Innovation and collaboration: trialling low carbon options with Balfour Beatty

For four weeks in February and March, we worked with our supply chain partner to trial new electric technology on a major highways project. The 14T electric excavator was working on the M25/A3 Junction 10 upgrade scheme, helping to move material onto site by loading stone into tipper wagons. The goals were to understand the potential carbon and savings by using a machine powered by electric technology, producing zero local emissions while assessing their feasibility.

Over a 19-day period, this machine saved 507L fuel, £593 fuel cost and 1,355kg carbon emissions, compared with fleet averages of traditional diesel 14T machines burning 6.6L p/h. This equated to a projected annual saving of 6,751L fuel, £7,896 fuel cost and 18,042kg carbon emissions!

It was a pleasure to meet with Evan Sutherland and Michael Smith from Balfour Beatty at our London depot a few weeks ago to discuss this trial and the many other positive ways we are collaborating to help them to achieve their strategic goals. Our team presented them with an Eco Certificate, showcasing these significant projected annual savings, based on this innovative trial.

We?re always seeking opportunities to trial new and innovative ways of working.