The use of fossil fuels to power construction plan and equipment (CPE) contributes to two direct impacts: poor local air quality and the related health impacts on those working in, and living around, construction sites.
Following the declaration of a climate emergency, the UK is the first major economy to set a legally binding target to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. Reducing the impact of CPE on this will help the industry to achieve this.
The Plant Group has been working on how the sector can collaborate to reduce both air quality emissions that lead to local health impacts and the global effects of carbon emissions from the plant and equipment we all use. As a result, the group developed the Plant Commitment Charter to encapsulate and communicate the approach to this. Read the Charter, alongside the Minimum Standards paper, and see how your organisation can commit to working towards the five commitments and contribute to a cleaner working environment.
Read about Flannery as the first signatory
Listen to James speak on ‘Content with Media’ podcast: 9 July (Chrome/Firefox)
Why should I sign the Plant Charter?
Hear from James Cadman, Plant Group lead from the School and Flannery Plant Hire Strategic Plant Manager Chris Matthew on the importance of the Charter and its commitments.


How do I know if the Charter applies to me?
Do you use plant? Do you work with supply chain partners who use plant, or do you train people on plant equipment use? Then this Charter applies to you.
See if what you currently do, or will do, aligns to the five commitments set out in the Charter. Use the plant maturity matrix planner to evaluate your current and future activities against the Charter’s commitments.
The Plant Charter at Sunfest 2020
As part of Sunbelt Rentals’ Sunfest 2020, a virtual festival showcasing over 40 organisations leading the way in innovation and sustainability, James Cadman was asked to talk about the Plant Charter and what it can do to change the industry to make operations more sustainable.
How do I sign the Plant Charter?
Signing up to the Charter is voluntary.
To sign the Plant Charter, send an email to James Cadman.
You do not need to pay anything, you do not need to be a Partner of the School – you just need to be a member of the School (which is free to join).
Upon signing the Charter, you pledge to:
- Implement the commitments within your own business
- Work with key supply chain partners to embed the commitments in their strategy and sign up to the Charter
Your logo will be added to the growing number of committed organisations on this website and you will receive a signatory pack including:
- A copy of the Plant Charter to circulate internally
- The Charter maturity matrix planner to roadmap how you will implement the Charter over time
Our Partners
The Plant and Equipment Group is a collaboration between clients, contractors and plant hire companies and suppliers – aiming to improve air quality standards across the industry and look to engage and inform the supply chain on their role to play in moving to low-emission CPE.