HS2’s first TBM drive has passed the one-mile mark cutting through a mix of chalk and flint beneath the Chiltern hills just outside London.

Launched in May, TBM Florence is one of two identical machines excavating the twin 10-mile-long tunnels.

During her first mile, Florence and her crew have installed more than 5,500 separate segments, each weighing around 8.5 tonnes.

A second machine, named ‘Cecilia’ is a short way behind, with both TBMs expected to break out in around three years’ time.

Both TBMs are operated by HS2’s main works contractor, Align – a joint venture formed of Bouygues Travaux Publics, Sir Robert McAlpine, and VolkerFitzpatrick.

Align Project Director Daniel Altier said: “I am delighted with the progress that Florence has made since its launch in May, with Cecilia not far behind.

“All the spoil from the TBMs is converted into slurry before being pumped back to our South Portal site, just inside the M25, where it is processed and used for landscaping on site. This is, and will continue to be, a huge logistical challenge, as Florence and Cecilia continue their journey through the Chilterns.

“Florence reaching the 1 mile point is a great achievement, however we still have a long way to go.”

Each of the separate northbound and southbound tunnels will require 56,000 precision engineered, fibre-reinforced concrete wall segments – which are all being made at the south portal of the tunnel, next to the M25.

Approximately 2.7 million cubic metres of material will be excavated during the construction of the tunnels and used for landscaping around the south portal site.

Once construction is complete, this will help create around 90 hectares of wildlife-rich chalk grassland habitats.

New Government measures come into force today requiring contractors bidding for government contracts to have committed to their own plan to achieve net zero emissions.

The new rules apply to all firms bidding for government work worth more than £5m a year, not just those who are successful.

A carbon reduction plan sets out where a firm’s emissions come from and the environmental management measures that they have in place.

Many large contractors already self-report parts of their carbon emissions, known as Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (indirect owned) emissions as part of the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting regulations published in 2018.

The new rules go further, requiring a commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050 at the latest, and the reporting of some Scope 3 emissions.

These Scope 3 emissions represent a significant proportion of a firm’s carbon footprint and include business travel, employee commuting, transportation, distribution and waste for the first time.

The Government argues reporting and reducing these emissions will play a substantial role in decarbonising its supply chain, and the UK economy as a whole.

The measures will apply to all central government departments as well as their executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies.

Andrew Griffith, UK Net Zero Business COP Champion, said the new rules will drive forward the government’s green agenda while also striking a balance to not overly burden and potentially exclude small and medium sized enterprises from bidding for government work.

“The message to businesses is clear – engaging on net zero is no longer an option but a necessity from today, with businesses large and small now needing firm climate plans and commitments in place to supply major government contracts.

“As we prepare to host the UN COP26 Summit this is exactly the type of leadership and collaboration required from government and business to show the world that we are serious about investing in a greener, more prosperous future.”