THE VOICE OF THE UK CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY
THE OFFICIAL DIGITAL MAGAZINE OF THE CEA
MARCH 2022
CWITXAL
DIG
IN E L N O LY ON
SPECIAL ISSUE THE CONSTRUCTION SITE OF 2030 & BEYOND – FUTUREWORX PREVIEW & EXHIBITOR GUIDE
DESIGN FOR MACHINES & PRODUCTIVITY WILL COME
– PETER HADDOCK INTERVIEWS MARK LAWTON OF SKANSKA
NET ZERO IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT – HOW COSTAIN ARE MEETING THE CHALLENGE
Construction Worx is an official partner publication for PLANTWORX
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Live human detection, for a safer excavation.
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ConstructionWorX DIGITAL
THE OFFICIAL DIGITAL MAGAZINE OF THE CEA
MARCH 2022 06
Futureworx special
WHAT'S INSIDE! 23
– the what, when, where of March’s brand new industry event
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Design for Machines & the Productivity will come
Digital twinning your workforce – the Manufacturing Technology Centre signposts digital solutions
25
CEA Meet the Management – spotlight on British Steel’s David Waine
– Peter Haddock interviews Skanska’s Mark Lawton
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Delivering netzero in the Built Environment
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– with Costain’s Lara Young
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The Xwatch Revolution – a new evolution in safety
Shaping the future of construction – insights from Leica Geosystems
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Dale’s Diary – the demise of red diesel
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From the Chief Executive Suneeta Johal Chief Executive
Construction Equipment Association
Bringing our industry together to focus on the future – FUTUREWORX 2022
CEA Management Council Rory Keogh Gomaco International Ltd Alan Batty Bomag (GB) Ltd Sam Mottram Caterpillar (UK) Ltd Nick Ground GKD Technik Ltd Charles Stevenson JCB Sales Ltd Paul Ross Ricardo Plc Mark Ormond Manitou Kate Wickham MBE Gate 7 David Waine British Steel
Today there may be many uncertainties – whether we will have a smooth path out of Covid-19 restrictions or the consequences of tragic international conflicts. These issues, and others, are out of our direct control. But, as a trade association, the CEA can make a contribution to progress by bringing people together to educate, discuss and help frame the future of the construction equipment industry. Speaking to the community, it is clear that there is a keen appetite to learn more about the innovation and technology pipeline – and how this can be applied to businesses. This led to the concept of FUTUREWORX – the first event solely concentrated on the equipment and technology which will be in use on ‘the construction site of 2030’. In this issue of Construction Worx we include
articles from some of the leading players in influencing the future of our sector, as a taster of what you will find at FUTUREWORX. FUTUREWORX is the first time that HS2, National Highways, the Supply Chain Sustainability School, COMIT2Drones and, of course, the CEA have come together to support and develop a single event. If 30th-31st March at the East of England Arena & Events Centre (Peterborough) is not in your diary then make sure you go to www.futureworx.uk to book your place! I look forward to meeting you at FUTUREWORX. Suneeta Johal Chief Executive Construction Equipment Association
Nick Allen SMT Damien McCormack Nylacast Engineered Products
Executive Board Charles Stevenson Nick Ground Mark Ormond Paul Ross
Honorary President David Bell
www.constructionworx.co.uk The Construction Equipment Association (also trading as CEA) Unit 19 Omega Business Village, Thurston Road, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 2NJ. UK. T: +44 (0)20 8253 4502 E: info@thecea.org.uk W: www.thecea.org.uk PUBLISHER – Enigma Creative Unit 19 Omega Business Village, Thurston Road, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 2NJ. UK. W: www.enigmacreative.co.uk
MANAGING EDITOR Rob Oliver E: rob.oliver@thecea.org.uk PRODUCTION Angela Spink E: angela.spink@thecea.org.uk ADVERTISING SALES Angela Spink E: angela.spink@thecea.org.uk CEA SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Louise Carney E: louise@louise-carney.co.uk
Patrons Dr Susan Scurlock MBE Malcolm Harbour CBE
The Construction Equipment Association (also trading as CEA) is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 04930967. VAT number 243 3858 54. Registered Office: Unit 19 Omega Business Village, Thurston Road, Northallerton, England, DL6 2NJ. UK. © 2022 The Construction Equipment Association. Although care has been taken in preparing the information supplied in this publication, the CEA does not and cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions and accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage howsoever arising. Any views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the CEA.
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https://futureworx.uk
“A new event organised by the PLANTWORX team with the Construction Equipment Association and National Highways with the support of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, HS2 and Comit2Drones” FUTUREWORX will bring together industry professionals keen to find out more about what’s in the ideas and technology pipeline which will shape tomorrow’s construction equipment experience. FUTUREWORX is a multi-forum in person networking event. Featuring:PRESENTATIONS
PRODUCT DEMONSTRATIONS
TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITS
CONFERENCE SESSIONS
OFFICIAL PARTNERS
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To attend or for more details, please visit https://futureworx.uk Hosted at the East of England Arena & Events Centre (Peterborough) “Partners of the Supply Chain Sustainability School include clients, major contractors and key suppliers who sit alongside a group of forward-thinking supply chain members; all with one mission – to deliver more efficient and sustainable projects”.
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FUTUREWORX PROGRAMME DAY 1: PREVIEW AND NETWORKING DINNER Wednesday 30 March 2022 16.00 hrs: NATIONAL HIGHWAYS PRIVATE BRIEFING 16.00 hrs: PREVIEW OF EXHIBITS (Invitation Only) 18.00 hrs: DRINKS RECEPTION (Show floor) 19.15 hrs: INFORMAL NETWORKING DINNER
DAY 2: THE CONFERENCE PROGRAMME Thursday 31 March 2022 10.00 to 16.00 hrs
user-group
database
leaf
The human interface
Data
Decarbonisation
with automation, autonomy and AI
driving change and productivity
the Net Zero challenge
“FUTUREWORX seeks to identify, demonstrate and discuss the technology and innovation that will drive sustainability and productivity on the construction site of 2030 and beyond”.
KEYNOTE ENDORSEMENT Lee Rowley MP, the Construction Minister – Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Industry), Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.
