case studies, I found a natural fit within the Sustainability Committee.

There is a wealth of experience and knowledge within the IGS. I was very impressed by my predecessor in the IGS Sustainability Committee, Boyd Ramsey, who was my first direct interaction with the organization. Preston, Francesco Fontana, IGS Secretariat Manager Elise Oatman, and others have been welcoming and helpful.

How has the IGS evolved since you joined?

The Sustainability Committee formed and launched many initiatives over the last few years. I’d say the IGS’s social media engagement, the Did You Know…? series, Sustainability Case Studies, and the introduction of the Sustainability Calculator are all very positive moves.

What do you do outside the IGS? Do you have a geosynthetics specialism or area of interest?

I am the head of marketing and outreach for AGRU America, the largest geosynthetics manufacturer in the United States. I support our sales process, promote AGRU, and help communicate the value of our products and services. Sustainability has become an anchor point for these activities.

How has the industry changed and how do you see it developing?

It will become essential for all players within the geosynthetics industry to promote our roles in creating a sustainable future.

What do you think are the current key priorities for the geosynthetics industry, and why?

A key priority within our industry is communication. We must communicate the value of our industry to ‘outsiders’ and improve our communication as an industry to offer a strong united front when explaining our role in creating sustainable infrastructure.

Another important topic is exploring international standards. Access to clean water is one of the UN’s Development Goals and geosynthetics as barriers are essential in supporting that outcome. Not every country will have the resources to support national organizations such as the Geosynthetics Research Institute, which offers developed standards such as GRI-GM 13 and GRI-GM 17. Having such standards at an international level would help ensure more countries are equipped to protect their valuable water resource.

What do you think will be the challenges and opportunities for the industry over the next few years, and how should the industry respond?

There are misconceptions surrounding ‘chemicals’ and ‘plastics’. One of our biggest challenges will be communicating the differences between our products and those making headlines. I believe there is an opportunity to collaborate with national and international science organizations to amplify our voices.

What do you enjoy most about being involved in the IGS?

Developing relationships with geosynthetics experts from across the globe. Bringing together many unique perspectives is a strong foundation for great science and outcomes.

What are you most looking forward to in the IGS calendar?

As someone based in the United States, I am excited about the upcoming GeoAmericas 2024 conference in Toronto.

Do you have any messages for members?

Do you have a project that could be featured as an IGS Sustainability Case Study? If so, please contribute via this form. The case studies are shared on IGS channels to raise awareness and understanding of how geosynthetics can positively contribute to greener construction and outcomes.

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Find out more about the IGS and Sustainability, including a range of resources, on the dedicated web page here.