Architecture and Civil Engineering (ACE) student Sophie Mason spent her summer investigating the potential of unloved stone - waste stone from quarrying and mining - as a sustainable construction material through an Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change (ISCC) eight-week funded placement.

Emotional investment

'Sustainability has always been an interest,' says Sophie. 'I did a similar research project into reuse of stone five years ago.'

Working with Format Engineers and the ACE department, Sophie analysed whether offcut and non-aesthetic stone could be repurposed for construction, particularly a proposed stone footbridge in Bath. Her work focused on feasibility, carbon impacts, energy requirements, and sustainability potential.

'Everyone was super friendly. They had such a genuine interest in it and they were emotionally invested. That made me emotionally invested too.'

Unexpected quarry visit

Sophie reviewed existing practices, spoke with quarry operators, visited local mines, and helped identify opportunities for future research. In particular, going into the quarry was an unexpected and exciting part of the placement. Sophie says:

'I got to go into a mine and a quarry - when am I ever going to do that again?'

Her findings suggested that unloved stone could offer strong sustainability benefits, although the embodied carbon largely belongs to the primary product, not the waste material. While the project didn’t reach a final answer, it established a clear foundation for larger-scale research and future funding bids.

'I really did love going into something that doesn't have a definitive conclusion just yet and being able to go into the different ins and outs of it,' says Sophie.

Boosted confidence

The placement gave Sophie the chance to work hybrid on campus and in professional environments, to collaborate closely with architects and engineers, and to take part in presentations and industry discussions.

It reaffirmed her passion for sustainability research and boosted her confidence to potentially pursue a PhD in the future.

Sophie says: 'It reinvigorated the attachment I have for my area of study and work – and now I’m more convinced that maybe I would be interested in doing a PhD later in life.'

Sophie’s advice for any prospective students thinking of applying?

'Just apply. If you're considering it, just apply, because it really was worthwhile.'

'It’s a great way to spend the summer,' says Sophie. 'You get a little bit of money and you’re doing something interesting that contributes to your degree.'