Housebuilder runs alternative fuel trials in its construction vehicles
As part of its pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Lovell has announced that it is trialling the use of Shell GTL fuel in its construction vehicles.
The trial, which began in July, sees the biofuel being used to power a JCB telehandler at its Miles Platting development in Manchester and if successful, is set to prompt the use of the fuel across a larger number of Lovell’s vehicles and development sites nationwide.
Lovell has worked closely with both its JCB telehandler supplier, Plant Hire UK, and fuels giant Shell, to instigate the trial which comes as a direct result of its commitment to minimising the environmental impact of its operations.
In March 2018, as part of the Morgan Sindall Group, it became the first UK construction company to have its targets for carbon emission reduction validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative and pledged to achieve an 11% cut in direct emissions by 2025 and by 56% by 2050.
Lovell also pledged at this time to monitor the alternative fuel market with a view to finding substitutes that would support it to achieve the necessary reductions.
As a cleaner burning alternative to diesel, Shell GTL fuel has been proven to produce lower and less harmful emissions, making it the ideal fuel for Lovell to trial.
In prior tests on other engines Shell has been able to demonstrate that Shell GTL fuel produces 37% less nitrogen oxide emissions and 90% less particulate matter than conventional diesel, helping improve air quality for everyone.
Gemma Tovey, sustainability coordinator at Lovell, said: “We are dedicated to continually improving the sustainability of our operations and to achieving our science-based targets. As a result, we are constantly investigating new technologies that can be used to help us to reduce our carbon footprint.
“We are really excited to have collaborated with Plant Hire UK, JCB and Shell for this trial and if the fuel works efficiently with the telehandler, we know that it will help us to achieve our Greenhouse Gas reduction targets and improve air quality.”
She added: “We are looking forward to seeing results from the trial and are hopeful that we will be able to use the fuel on a more widespread basis.”
The trial of Shell GTL fuel is taking place on the latest phase of Lovell’s Platting Village development in Miles Platting.
This phase, which is known as Waterside Quay, is part of the ground-breaking development which has seen an inner-city estate in a previously neglected area of East Manchester transformed into a thriving urban village.
Lovell started construction on this phase of the development on June 14, and it is due to complete by July 2020. There will be a total of 57 properties on the site, ranging from two-bed apartments to two-, three-and four-bed homes.
Peter Jowett, director and general manager at JCB Power Systems, said: “JCB is delighted to have been able to approve both HVO and GTL fuels for use in our engines. Innovation and collaboration are essential to delivering sustainable development and we welcome opportunities to work with our dealers and customers to test these fuels in real-time applications.”
Graham Jones, managing director at Plant Hire UK, said: “When approached by Lovell we were more than delighted to provide one of our new JCB machines for the trial of Shell GTL fuel.
“We are proud to be involved in such a partnership and believe this shows our commitment in the reduction of carbon emissions within our industry.”
