{"id":4931,"date":"2019-07-03T15:19:31","date_gmt":"2019-07-03T15:19:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aefaulks.co.uk\/?p=4931"},"modified":"2025-03-21T11:24:25","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T11:24:25","slug":"how-plant-hire-is-improving-clean-technology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aefaulks.co.uk\/sqdev\/how-plant-hire-is-improving-clean-technology\/","title":{"rendered":"How the Plant Hire Industry is Using Clean Technology"},"content":{"rendered":"

With doom and gloom everywhere in the news about the current state of the planet, there has never been a more crucial time to invest in renewable energy and clean technology. The construction industry has a reputation for not being especially environmentally friendly, but sectors like plant hire companies are seeking innovation though clean technology to help the construction industry reduce its carbon footprint.<\/p>\n

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How Bad is the Environmental Problem?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The UN has warned that we have just twelve years to limit global warming if we want to prevent the growing risk of extreme natural disasters. Campaigners have been demanding that the UK strives for a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2025, but the Government only went as far as to pass the law for net zero carbon emissions by 2050.<\/p>\n

\"Zero<\/center>The construction industry has a large part to play in the UK\u2019s total carbon footprint, with the UK Green Building Council calculating that embodied carbon emissions resulting from construction and demolishing buildings accounts for between 20% to 60% of a building\u2019s environmental impact.<\/p>\n

It seems that the days of fuel-hungry plant in the construction industry could be coming to an end. Could we eventually see the rise of clean, electric vehicles and plant across construction sites in the UK?<\/p>\n

The Rise of Cleaner Plant <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Whilst electric vehicles are continually being improved; there have been visible signs in developing cleaner engines. Construction equipment manufacturer, Case, recently unveiled a prototype for what they\u2019re calling the world\u2019s first wheel loader, to run entirely on alternative and renewable fuel. It is powered by biomethane produced from waste products such as waste food, wood chippings and animal waste.<\/p>\n

This year, equipment that meets the higher stage 5 European emissions standards have become available, including those with selective catalyst reduction \u2013 this reduces nitrogen dioxide emissions as much as 90-95%. For equipment on construction sites that require lower power such as tower lighting and small generators, fuel cell technology is being used, which is powered by elements such as hydrogen.<\/p>\n

Electric vehicles are also on the rise. Small electric plant has been appearing on sites for a while with the likes of JCB and their electric excavators but electrically powered larger equipment is proving more challenging to achieve. Skanska and Volvo tried out the world\u2019s first emission-free quarry in Sweden, where every stage of the process has been electrified. They claim tests have shown a 98% reduction in carbon emissions, a 70% reduction in energy costs and a 40% reduction in operator costs. The equipment trialled includes battery electric load carriers, a 70-tonne dual-powered cable-connected excavator and an electric hybrid wheel loader. The machines are currently prototypes and not commercially available yet.<\/p>\n

\"98%<\/center><\/p>\n

Benefits of Clean Technology in Plant Hire\u00a0 <\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are many benefits to be had from reducing the energy demand and increasing the use of renewable energy, and not just the positive impact on the state of the planet.<\/p>\n