SPEAKERS & CONTRIBUTORS Paul Andrews, Chief Executive Officer, OakTec Andrew Barker, Managing Director, Taylor Construction Plant Ltd BEIS Red Diesel Competition – contributor tbc Geraint Bruton, Business Manager Clean Fuels (Hydrogen), BOC UK James Cadman, Plant Group Lead, The Supply Chain Sustainability School Niall Caldwell, Danfoss Scotland Professor Colin Garner FREng PhD, Emeritus Prof. of Applied Thermodynamics (Loughborough Univ.) Suneeta Johal, Chief Executive Officer, Construction Equipment Association Holger Kessler, Stakeholder and Communications Lead, NUAR, the Cabinet Office Mark Lawton CEng FCInstCES, Head of Engineering, Surveying and GIS, Skanska National Highways – CAP2 – Connected Autonomous Plant Sam Mercer, Chief Operating Officer, Plantforce Rentals Holger (Hopi) Pietzsch, VP Marketing (Heavy Construction), Hexagon Geosystems William Tebbit, Chief Executive Officer, Green Biofuels Ltd UK Jennifer Thomson, Chief Growth Officer, MachineMax Dr Anthony Velazquez, Head of Environment and Decarbonisation, TRL Neil Wait, Head of Environmental Services, Technical Services Directorate, HS2 Ltd Lara Young MIEMA, CEnv, AMEI, Group Climate Change Director, Costain Group PLC
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Registration sponsors https://www.datatag.co.uk
Sponsors of the FUTUREWORX Atrium https://www.spillard.com
Sponsors of lanyards and catering https://www.plantforce.com
For more information and registration see www.futureworx.uk 6 MARCH 2022
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EXHIBITOR LIST
For updates on exhibitors go to www.futureworx.uk
BOMAG GB Limited
Briggs & Stratton UK Ltd
The Atrium
The Avenue
CEA - Construction Equipment Association
CESAR - powered by Datatag
The Avenue
The Atrium
COMIT2Drones
Danfoss
Digital Den
Digital Den
Department for International Trade - Midlands
FTC Group
FuelActive Ltd
GKD Technologies
The Avenue
Digital Den
GOMACO International Ltd
High Speed 2 Limited
Digital Den
The Avenue
Hitachi Construction Machinery (UK) Ltd
Intecso Ltd
The Avenue
The Atrium & The Plaza
The Atrium
The Plaza
JCB Sales
Komatsu
The Plaza
The Atrium
Xwatch
Merlo UK Ltd
The Atrium & The Plaza
The Atrium
National Highways
CAGE Technologies Ltd and OakTec
The Atrium
The Avenue
OngradeMC Ltd
Onwave UK Ltd
The Plaza
Digital Den
Plantforce Rentals
Prolectric Services Ltd
The Atrium
The Plaza
Safety Shield Global
SiteZone Safety
The Plaza
Digital Den
SMT GB
Snorkel UK
Digital Den
The Atrium
Spillard Safety Systems
Supply Chain Sustainability School
The Atrium
The Avenue
TCP ECO
Trackunit - DigiKey
The Plaza
Digital Den
Welfare Hire Nationwide Ltd
MDiG
The Plaza
The Atrium & The Plaza
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Futureworx
– featuring innovation for the construction site of the future Louise Carney reviews the companies and technology set to be showcased at the first Futureworx event on 30th and 31st March at the East of England Arena & Events Centre (Peterborough). Day 1 is a “by invitation” preview of selected technology exhibits plus a reception and networking dinner – Day 2 features exhibits and demonstrations plus a free conference addressed by leading experts and innovators. Futureworx is the result of a partnership between the Construction Equipment Association, National Highways, HS2, the Supply Chain Sustainability School and COMIT2Drones. This is the first time these
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organisations have come together to provide a forum and showcase of the latest in technology and cutting edge innovations to make the workplace safer, smarter and more sustainable, as we head down the road to net-zero.
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The event is themed around “The Human Interface – with automation, autonomy and AI”, “Data – driving change and productivity” and “Decarbonisation – the New Zero challenge”. This means there will be the chance to see and hear the latest on telematics, the connected site, GPS systems, safety solutions and advances in autonomous, electric and hydrogen machinery. The event aims to highlight sustainability, productivity and advances in future fuels (such as hydrogen, electric and HVO). Companies that have committed to the event include Hitachi Construction Machinery who will be showcasing some of the latest ground breaking equipment and recent innovations from its Hitachi Connected Technology department. Also on display will be market leading 3D machine control and special attachment solutions installed and supported in the field by their skilled HCT engineers to Hitachi factory standards. Complementing the range of additional hardware options available from HCT, HCMUK will also be showcasing its new revolutionary live telematics system, CTFleet Link®. This is a mixed-fleet management telematics system, utilising both the Hitachi Global e Service API and a new bespoke API developed by HCMUK. This enables customers to import ISO15143-3 compliant machine utilisation data from their full mixed fleet into one online portal giving fast access to the most important data sets such as fuel consumption and idling time. Komatsu, alongside their Intelligent Machine Control, will demonstrate Smart Construction, their family of solutions which digitally transform earthmoving activities. They do this by developing solutions that aim to increase productivity throughout the whole construction process, starting with the bidding process and ending with the final reporting. With the Smart Construction family of solutions, you can analyse haul routes,
remotely connect to your fleet, create a digital twin of the construction site, carry out drone surveying without ground control points, digitise documents, and send out tasks to the field. Smart Construction is brand agnostic and, no matter what your preferred brand is, is built to be easily adopted into your operations. Site safety - people plant interface management is a common theme amongst exhibitors. Spillard Safety Systems is showing its award-winning cloud platform captures, processes, and learns from an equally innovative video telematics system. With real-time video and analytics from multiple cameras over a fleet of vehicles simultaneously, Spillard says, you will never miss a thing ever. A Deep Learning Human Detection System will also feature on the Spillard stand. With this system, you will only detect the human form, removing hazards such as lampposts, railings, dustbins etc. often identified by more basic detection models. Xwatch Safety Solutions is launching a new safety system and showing the latest machines from Sany fitted with Xwatch technology. The company has also teamed up with Plantforce Rentals who are revealing their ‘Cancer Research’ pink Charity machine, an SK85 Kobelco fitted with an Xwatch XW4 system. Plantforce Rentals are also bringing the latest hybrid and semi-autonomous machines from Kobelco, also kitted out with Xwatch and Leica technology, in addition to its state of the art simulator to promote advanced operator training – so that guests can directly experience machine technology. Plantforce will also be linking live to a connected work site. FTC Group have developed a Pedestrian Detection Camera system. Many construction and plant companies are already using the system in the field with FTC Group seeing a huge increase in demand. FTC Group’s BDM Sean Hamill states ‘We are working with
