Emissions from vehicles associated with construction sites can significantly add to levels of local air pollution.
All mobile vehicles associated with the demolition / construction should comply with the standards of the London Low Emission Zone.
The site should be managed so that vehicles do not have to wait to park safely. However, should vehicles have to wait they should not idle. Generally, if a vehicle is stationary for more than a minute, turning off the engine will reduce emissions and fuel costs.
Construction Logistics Plans
Deliveries to construction sites can contribute greatly to congestion and emissions at and around sites. Larger sites should develop and implement Construction Logistics Plans (CLPs) / Construction Traffic Management Plans as part of wider transport assessments. A CLP is a framework that allows deliveries and removals to be managed so that they are made when they are most needed, at times when they will contribute less to congestion and at locations where loading and unloading can take place safely. CLPs can help site managers to:
- Cut congestion in the local area, reducing the environmental impact of deliveries and inconvenience to local road users;
- Save time and money;
- Improve the safety of deliveries; and
- Improve delivery reliability.
Use of railways and waterways
Where construction sites are located close to waterways or railways, developers are strongly encouraged to assess the viability and feasibility for construction materials to be delivered or removed by these means, rather than by road. The benefit of this is the reduction in the number of trips made by HGVs on local roads, reducing local emissions.
Travel Plans
Sites that will be employing large numbers of workers for long periods may require the development of workplace travel plans which aim to reduce the emissions from workers and visitors travelling to and from the site. Measures set out in travel plans include schemes that encourage workers not to use single-occupancy cars to travel to and from work but instead to cycle, walk, use public transport or car share. Reducing car miles not only reduces emissions but can produce financial benefits and productivity improvements, saving both the business and its staff money and time.
Diesel or petrol generators
Even modern diesel or petrol powered plant items emit higher levels of PM and NOx than electric equivalents. Therefore, wherever possible, renewable, mains or battery powered plant items should be used.