Amidst the UK’s ambitious net-zero goals, the construction sector is under pressure to innovate its energy sources.
- Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) emerges as a promising alternative to diesel in construction.
- The construction industry’s emissions challenge with 25% of UK’s carbon footprint traced to the built environment.
- Opportunities and challenges for electric vehicles and machinery in construction.
- Pivotal moment for UK’s construction: embracing HVO for emissions reduction and business growth.
The drive towards net-zero emissions in the United Kingdom is reshaping the construction industry, demanding a reevaluation of its energy sources. With the built environment responsible for 25% of the nation’s carbon footprint, there is unprecedented pressure to adopt sustainable alternatives. Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is presenting itself as a compelling option, offering a direct replacement for traditional diesel without necessitating any modifications to current machinery or vehicles.
The reliance on diesel is substantial, with approximately 300,000 machines consuming five million tonnes of fuel annually. The usage of HVO is endorsed by industry leaders such as the Construction Leadership Council, emphasising the fuel’s high cetane number which promotes efficient combustion and reduces residues. This translates into lower particulate emissions and extends the lifespan of diesel particulate filters, which in turn reduces maintenance expenses.
Furthermore, companies like Certas Energy are at the forefront in promoting HVO, coupled with solutions such as AdBlue—a diesel exhaust fluid that synergises with Selective Catalytic Reduction technology. This combination transforms harmful nitrogen oxides into benign nitrogen and water vapour, thereby achieving an emissions reduction of up to 90%.
The issue of emissions is exacerbated by idle machinery, which remains unused for 40-60% of its operational time. The implementation of stringent engine idling policies and auto-shutdown features can mitigate this, contributing to both emissions reduction and economic efficiency.
Electrification offers another route for cutting emissions, yet the sector confronts barriers such as insufficient charging infrastructure and expensive battery technologies. The environmental concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries, including deforestation and unethical mining, complicate this path further. For heavy-duty equipment like excavators, HVO-fuelled generators offer a viable interim solution, supporting sustainability without heavily relying on diesel.
In this significant transitional phase for the UK construction industry, the adoption of HVO provides a dual advantage of meeting regulatory requirements and capitalising on commercial opportunities. Implementing such drop-in solutions represents immediate actions towards sustainability, ensuring companies are well-positioned for a future defined by reduced environmental impacts.
Adopting HVO in construction signifies a strategic step towards achieving net-zero goals while fostering economic growth.
