Green is the word ...

Sustainability is a trending topic right now and will continue to be so for decades to come. It transcends the worlds of business and pleasure, dominating headlines and infusing into everything we do and each decision we make.

In plant and equipment hire this is never truer. Innovations, investment of time and money, and an increasing social conscious have led to huge developments enabling civils, construction, facilities management, and events to work more sustainably than ever. And this is just the start of the journey. Here’s a quick update on where we are today …

Innovations in kit

Plant and equipment are being developed at a rate never seen before. What’s more, developments are being made specifically with an eye on the environment. New kit should operate more efficiently by using less fuel, using alternative sources of energy, and switching off automatically when not in use. When new plant is made, it’s producing as little carbon as possible, ensuring its footprint is minimal from the off.

Innovations in site power

Solar and HVO fuel have been helping reduce carbon on sites with increasing frequency. The good news is that developments in technology mean that site generators are becoming more efficient too. We are seeing hydrogen generators in the market, as well as flybrid technology, daisy chaining and smart grid systems on larger sites. These technologies enable generators to use power almost intuitively, instinctively knowing when to drop down a gear to save energy or go up a gear for a power boost when needed. Combined with battery packs they charge with unused energy they provide a robust power solution on many sites. Our power professionals can advise you on how to reduce your CO2 in your site set up today.

Telematics and data

New kit is equipped with telematics. By switching it on, it’s possible to see how much each piece of kit is being used, for how long it's fully functioning, idling, or switched off. Assets on-site can be monitored, highlighting any inefficiencies and duplications. Fuel usage and efficiency can be measured as can carbon emissions enabling you to counter your footprint.

Education and training

By switching on telematics, outmoded working habits can be spotted. These observations lead to education and training of site operatives to change their work behaviours, with reducing emissions at the core. Think switching off, off-hiring unnecessary kit, and making wiser equipment and fuel choices from the get-go.

In Summary

Climate change is driving unprecedented developments in plant and equipment. The need to reduce emissions and our impact on the environment is continuing to inspire and shape the way we work. The necessity for change has led to outstanding innovations in equipment, fuel and technology making plant an exciting environment in which to work.