Construction firms in London are facing stricter emission rules for machinery.
- From January 2025, only Stage IV air compressors will be permissible across London.
- Non-road mobile machinery must meet Stage V standards by January 2030.
- Exemptions for non-compliant equipment have become more stringent.
- Sadiq Khan aims for zero emissions in London by 2040.
In a decisive move to curb pollution, London has intensified its regulations on machinery emissions used within construction sites. Contractors are now required to adhere to tougher standards for generators and air compressors, with the initial phase commencing in January 2025. Specifically, the updated rules stipulate that all non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) must achieve a Stage IV minimum compliance.
Further regulations are set to elevate these requirements by 2030, mandating all machinery align with Stage V specifications. Previously, site managers could justify using non-compliant generators, but such exemptions are now subjected to more rigorous scrutiny. Starting 2025, site operators will need concrete evidence of their efforts to procure compliant Stage V generators, supported by supplier documentation and load management data.
The responsibility of ensuring compliance falls heavily on principal contractors, who must guarantee that all plant machinery on-site conforms to the updated emissions criteria. Tom Adlington from a prominent plant equipment firm stressed the importance of eliminating the need for exemptions altogether, advocating for immediate adjustments to meet new standards.
Compounding the challenge, the mandate extends to air compressors, which from 2025, must also satisfy Stage IV criteria across all zones in London. Although Stage IV compressors are not readily available for certain power levels, the directive underscores a shift towards more sustainable equipment, notwithstanding the technical limitations these demands may impose.
Mayor Sadiq Khan’s aspiration for a zero-emission NRMM fleet by 2040 highlights the broader agenda to improve air quality across the capital. The construction industry is already observing the positive impacts of such initiatives, with recent reports noting a noticeable drop in emissions due to reduced idling of machinery.
The tightening of emission regulations marks a significant step towards sustainable construction practices in London, promising improved air quality by 2040.
