CONSTRUCTION & BIM
“54% either do not have a sustainability agenda in place or are not confident in achieving it by 2050”
with and what it expects from those contractors. This project also has to consider the overall impact it will have on the environment it is functioning within. The government is leading this as an exemplar project and with major public contracts like HS2 in the future, it is likely there will be penalties for those companies that put in bids without demonstrating exactly how they aim to limit their impact on the environment.
Incentivise to scale It is clear there is a need to offer a level of incentivisation to support change and for companies to put in clear sustainability goals now. Red diesel has been the major fuel used in the construction industry for off road vehicles and machinery and users have been entitled to a rebate on the tax or duty paid on the fuel purchased. However, the government announced in the 2020 Budget from 1st April 2022 this entitlement would be removed from most sectors, including construction. This is where innovative and new solutions can displace and provide companies with the same or a better user experience that is completely green.
Electrified or hydrogen powered plant are an increasingly viable alternative to diesel powered equipment and battery, solar or hydrogen generators will be increasingly available. There will be costs associated with this change, but the imminent price increase in red diesel may be an incentive to help companies make the transition.
Investment in these clean technologies will help to scale and bring down cost, so they are accessible across the board in the construction sector, helping smaller firms access these very necessary innovations.
www.tomorrowsfm.com
Education and accessibility will be key Our survey also identified worryingly that nearly half of participants (48%) were not aware or did not know if they could access funding schemes to implement hydrogen as a clean energy source into their processes. Although each application varies greatly in terms of monetary value and stipulations on the businesses that can apply, money is available.
Organisations like the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and UK Research and Innovation are all here to support the sector, yet the lack of visibility of such schemes is a real issue.
The implementation of clean energy technologies like hydrogen has been highlighted as having a real positive impact on the industry moving forward. Not only can it help with smaller changes such as generator replacement and transport fleets, but it is also being used in the production of clean materials such as steel and cement. More visibility around funding will also help with collaboration across the sector, with firms working together where perhaps before competition in the market would have not allowed for this.
Without the necessary education around innovations such as hydrogen and the understanding of where exactly it can be implemented, it will be difficult for firms to have confidence in using these new technologies which will ultimately hinder the Net Zero trajectory. As the construction industry transitions away from fossil fuels, it will be necessary for there to be a focus on sustainability, technology skills and education. Construction can’t stop, but nor can the goal to hit Net Zero.
www.brambleenergy.com TOMORROW’S FM | 23
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