As the UK accelerates its path toward ambitious net-zero targets, the construction industry is under pressure to rethink its energy consumption and reduce its carbon footprint. One emerging solution is hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a cleaner, renewable alternative to traditional diesel that could significantly reduce emissions in the sector. Certas Energy, the UK’s largest independent fuel distributor, is championing this shift by offering HVO as a drop-in fuel, allowing construction companies to adopt sustainable practices without costly infrastructure changes.
At VURDHAAN, we work closely with sectors like construction, offering sustainable energy solutions and strategies to help them navigate their transition to net-zero emissions.
The Role of HVO in Construction’s Decarbonisation
The construction sector is a major contributor to the UK’s carbon emissions, with the built environment responsible for around 25% of the national footprint. Given the government’s net-zero targets—an emissions reduction of 78% by 2035 and full net-zero by 2050—the industry faces mounting pressure to transition away from traditional diesel, which powers approximately 300,000 pieces of construction machinery and consumes five million tonnes of fuel annually.
HVO offers a practical solution. Made from renewable waste and residues, it not only cuts CO2 emissions by up to 90% but also boasts a higher cetane number than regular diesel, resulting in more efficient combustion and fewer pollutants. This makes HVO an excellent alternative for construction companies seeking to lower their carbon footprint while maintaining operational efficiency.
At VURDHAAN, we recognize the importance of such innovations. We guide companies in adopting cleaner fuels, such as HVO, that align with evolving regulatory frameworks and sustainability goals. Our expertise extends across sectors, helping clients make informed decisions about decarbonization strategies.
Why HVO is the Best Alternative to Diesel
HVO stands out as a viable alternative to diesel for several reasons. Firstly, it can be used as a direct replacement for diesel without the need for engine modifications, making the transition seamless for construction companies. In addition, HVO produces fewer particulate emissions, which not only reduces air pollution but also extends the lifespan of equipment, lowering maintenance costs.
Certas Energy also combines HVO with AdBlue, a diesel exhaust fluid used alongside selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology to further reduce harmful nitrogen oxides by up to 90%. Together, HVO and AdBlue offer construction companies a robust solution to lower emissions without compromising performance.
This ready-to-use approach is critical for sectors like construction, where downtime can be costly. By switching to HVO, companies can continue their operations smoothly while contributing to the broader goal of decarbonization. At VURDHAAN, we support such transitions, helping businesses integrate sustainable fuel options into their existing operations without disruption.
Addressing Idle Time and Emissions
Idle time is a lesser-known but significant contributor to emissions in the construction sector. Industry data suggests that construction machines can sit idle for 40% to 60% of their operational time, leading to unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions. By adopting policies that limit idle time and implementing auto shutdown features, companies can reduce both emissions and fuel costs, boosting operational efficiency.
While VURDHAAN helps clients adopt cleaner fuels like HVO, we also encourage businesses to implement operational improvements such as idle time reduction to maximize sustainability efforts. These steps, while often overlooked, can deliver substantial emissions reductions and cost savings.
The Challenge of Electrification in Construction
Although electric vehicles (EVs) are a promising solution for reducing emissions, the construction sector faces unique barriers to electrification. The high cost of batteries, lack of widespread charging infrastructure, and concerns over the sustainability of lithium-ion batteries present ongoing challenges. Additionally, for energy-intensive machines such as excavators, battery power alone may not be feasible for long-term use.
In such cases, HVO offers a sustainable alternative to diesel generators, which are often used to support battery-powered equipment on construction sites. HVO can be used in generators to provide cleaner energy, bridging the gap between the current reliance on fossil fuels and the future of fully electrified construction operations.
At VURDHAAN, we guide clients in exploring hybrid solutions that combine cleaner fuels with emerging technologies like electrification. Our expertise ensures that businesses can meet immediate sustainability goals while preparing for the long-term energy transition.
The Future of Construction: A Pathway to Net-Zero
The UK construction industry is at a critical turning point. Alternative fuels like HVO present an immediate, practical solution to meet emissions reduction targets. Beyond compliance with regulations, embracing HVO and other renewable fuels positions companies as sustainability leaders, allowing them to reduce operational costs and contribute to a cleaner environment.
HVO, combined with technologies like AdBlue, offers a drop-in solution that doesn’t require massive infrastructure changes. This ease of adoption makes it a valuable tool for construction companies looking to decarbonize while maintaining productivity. By adopting these solutions now, the construction industry can play a pivotal role in driving the UK towards its net-zero future.
At VURDHAAN, we are committed to helping construction companies and other high-emission industries navigate the complexities of decarbonization. Through our holistic approach, we ensure that our clients can meet regulatory demands, reduce their environmental impact, and unlock new business opportunities through sustainable practices.
Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Future with HVO
As the UK pushes forward with its net-zero ambitions, the construction industry must adapt quickly to meet its emissions reduction goals. Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) offers an immediate, effective solution for reducing the sector’s carbon footprint. With its ease of use and significant emissions benefits, HVO is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future in construction.
At VURDHAAN, we are proud to support industries in this transition, offering expertise in sustainable fuel adoption and strategic guidance to meet evolving regulatory requirements. Together, we can build a net-zero future, one sustainable innovation at a time.