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companies across the board, who see the clear benefits of such a system fitted to their assets in the field and also from new straight off the line from their OEM, our system works on any brand and type of machine and delivers instant Health and Safety improvements across the board’. GKD Technologies, in partnership with SiteZone Safety, will be launching the first phase of its cloud-based, connected platform, SafetyZone at FutureWorx 2022. With a ‘best-in-class approach’, SafetyZone will bring together advanced health and safety technologies to deliver actionable insights making it the first of its kind in the industry. This initial phase sees the integration of SiteZone, a leading proximity warning system, with a roadmap for 2022 which enables SafetyZone to incorporate an ecosystem of innovative safety solutions. Safety Shield Global will be giving live demonstrations of the latest innovations in semi-autonomous plant solutions and collision avoidance and how these innovations will work in collaboration with existing site safety procedures and reduce collisions on site. There will also be live interactions with the plant through the Safety Shield Vue data portal and the team will demonstrate how the data analytics and event video capture is changing behaviour on site associated with the people and plant interface. The event will showcase the most enhanced AI collision avoidance technology and behavioural management systems for construction sites of the future. MDiG will be presenting the Leica MC1 machine control system which is a revolutionising software platform for all machine control solutions and applications. The Leica MC1 is the one-for-all software solution platform to guide and automate all heavy construction machines. The Xwatch and Leica MC1 systems have recently been integrated to provide safety for the operator. The Leica ICG60 Base Station will also feature on the stand. Leica’s latest GNSS hardware and IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) releases the need to use the poles bubble, unlocking faster data capture! Icon’s field software integrates with all modern construction workflows to minimise downtime with data transfers. MDiG will also showcase products from Topcon and Smart Construction. The Topcon X53x is said to deliver the most advanced and precise GPS positioning technology, coupled with advanced sensors, controllers, and simple
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on-board software. Productivity improvements of 30% or more are common – even for experienced operators. The Topcon Hyper VR Base Station will also feature. Other companies using Futureworx as a platform to showcase new technology are SMT GB who will bring today’s and tomorrow’s offerings from Volvo Construction Equipment. This will include Site Simulation, Co-Pilot, Electric machines, Autonomous machines and remote machine control. In addition SMT will also be showing their latest Drone Services offering. Merlo is demonstrating its fully electric telehandler, the eWorker. Merlo says that ‘Merlo Generation Zero has arrived with the eWorker - zero noise, zero emissions and zero fuel consumption’. Snorkel UK is highlighting the new lithium-ion, four-wheel drive range for the hire industry and will be displaying its A46JRTE electric rough terrain articulating boom lift. Snorkel’s A-series electric articulating boom lifts combine what the company describe as superb manoeuvrability with clean and quiet operations. The Snorkel A46JRTE delivers a working height of 16.3m and can lift up to 227kg from a chassis width of just 2.1m. Scott MCall, Snorkels net zero specialist said, “‘Switch On’ Snorkel’s lithium-ion power and reach Net Zero. It’s time to cancel emissions and switch to cleaner energy.” Danfoss Scotland will be showing delegates their technology to gain energy efficiencies and enhanced electrification. BOMAG’s “Think Future” concept in 2019 showed the world ROBOMAG its autonomous concept roller. BOMAP was awarded the gold award by Plantworx for best digital innovation. Since then major projects such as HS2 have adopted BOMAP as its preferred CCC data processing system due to the fact that data can be shared via third party systems. This makes BOMAP the most widely accessible and easy to use, “bring your own device” system. BOMAG also supports a partnership approach to technology and will be exhibiting the first prototype remote controlled BW120 roller and electric tamper, BT60e. Onwave provide connectivity solutions for the construction sector and currently support over 1,200 projects across the UK and Europe. Onwave also develop digital technology and have a solution called OWL which helps reduce buried service strikes and reduce people/plant interface risk. Prolectric is showing solar powered
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lighting and TCP Eco will be demonstrating its cutting-edge hydrogen fuel-cell powered mobile lighting towers, the Ecolite-TH200. The zero carbon emission lighting towers are powered by hydrogen, meaning that the only by-product is water vapour. They are completely silent, making them perfect for work at night and in residential areas. The company will also be demonstrating a Zero Emission Gatehouse, with the Eco-CH2 cabinet. Using the BOC Hymera fuel cell, it produces DC power from the chemical reaction between bottled hydrogen and oxygen in the air around us. The silent reaction does not involve combustion and produces water vapour as the only on-site by-product. It is perfect for reducing the environmental impacts of site works. It is also suitable for Solar PV or Micro-wind input. Intecso is bringing its Intesco eco-post. Air quality is an occupational hazard for construction workers with all the materials and processes that occur on a construction site. The eco-post raises awareness of air quality and warns against any harmful contaminants. It measures, then signals, air quality results using a coloured LED lighting index system. The colours indicate the scale of particulate matter and contaminant concentrations ranging from low to extremely high. The eco-post is suitable for use within the construction industry both indoors and out measuring and visually showing the need for employees to be wearing protective PPE. GOMACO will be presenting new digital technology they are developing and introducing into the world of concrete slipform paving, and showing how it can,in today’s ever changing climate, be more sustainable and improve quality control when constructing roads, rail and airports. The CESAR stand, powered by Datatag, will
be presenting solutions to help prevent theft and manage assets on sites. Featuring; KIST the new unique asset management app using the CESAR scheme; Venom - the key to prevent fuel theft; and the CESAR ECV portal - designed to manage emissions on sites. Welfare Hire National is showing its ECO10 welfare unit: with smart water WC, 2x instant hot water basins, a separate drying and changing room, and office and an extra-large welfare room, there’s enough space for 10 workers. The ECO smart power use of ‘smart auto start stop power management’ minimises requirement for generator power usage. Welfare Hire National is also showing what it claims is, “the UK’s industry’s 1st lithium powered tower light. the ultralow emission X-ECO Hybrid Lithium Tower Light”. The company says it’s the most ECO solution in the market, reducing CO₂ emissions and fuel savings by 94%. The 3-hour rapid recharge ensures sites can operate efficiently. The greenest, brightest lights in the market – optimise health & safety, minimise downtime & refuelling intervals, and optimise utilisation via smart telemetry. Super bright lights for more illumination with less emissions. This results in a whopping 80% silent, green running. Ongrade will be presenting the technology behind the company’s offerings of machine
control systems - with the use of TV screens. They will show the latest technology in Global Positioning Systems, with brands including Leica Geosystems, Topcon positioning, and Trimble earthworks. The company will be showcasing the cloud base server Leica ConX, the design process of Trimble Business centre and AGTEK, to enable remote support nationwide. It will also be exhibiting an 8-Tonne excavator with Leica GPS and a tracked loader with Trimble GPS/ UTS system. Other confirmed exhibitors include JCB, who will be showing a hydrogen machine, Fuel Active, Briggs & Stratton, HS2, National Highways and GenQuip Ground Hog who are supplying a state of the art welfare cabin which will act as a ‘Green Room’ for the Construction Collective. Keep up to date with what you can see and hear at Futureworx by visiting www.futureworx.uk or book your ticket via www.futureworx.uk/rsvp for 31st March using code FWXG22 as a Construction Worx reader.
