Latest Innovations in Environment

These include examples of innovative activity, which demonstrate constructors protecting and enhancing the environment.


Tracked Scissor Lifter

Published 16 June 2025 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesControls Energy efficient plant and equipment
This contractor is using a tracked scissor lift capable of driving at different levels with each track and also at different slopes whilst maintaining a self levelling platform. This equipment is new to the industry and the contractor has carried out a case study for the equipment to allow for enhancements moving forward including, but not limited to future electric...

Flameless Electrically Controlled Compound Heater

Published 16 June 2025 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesCarbon reduction Modern methods of construction
This contractor is using an electrically controlled, compound heater (Epot) which has been designed for the melting and heating of modern bituminised rubber compounds (hot-melt) used in structural roofing and waterproofing installations. With fast heat up and melting times, and controllable, user-friendly features the Epot avoids the safety and quality control issues arising from the use of gas fired pots....

Circular Packaging Solution

Published 16 June 2025 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesCarbon reduction Circular economy Conserve of resources Monitoring and recording of resource usage
Collaborating with one of their suppliers, this contractor has developed a solution to the packaging waste being produced on construction projects. Ecopak is a modular system comprising inner and outer polypropylene packaging that can be reused multiple times, allowing for the packaging of mixed types of lighting product and comes with GPS tagging so products can be tracked digitally following...

ERICA Boards Installed

Published 14 May 2025 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesConserve of energy Energy efficient plant and equipment Monitoring and recording of resource usage
ERICA boards help the contractor prevent energy wastage using a power monitoring and control system. The system understands and knows where and when energy is being used and highlights opportunities to prevent energy wastage. ERICA = Energy, Reduction, Information, Control, Automation. They have done this by exchanging the generator for more efficient equipment such solar hybrid battery units as well...

Passive Eel Pass

Published 14 May 2025 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesEnvironmental champion Identification of flora, fauna and natural resources Protect the local environment
This contractor has implemented a  passive eel pass that will ensure a consistent flow rate without any manual or electrical operations. The operation will be monitored, with the aim of using the data collected for similar projects. The eel pass exit comprises a floating articulating swivel pipe which can adapt to seasonal variations in water level. The novel adaptability is...

EV Pump and Agitator for CFA Piling

Published 14 May 2025 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesCarbon reduction Conserve of energy Energy efficient plant and equipment
This contractor implemented the world’s first fully electric drilling ancillary support and concrete supply setup to the piling rig. This groundbreaking system combined the use of all renewable mains electricity powered air compressor to assist boring, and mains electrically powered concrete agitator and pump, eliminating three diesel engines from the standard process and significantly reducing fuel consumption to provide concrete...

Ochre Stabilisation

Published 14 May 2025 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesCarbon reduction Conserve of resources
This contractor has utilised waste ochre from a former mining remediation authority mine to treat and remediate the heavy metal contaminated soils on this project. This new use of Ochre diverts waste from the mining remediation projects from going to landfill. It also has the benefit of remediating a former industrial heavily contaminated site to reduce the risk to controlled...

Autonomous Positioning System for Lifting Wind Turbine Blades

Published 14 May 2025 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesModern methods of construction
Autonomous Positioning System (APS) consists of a spanset beam which houses 2 hubs with pitch propellers, 2 15kw electric motors and a control unit. The APS is attached to the crane hook as normal using slings, chains or shackles of a suitable SWL attached to lifting points on the top of the spanset beam. The blade is then slung using...

Carbon Dioxide Absorbing Recycled Aggregate

Published 14 May 2025 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesCarbon reduction Circular economy Green/renewable energy Lower embodied carbon content materials
On this project the contractor began sending concrete demolition waste to London Concrete in 2023 from the marine deck demolition and since the pile cropping’s. The concrete is processed and crushed into aggregate to be used as 20% replacement in new concrete mixes being bought back to site. Taking this one step further they are also using Neustark’s new cutting...

Wasteshark Canal Clean Up

Published 15 April 2025 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesCarbon reduction Energy efficient plant and equipment Identify potential natural environment detriment Protection of existing natural habitat Windblown material
Working close to a waterway In Leeds, where there are regular high winds, it is inevitable that some of the construction waste will end up in the canal next to the site. With the local community and the environment in mind, the contractor decided to contact WasteShark Leeds to do a canal clean up next to the site. This aquatic...

Prop Load Monitoring System

Published 1 April 2025 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesCarbon reduction Conserve of resources Green/renewable energy
The Prop Load Monitoring system is both self-powered and remote controlled, reducing the need for site visits through remote resets and battery status monitoring. The nodes have a long-life lithium ion battery and the data transmission gateway is self-charged via solar panels, so there is no requirement for electrics at site. Upgraded prop load monitoring systems in construction offer significant...

Rebar Tying Robot

Published 31 March 2025 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesLessons learned Modern methods of construction
The traditional process for rebar tying is done manually using annealed steel wire, either from bulk rolls or precut pieces with loops. Common methods include the Snap Tie and Wrap and Snap Tie which involve using pliers to pull, wrap, twist and cut the wire to secure the rebars. Tying rebars by hand increases the risk of several health-related injuries...

Skyline Remotely Operated Tower Crane

Published 24 February 2025 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesModern methods of construction Recreational facilities
This contractor has implemented a remotely operated tower crane. The benefit of the technology on compact, high-rise projects is improved all round visibility; the cameras eliminate blind spots and restricted views created by the building and the close proximity of the lifts to the crane’s mast. They also provide up to 40% zoom resolution, allowing the crane operator to see...

Temporary WiFi (110v)

Published 6 January 2025 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesConsultation on health and safety Modern methods of construction
Traditionally temporary WiFi is serviced using 240v, however this contractor has opted to make use of a temporary WiFi system which utilises 110v power. This new system allows for a safer, lower current of electricity to be used which greatly reduces the risk of electrical damage/injury if struck. Using this system is safer if you get shocked by it, due...

Potassium Acetate Crystals for Gritting

Published 18 November 2024 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesConserve of resources Electric vehicles Maintenance of hoarding and fences Periodic inspection and clean-up of boundaries
Salt grit has been replaced with potassium acetate crystals on the deck. This is distributed using a hopper towed by an electric van (powered with 100% renewable energy). To enable this, council gritters stop spreading when they reach the bridge. The contractor uses MetDesk to receive their own weather alerts to know when they need to apply the crystals. Potassium...

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