Eco-site trial begins

The service reservoir refurbishment is the first complete project within the company to be undertaken using only the lowest carbon, most ecologically friendly methods currently available. Although the introduced measures are not individually new, the trial is designed to test the efficacy of total fossil fuel replacement on refurbishment projects.

Instead of diesel, the site’s heating and dehumidification generators are powered with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a high-quality renewable fuel that reduces CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared with tradition fossil fuels. A full suite of battery-powered tools and rechargeable LED lighting is also being trialled instead of conventional fuel-powered tools to test their effectiveness in this environment.

In addition to the measures implemented to reduce fossil fuel consumption directly within the refurbishment works, eco-welfare cabins have also been installed instead of conventional units. These highly insulated cabins run on a self-contained solar power system and back-up generators. The cabins can save up to 88% carbon emissions and a similar reduction in fuel costs.

“The use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) has been particularly effective. The use of only LCD rechargeable lighting is another notable success – not only is it good for the environment but also for Health and Safety as there are no trailing power cables. There have been a few challenges, such as the lack of 240v charging points in the solar eco-welfare units and some of the battery-operated tools did not always perform as well as we’d have liked, but gaining these insights is the main objective of running trials.”

Oil and diesel represent the two largest contributors to Stonbury’s carbon footprint, therefore if the measures prove practically and economically viable, the roll-out of eco-sites across the UK could demonstrate an outstanding step towards Stonbury’s vision to become a leading sustainable contractor.

Over the next few months Stonbury will be conducting further trials in a range of environments with a view to providing clients with clearly costed eco options in their project offerings. Many water companies have made a commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030, and Stonbury understand that they can only meet this target if their supply chain does too. Stonbury is fully committed to the water industry’s sustainability journey.

“At Stonbury we take our responsibility for protecting and enhancing the environment seriously. This is the environment in which we all live and thrive. As environmental custodians we must do all we can to protect and enhance the natural environment for future generations. Nothing pleases me more than seeing trials like this succeed. It means we are one step closer to being a truly sustainable business.”