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Design for Machines and the Productivity will come Peter Haddock talks to Mark Lawton, Head of Engineering surveying and GIS at Skanska about the future of machinery and the connected site… The dividing trench between UK earthworks PLC and the rest of the construction industry is set to be filled in by three simple words 'Design for Machines'. They may be simple words, but they are fundamental to a change in approach and mindset that is accelerating through the sector, from large customers like National Highways and HS2 to Tier 1 contractors like Skanska. It's thanks to people like Mark Lawton, the Plant & Earthworks Community representative to National Highways and Head of Engineering surveying and GIS at Skanska, that this and other messages are finally getting through. To find out more, I caught up with Mark at the Highways UK show, some two years after we first met at the same show in 2019. At this first event, we discussed his future vision for the 'Connected Worksite' and why he had become an active and vocal member of the Connected and Autonomous Plant (CAP)
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Community. This is a collaborative group of industry leaders and influencers formed to investigate the current technology, future possibilities, and ways to overcome hurdles to an autonomous future. The industry has definitely moved forward at a pace in the last two years. Still, Mark's passion for accelerating further change in work practices, safety and the adoption of innovation, has continued to grow. Here he is in his own words…. Our work is focused on changing the industry and all the things we aim to do are driven to improve safety onsite. Two years ago, the industry took a major step forward as 3D machine control was mandated on National Highways’ projects. Since then, the adoption of machine control has grown so rapidly that it's like a 'Herd of Elephants coming over the hill'. In other words, we are now faced with feeding all of these data hungry machines, and in order to keep them full, busy, productive
and efficient, we need to design models that they can consume. After all, machines are like robots. They just need simple instructions to operate. This is why we now need to 'Design for Machines' not just for projects. But what does that mean? In simple terms, client surveyors and engineers have been using 3D modelling now for some time, creating whole project models that reflect the complete site delivery elements. So whether it's the construction of motorways or railways, which include structures like bridges, tunnels and viaducts, or a housebuilding site with plots, roads and utilities, a full site model is now commonplace. However, the problem with these models and simpler 2D models supplied by clients for less complex projects is that the data can’t simply be translated into a file needed to support machine control. Inevitably this leads to a new model having to be created for the earthworks element of a project. Feeding the
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'as built' data from the earthworks side of the project then becomes disconnected from the main model and software used to control the whole programme of works. We lose all of the benefits real-time data capture, processing, and analysis can deliver to a project when this happens. When we look at machine control adoption and the challenges being tackled in its rollout, we see the industry coming together to create solutions. For example, leading players like Flannery Plant Hire, Plantforce and Lynch Plant Hire have all recognised the need for training and upskilling. All three businesses have invested in training centres, people and technology, like simulators, to help operators use new technologies for machine control.
A14 – road to success We only have to look at the successful delivery of the A14, under budget and opened early thanks in part to the use of 3D machine control. This was managed effectively due to the creation of an Integrated Delivery Team
(IDT), a joint venture between Balfour Beatty, Costain and Skanska, design consultants Atkins and CH2M and client National Highways. The IDT brought together six management teams, each responsible for an individual section of the scheme, into a single, highly effective delivery model. Thanks to a 12-month early contractor involvement programme, which I was involved with, we determined how to create and manage effective earthworks models before equipment came onto site. It was a real testbed for collaboration from client to contractor to earthworks specialist. What the A14 did highlight was the need to get the right skillsets together for a project and understand the investment challenges needed to purchase new equipment and technology for the full life of the job. The experience gained and shared from this project has given confidence for greater collaboration in the industry and the acceleration of technology adoption across the board.
Mark Lawton the Plant & Earthworks Community representative to National Highways and Head of Engineering surveying and GIS at Skanska
chevrons-right The introduction of the first Semi-Automatics machine onsite by Plantforce Rentals shows just how far down the autonomy
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Remote control and semiautonomous machines have arrived This year I have also witnessed impressive advances in 'Site Ready' technology. The first is the arrival of the Caterpillar Command Station for Construction, which can remotely operate several different types of equipment used for construction jobs, from wheel loaders to excavators. The operator sits in a 'cab-like' station connected remotely to the individual machines, which can be anywhere in the world and on multiple different sites. I believe this technology is going to be a true gamechanger. Similarly, this year's introduction of the first Semi-Automatics machine onsite by Plantforce Rentals shows just how far down the autonomy road we have already travelled. The machine itself is a Kobelco SK210 excavator, fitted with an SMP tiltrotator connected to the new Leica Geosystems semi-automatics MC1 3D machine control solution and the Xwatch safety system. It has been working on projects across the country, proving this new technology's productivity and fuel efficiency benefits.
Machines will become surveyors When we talk about 'as built' data in the future, the machine is not only going to tell us when it has dug the trench to the right depth and length. It will also survey the area around it because the advancement in sensor technology will allow the machine to become the surveyor, cutting out any latency in data transmission. This will remove the need to bring another device or sensor into the equation. For example, in construction, we will soon be able to backhaul data, instantly pushing data back from the machine's tracks. There's nothing quicker than that, and it's already happening in the mining sector.
The adoption of machine control has grown so rapidly construction challenges without going to the site. This digitally enhanced approach allows teams to connect virtually to the site and go through digital rehearsals before a machine arrives. A whole project can be modelled, sequenced and rehearsed in this way, saving a huge amount of time whilst bringing experts from across the country and world together. The knock-on effects of reducing travel downtime and cost also greatly impact our journey to net zero, whilst increasing productivity. It's also a great way to show our industry to the next generation. I recently took part in some STEM work where we took some
students to a project in Cambridge virtually to explore the challenges of a bridge build. There was no safety traffic management required, and the 14 to 15 year old students didn't realise we were capable of working in that way. It certainly opened their eyes to a future career in our industry. In conclusion, we are definitely on a transformative journey in the construction and earthworks sectors, and it's not ended yet… Note: this article is from an interview conducted in November 2021. Mark Lawton will be a speaker at Futureworx.
We will be travelling virtually to the job site with a digital twin With the pandemic, we have had to look at different ways of working, which has challenged traditional norms. For example, we now use “Microsoft Teams” to walk through digital twin models of projects discussing
'Site Ready' technology - the arrival of the Caterpillar Command Station for Construction, which can remotely operate several different types of equipment used for construction job
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Keltbray is testing a new type of earth friendly concrete
Costain delivering net-zero in the Built Environment Costain is involved in the whole life cycle of projects. Here the focus is on the construction activity and how the construction phase is the Lara Young, the Costain Group piece of the jigsaw puzzle that brings design to life and plays a part in achieving net zero. It is not just what we need to build that needs to be sustainable, it is how we build it too. Sustainability and carbon champion Lara Young is Costain’s Group Climate Change Director and the winner of several industry awards, including Energy and Carbon Leader of the Year 2021, at the edie Sustainability Awards, and a Highways UK 2020 Associate Laureate award for her commitment for driving the climate change agenda in transport. At the COP26 Built Environment Day Lara explained how Costain has already acted and has set a long-term target to achieve net zero by 2035, at the very latest, with
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reduction plans and interim targets focused on design, materials, and plant fleet.
So how does Costain achieve a net zero plant fleet? Lara explains, “Collaborating with global manufacturers and supply chain on the machines of the future to accelerate trials and testing them before they come to market and speed up industry adoption. In the past few years, Costain has tried and tested over 35 industry firsts that are now being used across the wider industry.
The London Bridge Station Upgrade project, where Costain supplied advisory, concept development, programme management and maintenance services, used telematics to monitor the use of plant machinery and provided specific eco-operator training to the team working on site. Before the eco-operator training, the average monthly use of eco-mode was just 4%. Post training, telematics data over a fivemonth period showed an average eco-mode use of 33%, with some machines showing as high as 90%, an average increase of 29%.
