HS2 announces its first diesel-free construction site

HS2’s civils contractor, Skanska Costain STRABAG venture (SCS JV) has introduced a range of diesel-free technologies and greener equipment at the Canterbury Road Vent Shaft site in South Kilburn.

THE FIRST OF MANY DIESEL-FREE SITES

Earlier this year, HS2 Ltd announced that the project aims to be net-zero carbon from 2035, with the target of achieving its first diesel-free construction site in 2022, and all of its construction sites being diesel-free by 2029.

HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson said: “HS2 is boosting transport across the UK, creating thousands of jobs and levelling up communities throughout the North and Midlands, all while leaving the environment better off than how we found it.

“This, the first of many diesel-free sites, is another example of how the country’s biggest infrastructure project not only delivers on its commitment to be net zero from 2035, but is a pioneer in leading the whole industry to cleaner, greener construction.”

A RAFT OF INNOVATIONS

Among the innovations on the site are one of the UK’s first 160-tonne emissions-free fully electric crawler cranes, plant and machinery powered by biofuels (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil), an electric compressor, and access to mains power on a 100% renewable energy tariff.

HS2’s Net Zero Carbon Plan sets out how HS2 will achieve new carbon reduction milestones, support the decarbonisation of the UK construction sector and reduce the carbon footprint of the programme. Other sites are set to follow suit, with innovations including retrofit technologies, biofuels, hydrogen and solar power helping to cut carbon across the whole of the route.

Peter Miller, HS2’s Environment Director, said: “We’re delighted to reach this key milestone in our Net Zero Carbon Plan. HS2 is playing a major role in the decarbonisation of the construction industry, collaborating with the industry and our supply chain to accelerate innovation in low-carbon technologies. Reducing emissions and improving air quality on HS2 construction sites is crucial for both the environment and surrounding communities.”

Michelle Gardner, Acting Deputy Director – Public Policy, Logistics UK, said: “Often when we talk about decarbonising logistics our thoughts immediately turn to decarbonising the vehicles used to carry freight. However, large infrastructure projects like HS2 also have an important role to play. We are delighted to see HS2 pass this key milestone in its journey to net zero and hope that the success it has achieved at its South Kilburn site can be replicated in construction sites across the wider project.”

*www.logistics.org.uk/rail

Published On: 19/05/2022 16:00:10

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