The Plant Sector Representative Organisation (PSRO) and the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s Plant Group have worked together to develop a new Eco-operations National Training Delivery Framework.
The construction plant sector is providing initiatives and solutions for the UK’s path to net zero, with machine usage identified as a contributor to carbon-based emissions. The long-term aim of the sector is to replace all carbon-emitting equipment with zero or low-emission-powered versions. However, in the short term, the aim is to reduce engine-derived emissions as much as possible through minimising engine run time and using the equipment efficiently.
Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive education program for equipment owners, operators, and users, and eco-operation courses are at the forefront of this educational initiative.
To ensure uniformity and standardisation in eco-operations across the industry, the PSRO and the School’s Plant Group have worked collaboratively to develop and launch the new training delivery framework.
The framework defines the parameters for consistent delivery, identifying and providing guidance on areas including core and optional learning outcomes, content, teaching methods, assessment strategies, and course durations. It also tailors the course content and delivery specifics for various roles, including Plant Operators, Supervisors, Plant and Site Managers, Planners, Plant Procurers, Maintenance Personnel, and more.
The aim is that upon completing a course based on this framework, delegates will attain a required level of understanding of how to reduce machine-based carbon emissions. This will enable them to recognise and apply learned reduction techniques, operational processes and emerging machine technologies. The goal is for each delegate to take personal ownership for emissions reduction.
The framework is structured into three parts: Part 1 outlines its aims and principles, Part 2 details delivery aspects for different occupations, and Part 3 specifies learning outcomes and training specifications.
Peter Brown from the PSRO said: “With education being a key part in terms of plant-emission reductions and from a programme jointly developed by CPA members Flannery Plant Hire and L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage, we’re pleased to have built upon and created the framework in partnership with the School. This will help ensure that future training courses on this topic both cover the relevant industry-derived content and provide a platform for the consistency of the training of plant and site-based occupations through this open-source framework.”
Imogen Player, Senior Sustainability Consultant and Plant Category Group Lead at the Supply Chain Sustainability School, said: “For the built environment to seriously tackle climate change and reduce emissions, then the impact that good operator behaviour has must be properly realised. The publication of the Eco-operations National Training Delivery Framework is great, and I’m excited for it to lead the way forward for best-practice training.”
The new training delivery framework is now available to download from here.
Learn more about the School’s Plant Group here.