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In 2020 Costain introduced the use of telematics to equip each of its complex delivery projects to meet a 20% plant machinery idling reduction target and to become 100% emission free by 2035, as part of its Climate Change Action Plan. In collaboration with all major plant and machinery supply chain partners we coordinated a contractual cross-industry plant data agreement and standard to ensure projects would benefit from a consistent and coherent data set and collection process to deliver sustainable business models and reduce carbon emissions and cost The second part of this and the bigger of the two is we are not waiting for those machines of the future to act. In parallel, Costain is driving behaviour change to tackle idling as the emissions generated represent a significant footprint during construction phase. From what we have seen across the industry, idling times average at 45% - 50% which means the engine is running when the vehicle isn’t moving. It is simply turning off the engine when it does not need to be on that will reduce emissions. We are driving
behavioural change to bring down unnecessary idling and using the data to inform further change to help sustain the reduction and stop idling completely. Until then, we continue to actively encourage behaviour that ensures the operation of the Hitachi, in collaboration with Balfour Beatty and Synergy Plant Hire displayed a highly spec’ed Hitachi ZX135US-7 plant machinery is carried out in the most efficient and effective way possible. It is not just about Costain using clean Data shows that in the last five months on energies in our plant and machinery fleet, the Tideway East project, in which Costain we are part of the full life cycle and helping and its joint venture partners are working to to shape a clean energy future proven by our make London’s sewerage network fit for the work with the UK’s industrial clusters and on 21st century and help prevent the millions carbon capture and storage. We recognise of tonnes of sewerage pollution discharge more needs to be done, at pace. At Costain into the river each year, has achieved an 11% we are committed to ensuring we follow reduction in its idling rate – this will be the through on what we have already set out to equivalent saving of carbon emissions of 20 do by supporting our clients and supply chain round trip flights from Beijing to New York. partners in the race to net zero.”
JCB took visitors on a journey in the development of hydrogen-powered mobile construction vehicles
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XW units have already been fitted, tested, and approved to work on some of the largest infrastructure projects currently ongoing in the UK
The Xwatch Revolution – a new evolution in safety The UK construction industry is rapidly becoming one of the safest throughout the World. Whilst Personal Protective Equipment has been the norm for many a year, systems designed to keep plant and machinery working safely are high on the agenda with both main contractors, clients and hire companies alike. Louise Carney talks to new CEA member company Xwatch Safety Solutions about how the XW series is revolutionising the safety market, with height control, slew control, and rated capacity indicator (RCI) systems. One of the most recent entrants into this market and already a UK market leader with their height and slew restriction system are UK technologists Xwatch. Started in early 2019 when a group of talented and experienced people came together from a variety of roles within the industry, the team has over 140 years of combined knowledge in the development and creation of safety and machine control products. They set themselves a challenge to make the most advanced and easy to use product not just for the UK market but for a global industry. In the short
time the company has been trading they have enjoyed great success with this technology throughout the UK and have also secured dealers and large contracts throughout Europe, Australasia, North America, and Canada. At the core of their success is the XW series of products. Designed to be installed in half the time of a traditional RCI system and most importantly, operator friendly, the XW systems feature fully adjustable proportional hydraulic controls, PLC controllers, Canbus based software
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and a very impressive operating speed - all carrying a five-year warranty. What appears to set the XW series apart from other systems of this type, is its simplicity for the operator. Any limit of slew, height or depth can be set with four button pushes on the in-cab screen. The operator can either enter a given position or set the limit by maneuvering the machine into place. Users have commented that the system is so easy to set up and use it is more likely to be used more often. The Hydraulic soft stop as the machine reaches its limit has also been hailed as a ‘game changer’ with less stress and wear being placed on both the machine and the operator. The XW systems also combine state-of-theart telematics data output which can be viewed remotely allowing total users to know exactly what, where and when a machine is operating, Xwatch report that no other safety system can offer this making it another unique offering. The Xwatch suite of safety solutions has attracted some of the largest names in the UK plant hire industry to now specify XW systems as standard when clients specify height and slew limitations. Explore Plant, Flannery Plant Hire, Lynch Plant, M O’Brien, Plantforce, Blackwood Plant Hire and Synergy Hire rank as some of the largest customers in the UK along with dealers such as Hitachi Construction Machinery UK and Molson Group now fitting the systems at their own facilities prior to machine delivery. The full range of XW systems are all designed and manufactured
in the UK using only the highest quality components sourced from leading technology manufacturers. The systems have undergone the most rigorous of testing scenarios before being launched to ensure they meet and exceed any current legislation both within the construction industry and the rail industry where Xwatch are the only Network Rail approved off track safety systems supplier to be able to work up to the edge of the sleepers this in itself has been a major achievement. Xwatch Director of Sales and Operations Dan Leaney commented on the latest development, he said, “I am really proud that Xwatch has achieved this level of acceptance and we are working with key infrastructure projects around the country. To be officially approved by Network Rail is a valuable endorsement, in particular to our technical engineers, who design reliable safety solutions for key sectors. We have further ‘big rail news’ in the coming weeks – so watch this space.” While standard systems are the day-to-day work for the team, specialist applications are also catered for in-house. “We are always being asked if we can do this, to this.” Dan explains “We will always approach a situation with an open mind and have yet to be defeated even on the most complex of systems. We have an unrivalled wealth of technical knowledge within the company that is hard to match.” Excavator safety systems make up the bulk of the company’s work, but their technological advances have also secured them deals to supply systems to some of the UK and Europe’s largest fleets of MEWPS to ensure they stay within their safe working zones. Site dumpers are another area
The Xwatch suite of safety solutions has attracted some of the largest names in the UK plant hire industry
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companies are fitting the systems to, monitoring both travel speed and angles when tipping with systems already being used on HS2. XW units have already been fitted, tested, and approved to work on some of the largest infrastructure projects currently ongoing in the UK with many of the clients now specifying Xwatch as their approved supplier of safety systems. Many of the hire companies mentioned previously have been adding to their Xwatch equipped fleets recently in readiness for their ongoing commitments with projects such as HS2, whilst owner operators are also looking at adding both standard and bespoke XW systems to their own machines to ensure their safety, and that of those around them, on site. From the company’s humble beginnings, Xwatch now trade around the world and have sold their 1000th UK unit to Flannery Plant. The development team are backed up by a full country wide network of installers who all have a vast knowledge of the industry ensuring each and every installation is fitted and working correctly as well as guiding the operator through the basic features of each system. Whilst machine safety plays a major role in the company’s fortunes, but they are not happy with sitting on their laurels. “We have several new systems coming to the market in the very near future.” Dan explains “We have been testing a number of game-changing products in both machine safety and telematics for the past few months to great success and acceptance. You can safely say that the Xwatch revolution has arrived.”
