Blueprint for a More Sustainable Future

Greener capabilities

In recent years green technologies have evolved considerably to the point of similar, if not superior capabilities than traditionally petrol or diesel-powered machines.

In the clean energy space for example we’ve seen a number of innovative products making their way through into our rental fleet, such as battery (energy) storage units (BSUs) that sit alongside diesel generators to slash run times by an average 50%. Energy management systems (EMSs’) have been introduced to regulate power distribution and consumption by up to 80%, and solar powered technologies across energy, lighting and even solar powered CCTV units all offering a zero-emission solution.

Changing the mindset on site

Although today we do see a much greater emphasis on sustainability from leadership roles with the focus of ESG credentials, sustainability aspirations, attained in part by the environmental achievements on site, we must continue to inform and change the views of everyone.

How do we do this? By physically demonstrating how greener solutions can positively affect the everyday operations of some of the most prominent sites across the UK.

Let’s take Vistry Group as an example. Vistry is a market leading builder of sustainable homes and communities across the UK, recently taking on Meridian Water’s £6 billion, 25-year regeneration project to build 10,000 homes. When starting the project, they identified that a focus on sustainably powering their sites was imperative. By implementing a suite of greener energy technologies such as BSUs, EMSs’ and peak power support systems (Punch-Flywheels), Vistry Group were able to make average commercial savings of £6,460 and a carbon saving of 10,850kg – each week! (when compared to traditional methods of generator only power)

Comparatively Story Contracting, an award-winning infrastructure provider across construction and rail reflect the passion for going green. In their latest endeavour where they’re delivering a bridge replacement project to support Network Rail in Scotland, Story Contracting are daring to push the boundaries of energy. Along With 18 Eco Cabins, provided by the Sunbelt Rentals team, they hybridised their power systems and utilised smart energy management which has resulted in a major reduction in fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and noise pollution, as well as significant cost savings. In fact, over the first 6 months of the project Story Contracting have recorded average savings of 3,000kg of carbon per week and 1,000li of fuel per week, when compared to a traditional power and accommodation set up.

Creating a proactive industry

In order to create a positive change for the future, we must lead, invest and continue to champion green innovations for all the sectors in which we operate.

As part of the Sunbelt Rentals ‘Our Planet’ pledge, over the past 3 years we’ve invested £155m into greener solutions, bringing the latest emissions class plant and energy equipment into our fleet. The vision is that this will set a standard across our industry and make these technologies available and accessible to all.

Commercially greener solutions not only deliver great value for the customer, but they also act as a good business decision for the supplier. As the focus on greener grows, so too does the desire from the customer to go green, so if your fleet isn’t moving in the right direction then soon enough the green choices are going to render your fleet uncompetitive in relation to the rest of the market. So, although an initial investment is required to bring greener solutions onboard, it will certainly be beneficial in the long run as you create a competitive offering in the face of mounting desires for clean energy on site.

The Sunbelt Rentals Approach

In a bid to move the industry thinking forward, the team here at Sunbelt Rentals have been taking a new approach to product information videos by featuring UK woodland animals. The intention behind this is to bring our furry friends to the forefront and make site decisionmakers think about the reduced impact they could be having on their natural habitats by moving towards a greener future.

Moving forward

So, what’s next on the path to a greener future? We must simply continue to inform, educate and demonstrate the power of green to the UK’s sites, invest in greener equipment and push forward the innovations of clean energy, whilst continuing to support our industry moving in the right direction to steadily move towards a brighter and more sustainable future for the next generation and for our planet.