Sustainability is a word used widely across all sectors of the UK economy no more so than in the construction sector. Making construction more sustainable and reducing emissions in general are key objectives of many construction businesses. Legislation such as The Industrial Emissions Directive, Medium Combustion Plant Directive and in particular NRMM (Non-Road Mobile Machinery) regulations along with the introduction of low emissions zones in various metropolitan areas of the UK have all served to bring focus on the environmental impact of plant and equipment widely used on constructions sites such generators and other motorised plant. In this piece WB Power Services highlight FIVE ways in which it can help make your construction site power infrastructure more sustainable.
With 40 years of experience in the generator hire market the sales and operations team at WB Power Services are well placed to ensure we offer the right size of generating set for your project. We know that each project has its own unique set of power demands; an undersized set will result in power shortages whereas an oversized set will lead to excessive and unnecessary fuel consumption and excess emissions. By deploying the wealth of experience within the WB team we will ensure that we strike the right balance between performance and fuel consumption
The pathway to reducing diesel engine emissions for non-road going machinery (NRMM) started back in 1997. The various EU directives since have focused on a progressive reduction in emissions the latest of which being adopted in 2016 and coming into effect in January 2019 and 2020. This latest directive led to the introduction of Stage V engines being fitted to all non-road mobile machinery which included power generation equipment deployed on construction site across the UK.
Whilst directive permits the continued use of older “non Stage V” (Stage IIIA) equipment this is not the case in the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). WB Power Services Ltd. has one of the largest UK fleets of Stage V generating sets all of which meet the exacting standards of this latest directive. The use of Stage V compliant engines plays a major role in reducing emissions of hydrocarbons, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide amongst others. see our white paper a quick guide to NON-ROAD MOBILE MACHINERY (NRMM) LEGISLATION
We know that the continued use of fossil fuel, such as petrol, diesel and other hydrocarbons are problematic in terms of their impact on the environmental and the sustainability of their continued use. In this period of transition from fossil fuels to other energy sources it is beholden on us to find ways of improving the efficiency of energy conversion and by virtue of this reduce the environmental impact of what we do. WB were leaders in the generator industry with introducing the use of hybrid generators particularly in the “hire” sector. When correctly used these “hybrid” generator/battery combinations use less diesel overall and hence have a reduced impact on the environment. In their basic form a hybrid generator consists of a traditional diesel engine alternator combination which is supplemented by a battery pack. In operation either source can supply the required electrical power.
A common application is when a generator and battery system combine to power a suite of construction site cabins. Power demand in this type of application is high during weekday days and low overnight and weekends. Typically, overnight the load is lighting, security and during the winter some background heating. The standard mode of operation would be generator running during the day and battery overnight. The generator also picking up battery recharging early in the morning.
So convinced of the benefits of the “hybrid” solution WB have moved into producing its own energy storage solutions all of which are matched to a generator to ensure optimum performance and emissions reductions. (see our white paper Hybrid Generation in the Power Generation Hire Market)
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a paraffinic drop-in diesel fuel substitute that provides a cleaner alternative to power your diesel generators, as well as other diesel-powered machinery. Conforming to EN15940 standards, HVO is manufactured from renewable waste and has drastically reduced the volume of CO2 emissions of our customers. It is manufactured from many kinds of vegetable oils, such as rapeseed, sunflower and soybean. Some or all of these sources can be from waste products such as used frying oils or animal fats hence can be made from entirely renewable energy sources that do not impact crop resources.
HVO offers the potential for up to 90% CO2 reduction over the lifetime of the product cycle. (See our white paper What is HVO)
The combination of a Stage V generating set using HVO fuel and NetZPack battery storage system offer the optimal sustainable power generation solution found on the “hire” market today for the construction industry.
Using less energy in the first place is always a good place to start when it comes to reducing our emissions and enhancing sustainability. Building an energy saving culture on site is a great place to start. – the small actions of many can have a major impact. Turning the thermostat down overnight in the site cabin, turning off heaters and lighting when not in use and not over filling the kettle can call help.
Business Consultant
WB Power Services Ltd