At the core of Xwatch success is the XW series of products. Designed to be installed in half the time of a traditional RCI system and most importantly, operator friendly
While standard systems are the day-to-day work for the team, specialist applications are also catered for in-house
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Digital twinning your workforce - are digital technologies the key to unlocking health and safety practices in the construction sector? The construction sector has made huge strides in improving health and safety onsite, however, despite advancements there is still a fatality on an average of every 9 days. Here we report on the work of the Manufacturing Technology Centre in signposting digital solutions. In addition to fatalities, injuries on construction sites and work-related ill health currently costs the construction and infrastructure sector around £1.2 billion per year in lost productivity, equalling 8% of the total losses across all industries. Once you add injuries to this, such as musculoskeletal disorders which are around double the average across all other industries, the costs soon add up. The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry has been working to demonstrate how digital technologies can be integrated into health and safety practices to reduce both accidents and injuries on construction sites or in manufacturing environments. Much of the construction industry HSE management processes are still paper based. With the sector moving in favour of offsite manufacturing, there is an opportunity to implement some of the latest technology and best practices from the manufacturing sector to help
address these challenges. On this basis, the MTC set out on a mission to explore and establish the art-of-the-possible with regards to digital HSE management. The MTC set out to prove to companies that the technology to enforce the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and enable accurate worker tracking exists and can be deployed onsite or in their factory immediately. These technologies also enable integrated digital solutions to be further developed to connect risk assessments, method statements, safe systems of work, skills matrices to automate HSE compliance tracking, and near miss reporting. By integrating three different tracking technologies to produce one holistic system, the MTC were able to demonstrate how multiple different technologies can be used to dynamically enforce health and safety guidelines related to PPE in a workshop or factory setting. The
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technologies use different ways of communicating yet were all able to demonstrate better HSE outcomes when being tested. The first technology was an Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) tracking system. The technology uses active wearables to identify known users and report their location to a digital twin. This technology supports social distancing and allows reporting that can be used to locate people quickly. This was combined with PPE that is tagged with low-cost passive RFID tags. They are capable of automatically detecting PPE and associates it to the user in a digital twin as each user logs in. This ensures that each person onsite or in the manufacturing facility is wearing the correct PPE for the work being undertaken. The third technology, an array of low-cost AI enabled cameras, use machine vision detection to identify users that have not signed in as non-working site visitors and therefore who aren’t signed up to HSE documentation needed for work zones. These people shouldn’t be entering working areas but do need to wear mandatory PPE. By using the AI cameras these visitors can also be monitored, ensuring that they stay within approved areas. The system of integrated solutions enables site managers to review
a site from anywhere in the world using an internet connection. It gives them the ability to establish who is currently onsite and exactly where they are, with an accuracy of 15cm. The system also supports the digital creation of work zones that can include the relevant HSE requirements including PPE, skills, and documentation. This means that if someone entered those work zones without having achieved the relevant requirements, audible alarms can sound, allowing for proactive rather than reactive HSE management. The system also allows incidents to be automatically logged to generate near miss reporting to support the Heinrich pyramid approach to HSE management. In the future, the AI cameras can be trained to automatically detect near misses around the main accident categories such as slips, trips and falls, falls from height, and people being struck by moving or falling objects. There is even the possibility to automatically observe the potential for these accidents before they happen. Digital technologies are being integrated into all elements of construction and manufacturing to support greater outputs and outcomes for businesses. This utilisation of technology in a HSE capacity is another example of digital engineering supporting the evolution of the sector.
Figure 2 – Site map showing equipment and staff locations
Figure 3 – Site map showing a staff member with associated PPE being worn
Figure 1 – AI image feed showing automated PPE detection, the colour of the box identifying workers who are fully, semi and non-compliant. The system also detects those inside work zones with a green or red dot at their feet.
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Figure 4 – Site map with work defined work zones where PPE or other documentation is mandated
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CEA – Meet the Management Series Introducing the people behind the CEA – here we talk to David Waine, who is Vice Chairman of the CEA Management Council, a role he’s held since 2019. With more than 25 years’ experience in the steel industry, David’s also Commercial Director for British Steel’s Special Profiles business as well as a Northern Powerhouse Export Champion. I started working at British Steel in 1995 after graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering. Despite reading engineering, I embarked on a commercial career in the construction and earthmoving equipment sector and have stayed in this arena ever since. British Steel has been a member of the CEA for around 15 years and it’s been a great way to engage with one of our key market sectors. Around 75% our Special Profiles’ business is with the construction and earthmoving equipment sector, we supply track shoe profiles, cutting edges profiles and bespoke special profiles to customers around the globe. So, it’s vitally important we understand the current and future needs of the industry – working with the CEA has enabled us to engage with its members, understand market trends and build valuable networks. I’m proud to have been a CEA board member since 2018 and feel very honoured to currently hold the role of Vice Chairman. Being a Management Council member is fascinating and something I take very seriously, although it’s a shame our face-to-face networking has been somewhat curtailed due to Covid-19. But the impact of Covid-19 isn’t the only challenge CEA members have faced recently. I think the largest one we’re still contending with is the global supply chain. Albeit temporary, this supply chain continues to pose difficulties, including the availability of parts – notably microchips – port congestion and container availability. And, of course, we’re not alone in that, it’s an issue I’ve also seen as a Northern Powerhouse Export Champion. This scheme is a Department for International Trade initiative that encourages businesses to think globally. My role
with them involves advising companies on how to establish and grow export activities, so navigating these supply chain issues is at the forefront of my mind. But looking forward, I think there is a bigger issue and that’s carbon emissions. We will all need to look at the carbon life cycle of our products and their embodied carbon levels. Reviewing carbon emissions is something at British Steel we’ve been looking at for some time and last year, we unveiled our company Low-Carbon Roadmap. This outlines our commitment to achieving net-zero status by 2050 through adopting a range of innovative technologies and I’m very proud that we’ll be one of the first steel manufacturers to adopt a science-based target. COP26 has rightly focused attention on global emissions and the actions needed to limit temperature rises, we will all have a part to play in developing sustainable activities. So what do I see for the future of the CEA? We’re already well established as the voice of the UK industry. That’s a great positive for our members as it means we’re able to help shape legislation, policies and strategies. Building on the strong foundations created by former Chief Executive Rob Oliver, I’m confident our new Chief Executive Suneeta Johal will be pivotal in forging even stronger links with the UK government, trade bodies and associations, helping our industry be recognised as a critical one for the UK economy. I hope we will be able to grow our membership too, especially with the distribution and dealership organisations. There is much to look forward to and I will do all I can to help us achieve our collective vision.
