CPA Bulletin

34 CPA Bulletin > November 2023 www.cpa.uk.net Red Diesel In 2022, diesel and gas oil inventories had fallen to 1.57 million tonnes by the end of February, down from 2.23 million at the same period the year before 2 . The rebated fuel ban in April 2022, saw the ban of red diesel across plant hire companies and construction sites, creating a multitude of complications for plant and construction workers. Plant hire companies need to be aware of the impact of the red diesel ban on their customers, as it has increased outgoing costs for construction companies. Due to the large amount of red diesel that was once used to power vehicles and machinery, the construction industry is one of the sectors that has felt greatly affected by the ban, this in turn may have a knock on effect on plant hire companies. The red diesel ban may affect plant-hire figures as construction managers may reduce the number of machines they are utilising. Red diesel can continue to be used by operators for plant and machinery that is hired out to clients with the sole use of agricultural or forestry purposes, but the fuel tanks must be drained and replaced with white diesel ahead of the machinery being hired out to anyone in the construction industry. The construction industry must adapt to ensure it is operating as efficiently as possible with their diesel usage, ensuring that fleet and plant machinery is operating at its most efficient level has never been more important. Through the digital transformation of the construction industry and its machinery, digital solutions can target unnecessary idle times and ensure payloads are optimised, which in turn will reduce fuel usage and rising costs. Why Now is the Time to Act Delayed decision-making in construction processes often leads to inefficient fuel usage. This is particularly problematic for jobsite managers handling multiple sites concurrently, as they may struggle to stay ahead of the latest developments on each site. Miscommunication or delays in conveying design changes can result in unnecessary rework, leading to wasted fuel and ultimately, heightened costs. To combat these inefficiencies and promote fuel-saving, Smart Construction has developed a solution that bridges the gap between the office and the jobsite. The Smart Construction Dashboard is a 3D visualisation software that uses data from drones, intelligent machines, 3D GNSS systems, and rovers. This data creates a digital twin of the jobsite in real time, enabling jobsite managers to access real-time information. This immediate access to data allows managers to identify potential errors and make necessary adjustments promptly, preventing wasteful rework and consequently, saving fuel. The ban on red diesel has brought about significant changes in the construction industry and plant hire companies. It has made it imperative for these sectors to focus on efficiency and embrace digital transformation to reduce fuel consumption and overall costs. Smart Construction is an example of such an approach, leveraging real-time data to enable swift decision-making and prevent wasteful practices. By digitally transforming the industry and its plant equipment, site managers and workers can minimise their reliance on diesel. This not only leads to cost savings but also reduces idle times, optimises processes, and promotes an efficient and profitable site. For more information about Smart Construction and the range of solutions, please visit smartconstruction.io/ Notes 1. https://time.com/6315039/diesel- shortage/ 2. https://www.reuters.com/markets/ commodities/uk-diesel-shortage- shows-need-caution-sanctions-2022-05- 25/#:~:text=UK%20diesel%20and%20 gas%20oil,15%20and%20before%20 that%202008 The Diesel Shortage and the Digital Transformation of the Construction Industry GUEST ARTICLES: 3 With the recent news that the world’s oil refiners are unable to keep up with demand for diesel 1 , Richard Clement, Deputy General Manager of Smart Construction, discusses how fuel bans have affected the construction and plant industry and how digital transformation can aid efficient diesel usage.