CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > February/March 2021 13 This webinar focused on the movement towards a low emissions and low carbon future and what it means for construction and the plant-hire industry. The speakers included Peter Beach of Genquip Groundhog, Chris Cassley from the CPA and Chris Matthew of Flannery Plant Hire. Genquip Groundhog supplies welfare units, mobile toilets and portable accommodation for hire companies, contractors and end users, and Peter Beach talked about how Genquip Groundhog has been tasked with reducing carbon for the company’s customers, whilst offering a solution that is both affordable and usable. Peter referred to the many benefits of using eco units, such as savings up to 80% on generator usage and a reduction in both fuel costs and CO2 emissions by up to 99%. He also spoke about the use of alternative fuels such as HVO Fuel (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) which can help reduce emissions by up to 90% and can also be mixed with regular diesel. Peter concluded his presentation by talking about power options for the future, such as methanol fuel cell units, lithium ion batteries and bio gas. CPA Policy Manager Chris Cassley spoke about the Government’s pledge to become the ‘greenest ever’ with a raft of policies and measures being introduced to boost the UK’s green credentials. These include the Energy White Paper which provides context and the structures needed to meet the Government’s net zero future by 2050. Chris went on to discuss the impact on the construction sector and the Government’s plans to remove the rebate for red diesel on construction equipment by April 2022. He also spoke about the fact that the construction industry has already taken a leading role in reducing engine emissions by reducing particulate emissions by 97%, reducing nitrogen oxides by 96% and reducing hydrocarbons by 95%. The final webinar speaker was Chris Matthew, Strategic Manager at Flannery Plant Hire. Chris gave an insight into how Flannery challenges the norms, ensuring the company’s customers work more efficiently and responsibly. Chris spoke about how the green agenda is delivered at Flannery and how data is used to inform hire decisions and support behavioural change. Chris talked about getting to sites cleaner and greener by investing in Euro 6 compliant vehicles and using auto-idle technology for noise reduction, fuel savings and environmental benefits. He referred to the delivery of ECO Plant Operator training to drive behavioural change and spoke about Flannery’s continuous investment in EU Stage IV and V compliant equipment. Chris also talked about Flannery’s role as a Partner and Gold Member of the Supply Chain Sustainability School (SCSS) and founding signatory to the Plant Charter. Questions were moderated by CPA Chief Executive Kevin Minton who stated there was such an interest in the subject of zero emissions and reducing carbon that the webinar theme would be revisited by the CPA in the near future. These two webinars form part of a six-month webinar programme. Future webinars will be announced via member emails, on www.cpa.uk.net and via the CPA’s social media channels, namely LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Alternatively, please email enquiries@cpa.uk.net if you would like to be invited to forthcoming CPA webinars. Reducing Emissions and Working Towards a Zero Carbon Future ASSOCIATION NEWS: 6