In times of increasing concern for the environment, the CO_2-foot-print method is widely accepted to evaluate the use of greenhouse emitting production processes for a given product. This allows for comparisons between products and makes environmentally friendly choices of a product more transparent to decision makers. In the field of slope stabilization, the high tensile steel wire mesh TECCO~? in combination with soil or rock nailing is the state of the art in many countries. Compared to shotcrete, load transfer capacity is equal or higher. The open mesh leaves enough space for plants to grow through the system. Recent CO_2-footprint evaluation taking into account production and transport of the material of an equivalent slope stabilization measure shows that the TECCO~? system has a very low CO_2-footprint. The methods used for assessing the impact were, the level of carbon dioxide emissions from burning of fossil fuels as well as all other emissions which contribute to climate change. These other emissions have been recorded and weighted according to their specific contribution to give an overall index, "Global Warming Potential" (GWP). Compared to shotcrete, the CO_2-footprint of the mesh solution is 4-5 times lower! One reason for the good result is the high CO_2-emitting level of concrete in general. Furthermore, less material weight and also transport costs for the same stabilizing effect of the product on the slope also account for a better CO_2 balance of the mesh solution.
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