One of our Skanska Costain STRABAG JV sites is the first to go diesel-free across the entire HS2 project.
Our Canterbury Road vent shaft site in South Kilburn has become HS2 Ltd’s first completely diesel-free construction site.
Earlier this year, HS2 Ltd announced that the project aims to be net-zero carbon from 2035, with the target of achieving its first diesel-free construction site in 2022, and all of its construction sites being diesel-free by 2029.
Innovations on the site include one of the UK’s first 160 tonne emissions-free fully electric crawler cranes; the use of biofuels (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil) to power plant and machinery; an electric compressor; and access to mains power on a 100% renewable energy tariff.
The occasion was marked when HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson visited the site (May 12). He said: “HS2 is boosting transport across the UK, creating thousands of jobs and levelling up communities throughout the North and Midlands, all while leaving the environment better off than how we found it.
“This, the first of many diesel-free sites, is another example of how the country’s biggest infrastructure project not only delivers on its commitment to be net zero from 2035, but is a pioneer in leading the whole industry to cleaner, greener construction.”
The Skanska Costain STRABAG (SCS) JV is delivering the London Tunnels section of HS2. James Richardson, Managing Director of SCS said: “We’re thrilled that Canterbury Road vent shaft has become the first diesel-free site on the HS2 project. We’re working hard with our supply chain to introduce renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainable biofuels to help us remove diesel entirely from our sites by 2023.”
Peter Miller, HS2’s Environment Director added: “We’re delighted to reach this key milestone in our Net Zero Carbon Plan. HS2 is playing a major role in the decarbonisation of the construction industry, collaborating with the industry and our supply chain to accelerate innovation in low-carbon technologies. Reducing emissions and improving air quality on HS2 construction sites is crucial for both the environment and surrounding communities.”
The milestone supports Skanska’s journey to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2045.