The environment and the state of our climate is a particularly large issue at present. With the future currently in a catastrophic downward spiral, it’s important that we act together. So what’s that got to do with a construction site we hear you ask?
Construction sites and workers are building a new environment everyday. Being in the form of houses, landscaping and community buildings. The construction sector is also one of the biggest industries, which could potentially be negatively contributing to the environment. With a lot of dirty diesel engines, pollutants and materials that aren’t very green, we look into how a construction site could become more environmentally friendly.
A CONSTRUCTION SITES IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Climate change is a topic we hear more and more in everyday conversations. Experts believe that the Earth’s temperature is getting warmer. Additionally, we as individuals are all playing a part in speeding up this process. Even as a business, we should be looking to do more where possible in order to prevent the inevitable happening.
A construction site contributes heavily to this, with regards to the carbon dioxide emissions. When fossil fuels are burnt, for example in petrol and diesel machines, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. It’s not just the gases emitted that a construction site has to worry about…
Construction Managers will need to oversee the operations of a project, and ensure they are adhering to all environmental laws and regulations. A lot of construction projects can have a negative impact on the local habitat. Think of all the issues with sewage, oil and other waste products causing water pollution. Additionally, chemical spills that can leak into the ground and create havoc for local wildlife. It’s important for all individuals to be aware, and understand how to protect the environment.
ELECTRIC DIGGERS
As the future of construction machinery turns toward electric, would this be a viable option for you?
Fast forward a few years since the first electric digger was designed, the market is now flooded with not only electric diggers but also alternative fuelled machines. If you’re thinking of making the switch then there are plenty of fantastic diggers available from the likes of JCB, Volvo and Kubota. From mini diggers all the way up to 20 tonne diggers, there will be an electric digger perfect for any construction site.
How else can a construction site benefit from switching to electric diggers?
No dirty diesel engines equals a huge reduction in noise pollution!
For those construction projects right in the heart of a city, or even in the middle of the countryside, the noise pollution will be greatly reduced when using an electric digger. They can do the exact same jobs as a standard digger. However they are absolutely silent when operating.
TURNING OFF MACHINES WHEN NOT IN USE
If you’re not able to switch to using an electric digger on a construction site due to the certain restrictions, then we have a solution for you. Make sure you switch off the engine of your machines when it is not in use. If the machine is fitted with an idle switch then this will also be effective, however we recommend switching off where possible.
Did you know that both plants and animals will struggle to grow and thrive as a result of air pollution caused by construction equipment? Ultimately, causing disruption to the food chain, and the local habitat.
ALTERNATIVE FUELLED VEHICLES
Similar to the machines used on a construction site, companies are also investing into other eco-friendly transport. The use of electric vans is progressively growing in popularity.
Ahead of the Government’s Net Zero strategy before 2040, and as soon as 2030, companies are looking at reducing their carbon footprint sooner rather than later. EVs are cheaper to run, are silent when driving, and also emit zero emissions. Plus the savings made from the current fuel rises will benefit the company!
Looking to switch to electric vehicles?
For those looking to make the switch, our sister company, EVision Electric Vehicles, is the UK’s first and largest all-electric vehicle hire company. Wherever you’re based in the UK, they have various collection points available, as well as the option to have your EV delivered.
EVision has a wide variety of electric vehicles perfect for company cars, as well as a choice of electric vans for hire. Choose from the Vauxhall Vivaro-e (Panel and Double Cab), Combo-e and Renault Kangoo-e.
As well as the environmental advantages of electric vehicles, if you choose to hire from EVision you could also benefit from:
- Free charge point for hire over 12 months
- 10,000 miles per annum or 150 miles per day for hires under 3 months
- Maintenance and service costs covered, including tyre wear
- Account customers pay no deposit
If you work on a construction site, and need a vehicle perfect for transporting materials or even staff, then check out their range of electric vans for hire today.
ABOUT THE DIGGERLAND PLANT TRAINING SCHOOL
Here at the Diggerland Plant Training School, we are also doing our fair share of becoming more eco-friendly.
All of our staff and instructors have already made the switch to an electric vehicle, they now travel to and from work, emitting zero emissions. For those of you that arrive in electric vehicles, we have charge points on site, available to use whilst you’re training with us. Speaking of charge points, they are charged by solar panels fitted within the Diggerland park!
Although we have not invested in electric diggers and other construction equipment at the moment, it will be something that we look forward to in the future. Until then, we ensure all of our trainee operators are turning off their machines during training when they are not in use.
BOOK YOUR NPORS TRAINING COURSES WITH US TODAY
If you’re looking to further develop your construction skills and knowledge, then contact us today. We could have the perfect plant machinery training course in Kent to suit you!
All of our NPORS training courses can be found here, along with our upcoming course dates. Should you wish to find out more information, email us or call: 01634 295355.
We also advertise any last minute spaces on upcoming courses on our social media. Give us a follow!
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