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Industry Leaders Join Forces to Tackle GHG Emissions & Air Pollution on Construction Sites

Plant Group

Published 10th Jul 24 - by Gemma Laws

The Supply Chain Sustainability School has unveiled updated versions of its Plant Commitment Charter and Minimum Standards, leading the UK’s built environment towards significantly reducing onsite emissions and enhancing air quality.

Many UK construction sites still use outdated, environmentally harmful plant and equipment, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. To combat this, the School’s Plant Leadership Group developed the Plant Commitment Charter, encouraging organisations to commit to reducing emissions and improving sustainability. Signatories pledge to focus on measurement & reporting, engagement, training & education, and innovation.

Niall Conroy, Sustainability Program Manager at Wolffkran and Vice-Chair of the Plant Group, said: “The Plant Group provides a myriad of opportunities to shape industry best practice and guidance for organisations of every size. The third version of the Plant Charter’s Minimum Standards has been collaboratively informed by the experiences and input of organisations manufacturing, leasing, and using construction plant. This version will help to further advance the fantastic progress that the Plant Group and Charter have made so far.”

The charter now boasts 21 signatories, including Advanté, BAM Group, Bouygues UK, Costain, ECOHire, EKFB, Explore, Ferrovial, GAP Group, Hercules Site Services, MachineMax, McLaughlin & Harvey, M O’Brien Group, M&J Evans Construction, Murphy Group, Robertson, SCS JV, Select Plant Hire, Speedy Services, Veritech Security, and VP plc.

Craig Downs, Plant Manager at EKFB and Chair of the Plant Group, commented: “It has been an excellent year for new members. The growing number of signatories highlights the strengthening of the Plant Leadership Group and the valuable input we receive through the various channels provided by the School and Plant Group.”

The Plant Charter (Version 2) introduces a platinum level for organisations to commit to, requiring additional pledges to telematics, as well as incorporating the charter within their supply chain and procurement. Additionally, Minimum Standards (Version 3) includes new eco-operator training requirements.

Imogen Player, Senior Sustainability Consultant at Action Sustainability and Plant Leadership Group Manager at Supply Chain Sustainability School, stated: “The launch of the updated Plant Charter and Minimum Standards marks a significant step forward in our efforts to reduce emissions and improve air quality. These enhancements provide practical, actionable guidelines for organisations to elevate their sustainability practices and drive meaningful change in the built environment industry.”

Signing the Plant Commitment Charter is free and voluntary. For more information and to become a signatory, contact Imogen Player, Plant Leadership Group Manager at Supply Chain Sustainability School.