HS2 Ltd has outlined the new low-carbon technology which will be used at the project’s Curzon Street Station site, in order to meet the newly-introduced requirements of Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone.
A range of cutting-edge clean technologies will be deployed on the site to reduce emissions, protect the environment and keep workers safe. This will include hybrid, zero emissions machinery, as well as the use of renewable energy, alternative fuels and recycled products.
Many of the efforts being outlined for use by HS2 Ltd go significantly beyond the minimum requirements outlined by Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone.
Birmingham City Council have introduced the new Clean Air Zone in an effort to reduce pollution and improve air quality in the UK’s second largest city.
HS2 Ltd have also confirmed that a number of the green efforts will be rolled out more widely around the project, where appropriate.
This includes setting standards for the use of low-emitting vehicle engines across all of its contractors, ensuring that green targets and technology rollout continues down into its supply chain.
A series of ground-breaking trials are also being ran in conjunction with academia and the supply chain, looking to deliver significant improvements to local air quality along the project route.
Trials will also look to improve the welfare conditions for construction site workers, with wider positive public health and environmental benefits for communities.
Green technology being rolled out at the Curzon Street Station site include deployment of the UK’s first 250-tonne all-electric crawler crane which is has zero emissions, and the world’s first retrofit on large construction equipment allowing contractors to upgrade older machines to meet the latest emission standards, among a host of other green options.
HS2’s Air Quality Lead Andrea Davidson said: “It’s vital that we improve air quality in our towns and cities. As construction work ramps up across Phase One, HS2 is working with our contractors, supply chain, UK manufacturers and academia to cut emissions by developing ways to reduce reliance on diesel, and to promote the use of alternative technologies such as full electric, renewables, hydrogen fuel-cell and hybrid technology.
“Birmingham Clean Air Zone is also about encouraging people to change their transport habits.
“By providing a cleaner, greener way to travel, HS2 will help cut the number of cars and lorries on our roads, cut demand for domestic flights, and help the country’s push to reduce carbon emissions.”
