SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS
POWERING TOMORROW: THE FUTURE OF GREEN ENERGY IN THE UK’S HIRE INDUSTRY
Having worked in the construction and energy sector for several years, I have seen numerous changes. However, the rapid adoption of greener solutions recently has been remarkable, writes Christian Spence – head of green technology at Sunbelt Rentals
T
he growing climate crisis and increasing media coverage means that environmental
impact is at the forefront of business decisions. As a result, companies are increasingly prioritising renewable energy procurement, investing in green technologies and integrating sustainability into their strategies. This approach not only improves their bottom
line and promotes organisational growth, but also reduces their carbon footprint and helps them achieve their sustainability goals. It is crucial to take a holistic view when
considering the future of green energy in the UK. With the forever advancing environment, simply relying on one singular solution for implementing green technology is not enough. An integrated approach that combines multiple sustainable solutions is required. This approach can include incorporating alternative energy solutions including energy storage, solar, wind or hydrogen powered technologies with traditional equipment, creating a sustainable and resilient solution that not only offers carbon savings but reduces costs and improves efficiencies. Energy storage systems (Batteries/Fly wheels) are essential for maximising energy efficiency and utilisation. These solutions act as an
important tool by capturing excess energy during peak periods and storing it for future use on site. This strategy effectively optimises energy
consumption by utilising the fluctuations in energy levels and preventing waste as it is strategically discharged back to site when needed. This approach is particularly beneficial for larger sites with multiple pieces of equipment, as it allows for better control of energy consumption and minimises idling time on combustion engines. Implementing new technology isn’t just
about improving efficiency – it’s also about empowering our customers to make informed environmentally friendly decisions that maximise profitability and fundamentally help our planet. Before the deployment of new green
technology, Sunbelt Rentals Building Information Modelling (BIM) service gives customers access to reliable product data for temporary works assets which can be downloaded into a digital site, then overlaid onto scans or scaled drawings with accurate product data that can be directly added into calculations. This enables customers to make well-informed
decisions as it gives them visibility into the potential opportunity and benefits of deploying non-traditional green technology and how it
Christian Spence
will appear on site, ultimately encouraging them to embrace the change.
GREEN EQUIPMENT At Sunbelt Rentals, we’re proud to be a market leader, offering our customers an extensive range of greener equipment solutions that cater for their project needs while minimising their environmental impact and operational costs. Our Planet is Sunbelt Rental’s sustainability
action plan for positive change, and a blueprint for a greener future. With our commitment to staying ahead of the curve, we’re not only investing in the latest sustainable equipment, but also equipping our teams to support customers in all industries and stages of their sustainability journey. We recognise that implementing new technology
requires constantly learning and adapting to changes, and that’s why we’re dedicated to providing our team with the necessary training to offer effective solutions to our customers. As we move towards a more environmentally
friendly energy future, I believe that it’s essential that we embrace an integrated energy approach. This will maximise the commercial viability of green technology while also achieving greater energy efficiencies and resilience. The scalability of this solution has the potential
to bring significant transformation in the green energy landscape on a large scale. While there may be some late adopters of change, many are already leading the way. And with continued investment and collaboration between government, industries and society, the UK’s green energy trajectory remains positive. To ensure this path, it’s important for all of us to
act now by collectively committing to sustainable practices across the supply chain and working together to pave a future that is sustainable.
Sunbelt Rentals
www.sunbeltrentals.co.uk
www.essmag.co.uk ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Spring 2024 15
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