Diesel will be gone from most works by 2035, according to a government-backed industry-wide “roadmap”.
Minister of State Nusrat Ghani attended HS2’s Old Oak common site (pictured) on Monday (June 6) to launch a Diesel Zero Sites Roadmap, an industry-written document which commits to support the deployment of hydrogen, electricity and other clean energy sources for plant use throughout the country.
The roadmap was created by the Construction Leadership Council’s CO2nstruct Zero program.
There are currently 300,000 items of ‘non-road mobile machinery’ used in UK construction, which generates substantial carbon emissions by consuming the equivalent of 2.5 million tonnes of oil each year.
The roadmap would see the number of diesel-powered vehicles and construction machinery fall by 78 percent by 2035. It also says the industry has or will take a number of measures over the next few years:
Ghani said: “Reducing carbon emissions in construction is vital to achieving our net zero ambitions by 2050. That’s why I’m pleased to see the leadership the sector is showing by publishing this new map of routes, which helps us move towards a cleaner sector. greener industrial future.”
Neil Wait, head of environmental delivery at HS2 Ltd and chair of the Zero Diesel Route Map task force, said: “The carbon challenge we face is significant and can only be overcome if we show real determination in a push for exchange.
“HS2 Ltd has played a key role in the development of the road map and is already making great progress with 19 diesel-free construction sites on the project.
“[This] The launch is a tangible demonstration of the industry’s shared commitment to radically reduce our reliance on diesel. I would encourage businesses to get involved and support the move towards cleaner and greener construction.”
Matt Palmer, sponsor of the CO2nstruct Zero program and chief executive of Lower Thames Crossing, said: “One of the strengths of the Construction Leadership Council is its ability to bring the industry together to identify and commit to actions that will change our sector for the better .
“The Zero Diesel Roadmap is a perfect example of this as it sets out a clear mission that everyone can sign up to support.”
