Future possibility of clean air on construction sites.

Carbon reduction targets have been widely established, but the UK still lacks legislative requirements for setting equivalent targets for pollutant emissions. Despite this, air pollution remains the largest environmental health risk in Europe. Exposure to even low levels of pollutants is linked to serious health risks such as strokes, cancers, and premature death.

The construction industry is a major contributor to air pollution in London, with sites producing large quantities of dust (PM10) from demolition activities and additional pollutants like NOx, CO, and PM2.5 from diesel generators. To address this issue, the Construction Leadership Council has proposed eliminating 78% of diesel plant from UK construction sites by 2035.

But what actions are being taken to combat air pollution?

Some authorities and organisations have set minimum emission standards for non-road mobile machinery (NRMM). In London, there are guidelines like Air Quality Neutral (AQN) and Air Quality Positive (AQP) that set air pollution standards for new developments. Additionally, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will require all NRMM to be zero emission by 2040.

Despite the challenging targets, progress has been made in identifying solutions for achieving zero carbon construction, making it easier to achieve pollution-free sites. The shift towards electrification of tools and machinery, as well as emerging alternative solutions to diesel generators for on-site power generation, show that reducing pollutant emissions alongside zero carbon goals is achievable.

One such alternative is renewable generators using flameless and catalytic combustion technologies. These technologies, found in fuel cells and fuel-agnostic gensets, not only produce power without emitting pollutants but also reduce carbon emissions by using net-zero fuels.

It’s time to clean the air.

These solutions enable construction companies to decarbonise operations and improve the health of site teams without compromising one for the other. Progress within the sector is evident in transitioning to cleaner job sites, and with more ambitious government tenders and national legislation, this transition can be accelerated.

Awarding large tenders offers an opportunity to prioritize pollutant emissions reductions alongside carbon emissions. By driving positive change from the top down, the construction industry can set the standard for prioritising solutions that address both carbon and pollutant issues simultaneously.

It’s time for construction to lead the way in prioritising cleaner solutions for all industries reliant on fuel-based power, setting a new standard for sustainability. By prioritising solutions that tackle both carbon and pollutant emissions, we can create a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

This article was originally published in the July/August 2024 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.