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Emissions regulations set by the EU and incorporated into UK law now require vehicle manufacturers to meet stringent emissions standards. In order to meet these standards, diesel vehicles often employ selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology that involves injecting precise amounts of a liquid into the vehicle exhaust. AdBlue is one of the most common of these systems. When the AdBlue solution…

Prior to the availability of mains power the site offices and welfare units had to be powered by a diesel generator. This generator was located adjacent to the offices/welfare and in conjunction with Kings College London air quality monitoring (particulates and black carbon) was undertaken. The monitoring station was located on the stairwell next to the canteen door (which was…

Morgan Sindall’s commercial fleet driver performance is managed through a tracker system. The best drivers each month are identified and the best driver each quarter receives a £150 cash prize. We also recently produced an online ‘Driver Safety for Car Drivers’ e-Learning module, making completion mandatory for all Morgan Sindall staff. The module highlights efficient driving techniques, including a top…

Mace have continued their work with Kings College London (KCL), attempting to tackle emissions and air quality issues within the UK. Having previously worked with KCL at the Television Centre site, Mace have progressed their work at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Development. Mace arranged for KCL to attend site and test Non Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) emissions to see whether…

The Royal Albert Hall project is utilising an electric concrete pump on site to help minimise environmental impacts. The pump uses a rotating screw to pump the concrete down the lines as opposed to a traditional piston pump which can be noisy. The pump not only reduces carbon emissions compared with traditional alternatives, it also improves the air quality of…

The Northern Line Extension project involves the construction of two brand new underground stations (Nine Elms and Battersea), two ventilation shafts (Kennington) and two 3km long tunnels that extend the existing Northern Line out to Battersea. Constructing this generates a huge amount of excavated material, which FLO were challenged to find a beneficial reuse for. It was clear early on…

To improve and enhance the standard and sustainability of our immediate environment on the LSE CBR project, a living wall was installed to the external face of the welfare cabins facing the LSE library and seating area of the John Watkins Plaza. This was installed by fixing timber battens into the cabins and then hanging the planter boxes with plants…

In 2014-15, HGVs were involved in 25% of pedestrian fatalities and 60% of cyclist fatalities. The long term impacts from Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Particulate Matter (PM10), of which a large proportion comes from HGVs, are the cause for over 9,000 deaths each year in London. Negative impacts can often occur when loading facilities are either poorly designed or can…

HGVs are a major contributor of pollution displaced on all road networks. The long term impacts, especially from Nitrogen Dioxide and Particulate Matter are the cause for over 60,000 deaths each year in the UK. In London, during 2014/15 HGVs were involved in 25% & 60% of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities respectively, therefore HGVs are also a key focus for…

Asking HGV drivers to arrive at site exactly at 8am to begin loading/unloading is challenging especially on heavily congested roads. Not only does this cause driver stress but can result in unwanted behaviours. Often drivers’ set off and arrive early to avoid peak traffic. HGVs are frequently observed being parked outside site gates, on residential or main roads, on footways…

It is important to recognise that a site’s environmental impact goes well beyond the site boundary. A significant environmental impact of construction is in the production of the materials used, but it is also important to consider the impact of their transportation at both a local and wider level. Although concrete batching plants are often in reasonably close proximity to…

A Construction Logistics Plan (CLP) is an important tool for planners, developers and those working in the construction industry. Having  a CLP will help to reduce the impact construction traffic has on local communities in relation to congestion, pollution and noise. A good plan will not only benefit the environment but also reduce costs as this promotes efficient working practices…

Description and Overview CSJV are achieving best practice by using low emission rating machines on site. The site had over 30 Non Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) at the latter end of 2013 due to an extensive programme of works which included the reinstatement of Eastbourne Terrace, excavation of the box and utilities works. Because of this programme, new plant were…

Using modern and innovative equipment can improve sustainable procurement. It is therefore important to be aware what alternative working methods of equipment could be most effectively used for the job. This doesn’t just mean productivity, but also other benefits such as environmental impact, health, safety and cost saving. The example below shows how one site achieved this: The contractor has…

As part of the dust management strategy by the Como team undertaking a Cat B fit-out of a central London commercial office space, an air scrubber was used to remove dust and unwelcome particulate matter on site. The air scrubber is positioned in the middle of an enclosed area without any ducting attached. The air is then drawn through its…