MARCH 2022 25
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Shaping the future of construction
Industries across the spectrum, from utilities to transportation, are evolving to keep up with the pace of change driven by digital innovation. While some are being forced to change, others see the opportunity of embracing new technology to deliver efficiencies, cost savings or a better service. Globally, the construction industry is on the up with forecasts suggesting sustained growth up to 2030, but the cost of delivery is getting higher. Digital construction presents an opportunity to make operations more productive and capitalise on market growth. Leica Geosystems Content Marketing Executive, Simon Hall leads Construction Worx readers on the journey to digital transformation... While construction has been slightly slower than other industries to innovate, the adoption of technology is starting to infuse all aspects of day-today life, from the standard use of smart phones on site to digital plans. More advanced uses of technology have the power to deliver even bigger cost and efficiency benefits, so shouldn’t be ignored or underestimated. Improved digital construction practices and tools can help bring projects in on time and on budget by making everyone involved more productive and eliminating mistakes. The sharing of information in the form of digital data between all parties, through all stages of the construction process from concept to completion, can help bring the industry into the future and reduce legacy challenges such as delays
and cost overruns by aligning to Building Information Modelling (BIM) principles. Architects and engineers develop comprehensive digital prototypes to better understand the possibilities and design limitations. Contractors use this information to feed real-world data into the project to generate coordinated 3D plans in conjunction with their subcontractor’s budgets and schedules. Site teams from all disciplines rely on accurate and timely digital information in the field to execute their tasks in accordance with the client’s original brief. At the point of completion, the client and facilities teams have a digital replica of what has been constructed, which can then be used as an evolving tool to maintain the asset.
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The role of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and digital information in construction
Delays and cost overruns are challenges that can prevent the construction industry maximising profitability. The root cause of delays and over-spend is often due to a lack of up-to-date and accurate information: for instance, when site conditions aren’t as expected, or when changes to a plan aren’t communicated to a subcontractor. These challenges can be eliminated with a common and consistent flow of information between everyone working on a project, including BIM modelling and use of digital twins. Building Information Modelling, or BIM, is the process of creating and managing digital information of a construction project at every stage of its lifecycle, enabling everyone involved to have visibility, share information, collaborate and work to the same principles. Adoption of BIM is on the increase, but in many cases it is only being used at the early stages of design and construction. In order for BIM to work effectively, everyone involved in the
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project needs to use BIM collaboratively. For example, initial digital plans can be added to with information about scheduling, estimating and real-time field data. Having this at the start of a project would enable accurate planning and forecasting, reducing errors and risks. Throughout the entire lifecycle of construction, this information is continually updated to reflect the building’s actual progress, and by aligning to BIM principles, the right information can be provided to the right people at the right time, enabling better and faster decision making. By having a central data hub of accurate and up-to date information on the vision of the desired outcome, as well as the current status of the project, there are fewer inconsistencies in what everyone involved in the project is working towards. This results in a reduction in design flaws, better budgeting and less problems with operations and maintenance integration.
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Digital Twins – when BIM matches reality Until recently, the concept of the ‘Digital Twin‘, where digitised versions of physical assets are updated in real-time with real world sensors, was thought of as science fiction. Today, we are starting to see the concept being adopted in successful building-wide installations across the globe. Historically, the construction industry has relied on 2D datasets to create the designs and plans that are used during construction. 2D datasets alone, particularly those that are not up-to-date, provide a huge risk to companies, meaning critical decisions are based on inaccurate information. Even during construction, capturing real-world information regularly can help avoid those costly mistakes that occur. Over the last decade, the construction industry has begun to embrace new techniques and technology that help provide rapid, real-world data capture. Laser scanning and the recent growth in popularity of UAVs, and the imagery information they provide are two examples. The biggest barrier for people is handling this large stream of data and integrating the data into their existing workflows. Investment in a comprehensive Digital Twin technologies can help construction companies to optimize the design, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance of industrial assets. The Digital Twin is the glue that connects the information and processes used across the whole asset lifecycle on one platform, enabling the single version of the truth concept.
Connecting the Jobsite The first stage of a Digital Twin starts with a basic set of structured data and documents defining the facility configuration, designed by engineering teams in the Project Twin. For companies near the beginning of their digital transformation roadmap, this is an excellent start, empowering better decision making from more intelligent data and improving engineering-to-operations handover processes. The second stage of connecting this intelligent data to 2D schematics, 3D models or laser scans allows for more intuitive viewing and navigation and begins to unlock the benefits of weaving engineering, operations and maintenance information in an Operational Twin. The third stage further enhances the Operational Twin with increased interoperability by exchanging information and providing links to other information sources in the operations landscape, such as asset performance, data historian, maintenance management and real-time data solutions. The fourth stage is where the major digital transformation business
benefits will be realized, as the asset owners and operators can leverage a Digital Twin to manage value added work processes, such as human procedures, inspections, integrated safe systems of work and management of change. This ongoing stage of value addition can also include advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning and predictive and prescriptive analytics to reduce downtime. When a comprehensive Digital Twin is deployed, the associated data needs to be efficiently dissected to understand it and to also transform this into actionable information. To help achieve this, the Hexagon Situational Awareness solution allows personnel to clearly see what’s happened, what’s happening, what could happen, what should happen and what’s scheduled to happen in a high-level operational dashboard that includes all the visual elements of a Digital Twin.
"When you talk about productivity and efficiency, there are savings to be had using the Leica system. For us in our game, specialising in agricultural buildings, we can offer the savings up to our clients, but you've also got the environmental savings as well. The system is pushing us forward ahead of our competitors. With these systems, we have completed earthworks projects that normally take a month in just two weeks, it's a massive saving" Stuart Smith - Knights Construction, United Kingdom Overall, the goal of any Digital Twin is to increase asset efficiency and offer a digital representation of current and historic plant configurations, along with related performance information. Enlightened, datadriven decision making becomes the norm, and the easy sharing of Digital Twin data with multiple departments increases collaboration and reduces operational risk. Hexagon solutions help people design, engineer, construct, operate and maintain industrial assets, and the Project Twin, Operational Twin and Situational Awareness solutions allow asset owners and operators to build and maintain a Digital Twin ecosystem throughout the asset lifecycle, allowing for a continuous journey of operational excellence.
“With Leica solutions, we can quickly scan spaces in-house, create CAD models within a few hours and provide stakeholders the required deliverable to design, modify and install equipment in our facility. Instead of relying on external providers, we can identify the need and activate a team to provide the survey data within a day.” Matt Thompson - Virtual Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Jaguar Land Rover, United Kingdom.
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DALE'S DIARY
Construction takes stock of the demise of red diesel New requirements that severely restrict the permitted use of red diesel come into force on 1st April 2022. Whilst it is fairly well known that changes are afoot, the detail of the extent of the restrictions and the rules regarding the transition from red to white diesel are not so familiar. This article aims to navigate red diesel users through the impending regulatory changes. The first point to stress is that the new restrictions are not limited to the end-users of machinery but also include construction equipment manufacturers that use red diesel in their operations, be it for part filling the fuel tanks of construction machinery or in their R&D activities. The second point to stress is that users of red diesel should not wait until the approach of the deadline before considering their readiness for the changeover. It is of utmost importance that they put steps in place now since preparations need to be made well in advance of 1st April 2022.
