Nusrat Ghani MP joins industry leaders to launch a plan to create diesel-free construction sites by 2035
There are an estimated 300,000 items of Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) powered by diesel being used by the UK construction sector.
Industry leaders have been collaborating on the development of Zero Diesel Sites Route Map – part of the Construction Leadership Council’s CO2nstruct Zero programme for decarbonisation – to reduce this volume by 78% by 2035.
What does the Route Map set out to do?
Following consultation on a draft plan last year, the Route Map states the industry
will:
- Put in place support to roll out hydrogen, electricity and other cleaner power sources;
- Promote early wins by boosting efficiency and cutting diesel use by existing plant, and
asking companies to reduce the use of diesel generators; - Helping businesses to develop their own company’s diesel reduction plans;
- Engaging with clients to secure commitments that ban diesel use and
- Tracking data on industry diesel consumption to confirm progress over time.
Minister for Industry and Economic Security Nusrat Ghani said: “Cutting carbon
emissions in construction is vital to achieving our net zero ambitions by 2050.
“I’m pleased to see the leadership the sector is showing by publishing this new Route Map, helping us move forward towards a cleaner, greener industrial future.”
All HS2 sites to be diesel-free by 2029
The launch took place on HS2’s Old Oak Common Station construction site, which aims for all of its sites to be diesel-free by 2029.
Neil Wait, Head of Environmental Delivery at HS2 Ltd and Chair of the Zero Diesel
Route Map Working Group, said: “The carbon challenge we face is significant and can only be overcome if we show real determination in a push for change.
“HS2 Ltd has played a key role in the development of the Route Map and is already making great progress with 19 diesel-free construction sites on the project.
“Today’s launch is a tangible demonstration of the industry’s shared commitment to radically cut our reliance on diesel.”
