CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > May 2022 27 • A future NRMM LCF strategy must be ambitious and look to work with the industry in developing future fuels - with a focus on financial incentives such as developing a scrappage scheme for machinery, alongside a rebate for low carbon fuels to be established for construction. • The current Department for Transport strategy recognises the opportunity to develop a growing domestic LCF market with clear export potential through the development of fuels for sectors such as the aviation sector. The NRMM sector must be at the heart of this moving forwards, with dedicated funding set aside to meet these aims. But this strategy is only one element within government - there are others being planned, alongside other initiatives from within construction itself. April saw the removal of the rebate for red diesel, with the industry losing the right altogether, to use red diesel in construction related activity. The Treasury insist removing red diesel and its rebate is part of its efforts to encourage the industry to switch to less polluting machinery such as battery powered plant. But as is already well documented, this is easier said than done for many companies operating different types and sizes of plant. As was pointed out in a recent Westminster Hall debate from MPs, this move will have no impact on air pollution levels as companies switch to white diesel. There is already within the Conservative Party, moves from backbenchers to dilute the government’s plans for a low carbon future within the current timescale of 2050 for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 100% relative to 1990 levels. Several MPs cite the ongoing concerns around how much this will cost consumers, allied to the cost of building new nuclear power stations and the impact of wind turbines in rural constituencies. Although these moves are at an early stage, it is a sign that significant opposition is building towards the government’s plans from within its own ranks. Despite this, it is clear that construction must continue to play its part in reducing its impact on the environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Plant-hire companies already recognise this and have taken active steps through reducing idling time, improved plant operator training and of course, switching to electric and hydrogen (eventually!) powered plant. This call for ideas from the Department for Transport on low carbon fuels is just the start. Another one which develops the input from stakeholders is due to be published later this year. This on top of other reports from government and stakeholders from across industry. This Parliament has just over two years to run - we can expect further debate, opposition and indeed, strategies, before the road to net zero becomes a little less congested, and a little bit clearer. The target might be clear - how we get there is not so simple. www.alimak.com ACCESS ANYTIME, ANYWHERE ALIMAK MAST CLIMBINGWORK PLATFORMS Alimak’s range of mast climbing work platforms are the ideal vertical access solution for façade work such as bricking, coating and glazing. They allow for the efficient transportation of passengers and materials and can also be used in a dual configuration with Alimak’s Scando hoist range. The Alimak MC 650 has payload capacities from 2,230kg to 7,240kg and platform dimensions vary from 4.4m to 41.8m The Alimak MC 450 has payload capacities from 2,500kg to 4,500kg and platform dimensions vary from 4.2m to 30.2m. POLICY: 2