The Supply Chain Sustainability School (SCSS) is leading the way for the UK’s built environment to drastically reduce onsite emissions to air that are harmful to human health and the planet.
SCSS’ Plant Group was established in 2019 by Partners of the School and other key industry stakeholders, to develop and facilitate the implementation of best practice sustainable procurement within the category. Together, they collaborate to identify and provide the supply chain with information and guidance on plant standards and management.
A minimum standards document was created to ensure the built environment adhere to minimum engine emission standards, to reduce the worst effects on air quality and the climate. Since the launch of the Plant Group, there has since been an extensive process of engagement with the sector, from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) through plant hire, to contractors, and clients on where the minimum standards should go to next. To keep up to date with the ever-changing landscape and advances in technology, an updated minimum standards document has been published today.
Dr James Cadman, Head of Carbon, Supply Chain Sustainability School, said “We must continue to move towards cleaner technology, appropriate to its size and usage pattern. But no one size fits all – it’s a combination of more efficient diesel engines, using HVO as a short-term steppingstone (where appropriate), driving the uptake of electric plant at the smaller end, and development of more hydrogen solutions. The Plant Group’s minimum standards will provide the industry with direction on how to accelerate this.”
Chris Matthew, Strategic Manager, Flannery Plant Hire, said: “The built environment must play their part in tackling climate change and reducing the impacts on local neighbourhoods. This can only be done through industry collaboration and setting expectations, by keeping the minimum standards up-to-date, ultimately supporting carbon reduction both locally and globally.”
Chris Gill, Director, L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage, said: “It’s an evolving landscape as we play our part in tackling climate change and reducing the impacts on local neighbourhoods. Through the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s Plant Group, we can collaborate to improve air quality standards across the industry, the school and the plant charter is there to help all sizes of businesses.”
To download the new minimum standards click here.