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Regarding bulk storage, e.g. manufacturer’s stock for R&D purposes, any red diesel contained in bulk storage tanks must be run down to the lowest practicable level and replenished with white diesel prior to 1st April 2022. If this step is not taken then any surplus red diesel that remains in bulk storage tanks on 31st March 2022 will need to responsibly disposed of by any of the following options: ● sell or give it to someone who is allowed to use it; ● sell or give it to any Registered Dealer in Controlled Oil (RDCO); ● dispose of it via an approved waste oil recycling or disposal company.
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Records will need to be kept of how and when the fuel was disposed of, or who it was sold to and when. Bulk red diesel users are therefore encouraged review its usage to determine how much is likely to be used by 31st March 2022 and plan how to manage any surplus stock. If any orders for the supply of red diesel are made between now and 1st April 2022, users should only order the amount they expect to use by that date. It will be of some relief to know that bulk storage tanks that previously held red diesel will not need to be flushed out prior to 1st April 2022. Regarding manufacturers putting red diesel into the tank of a newly manufactured machine that is intended for application in the construction sector, only the very minimum amount should be put in, i.e. enough for it to be driven on and off transporters and around the distributor’s yard. Red diesel cannot be put into machines used in the construction sector as of 1st April 2022. Of course, an unlimited amount of white diesel can be put into the machine at any time. It is important to note that the restrictions do not apply to specific types of machine but rather according to their application. Machinery that is used in construction is not permitted to continue to use red diesel as of 1st April 2022. However, there are a number of applications that will be permitted to continue to use red diesel after 1st April 2022, with the agriculture, horticulture, fish farming, forestry and rail sectors being excluded from the new restrictions. Another exception allows for the continued consumption of red diesel for use in emergency back-up generators but, and importantly, providing the fuel was obtained and stored before 10th June 2021 (when the Finance Act
2021 introducing the legislative changes received Royal Assent). Perhaps the most tricky compliance aspect after 1st April 2022 concerns the use of individual machines that are used in both agricultural and construction applications. The complication arises due to red diesel being permitted for use in an agricultural application but not in a construction application. Take the example of a telehandler that is owned by a rental company; it might be hired by a client for use in an agricultural application, where red diesel is permitted, but then subsequently rented by a client for use in a construction application, where red diesel is not permitted. The agricultural user could, after 1st April 2022, legitimately fill the tank with red diesel but if the tank was not properly flushed out prior to use by the construction client then the construction client would be failing to comply with the legal requirements. It is important to stress that it is the user of the machine that will be held responsible for the content of the fuel tank rather than the machine’s owner or the person that filled it. Clearly, this is an area that requires a great deal of care. CEA hopes that the above guidance will help users of red diesel navigate through the changes while remaining compliant. Full details can be found on the HMRC website by following this link.
If you have any queries then please don’t hesitate the CEA’s Senior Technical Consultant, Dale Camsell, who stands ready to answer your queries. He can be contacted at dale.camsell@ thecea.org.uk
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British Steel's journey to net zero gathers pace
As British Steel's Low-Carbon Roadmap continues to gather momentum, Environment & Sustainability Director Lee Adcock took the opportunity to share the company's ambitious plans with the Construction Equipment Association (CEA). Readers will know that the CEA is the trade association representing the UK's construction equipment sector and is recognised by the UK government as the voice of the industry. David Waine, British Steel's Commercial Director for Special Profiles, also sits as Vice Chairman on the CEA's Management Council. He said: "The construction and earthmoving equipment sector is a key one for British Steel. We supply a wide range of products to this market, ranging from track shoe profiles to cutting edge profiles, and we're proud to be Europe's leading producer of track shoe profiles. "All the products we supply, which are made at our mill in Skinningrove in the north-east of England, need to perform to a reliable and high standard. Yet, with the growing focus on carbon intensity throughout the supply chain and product life cycle, our decarbonisation strategy is becoming an increasingly integral part in what we need to do." As a growing number of industries start recognising and managing their decarbonisation challenges, it was at David's invitation that British Steel's Environment & Sustainability Director Lee Adcock shared with the CEA the challenges the steel industry as a whole faces over the coming years. Tracing the steps British Steel is putting in place to deliver its ultimate goal of net-zero steel by 2050. Lee said: "I welcome the opportunity to speak with the CEA's members and explain the background to our decarbonisation challenges as well as our plans to tackle them. It's vital that industry players put strategies in place to achieve the environmental improvements the planet seeks and needs. We've made considerable efforts to review our activities and operations, looking in detail at how we source our raw materials, the manufacturing processes we use, the fuel sources we employ, how we
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can make the most of carbon capture - and the list goes on. This really is a complex area but we're already making great inroads through, for example, recycling and reusing our by-products, now at levels in excess of 90%.” "It's really exciting to embark on a strategy that will significantly reduce our CO2 intensity by 2030 and 2035. Yes, it's aggressive, but with the right support and frameworks in place, it's entirely achievable. One of the challenges ahead is finding ways for companies to work together to reduce whole life-cycle carbon. We all have a duty to consider how we minimise carbon intensity throughout a product's life, whether that's the steel products utilised, the distribution carbon footprint or even the rubber used in a vehicle's tyres." And that was one of the key messages shared with the CEA - efforts to decarbonise and reduce carbon intensity are across the board, not just within the steel supply chain. Although the global steelmaking industry accounts for between 7% and 9% of all man-made CO2 emissions, it's by bringing actions together that the optimum benefits will be delivered. Suneeta Johal, Chief Executive Officer for the CEA, said: "Global manufacturing companies are making enterprise-wide commitments to reduce emissions and it's very encouraging to see our members embarking on the journey to net-zero and embracing the challenges this brings.” "British Steel’s decarbonisation roadmap is a prime example of one of our members who is embracing new technologies and adopting new strategies to reach carbon neutrality. Bringing circular economy targets into effective action is key to driving down carbon emissions and supporting net-zero ambitions. I congratulate British Steel on a wellthought-out initiative."
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The NPORS / CSCS Card Get One - Get in - Get On! Most people in construction are familiar with CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) cards. It’s the card that provides proof that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications. At NPORS, we can turn around our CSCS cards in 24 hours*, allowing you to be on site faster with a smooth transition. We are proud to offer employers the flexibility to train their workforce on site as well as at dedicated test centres throughout the UK. THE NPORS CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY SCHEME The Construction Site Safety Scheme (CSSS) is a collection of health and safety training courses covering operative, supervisor and management training. These courses have been developed to support industry by providing the understanding and expertise to manage concerns including risks and environmental matters. THE CSS SCHEME: • Site Safety Awareness, 7hour (SSA) • Construction Site Safety Supervisor (CSSS) • Construction Site Safety Manger (CSSM) All courses within the CSS Scheme have been approved and mapped by CITB allowing for grant claims. The Construction Site Safety Scheme courses are recognised by BuildUK. NPORS stands firms on the principles it was founded on, with standards and safety a priority. Join the NPORS community today! Go to our website or call for more information npors.com | 01606 351240
NPORS is an approved CSCS Partner Card Scheme.
* Providing myNPORS was used and all fees paid by your training provider when making the application.
